Conspirata

A Novel of Ancient Rome

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

On the eve of Marcus Cicero's inauguration as consul of Rome, the grisly death of a boy sends ripples of fear through a city already wracked by civil unrest, crime, and debauchery of every kind. Felled by a hammer, his throat slit and his organs removed, the young slave appears to have been offered as a human sacrifice, forbidden as an abomination in the Roman Republic.

For Cicero, the ill forebodings of this hideous murder only increase his frustrations and the dangers he already faces as Rome's leader: elected by the people but despised by the heads of the two rival camps, the patricians and populists.

Caught in a political shell game that leaves him forever putting out fires only to have them ignite elsewhere, Cicero plays both for the future of the republic and his very life. There is a plot to assassinate Cicero, abetted by a rising young star of the Roman senate named Gaius Julius Caesar - and it will take all the embattled consul's wit, strength, and force of will to stop it and keep Rome from becoming a dictatorship.

In this second novel of his Roman trilogy, following the best-selling Imperium, Robert Harris once again weaves a compelling and historically accurate tale of intrigue told in the wise and compassionate voice of Cicero's slave and private secretary, Tiro. In the manner of I, Claudius, Harris vividly evokes ancient Rome and its politics for today's listeners, documenting a world not unlike our own - where the impulse toward dominance competes with the risk of overreach, where high-minded ideals can be a liability, and where someone is always waiting in the wings for a chance to set the world on fire.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to another Novel of Ancient Rome.

©2010 Robert Harris (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Republican Rome, with all its grandeur and corruption, has rarely been made as vivid....The allure of power and the perils that attend it have seldom been so brilliantly anatomized in a thriller." ( The Sunday Times, London)

Yuuuummmmeeeee!!!

I loved it!! Had listened to Imperium and was delighted to see this new one on Cicero. So much insight into life in a pre-dictator Roman republic and rise/climb of Caeser. Of course you could just choke Cicero sometimes for being such a pompous inflexible nit; but look at us present day.....

Entertaining lesson in history

Any additional comments?

Listening to this ancient story I was amazed how little things have changed in politicts in over 2000 years. This is not only an interesting historical novel but a good lesson in civics and democracy all wrapped in a very entertaining story.

Great seies

Cannot wait for the last book in this trilogy.

At Last!

A perfectly crafted story told by the perfect reader. Bravo!

Conspirata Superbus!

It is hard to choose just one thing that I like about this novel the most. I could say it is a absorbing book who, despite my years of studying Ancient Roman History, still managed to get me totally absorbed in its events and keep me riveted until the very end. I could also say that the style is seemless and well written. I could yet add that this is a book that manages to use the complicated history of the late Republican period and yet treats it gently and never left me confused.

Overall this was the first book I have read from Harris and I was left feeling happy that I did. It is an excellent book and I recommend it highly.

Wonderful story of Ancient Rome

Conspirata is a spellbinding story of Cicero and his triumphs and trials in ancient Rome as told by his slave (and chief recorder). The narration is superb. I highly recommend this audibook and only wish it had been written when I studied Latin many years ago.

Very entertaining

I love this series. It has deep and rich characters who are lovable as well. There are moments of humor and also of sadness. I can't wait for the next in the series which I shall start right now!

Fascinating and so on point.

I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Cicero trilogy every bit as much as the first. Over and over again, the story line seemed to be a mirror to current events. Additionally, the narrator constantly impressed me with his ability to differentiate the voices of the many and varied characters. Very excited to get the the last book but I know I'll be so sorry to reach the end. I only wish the Cicero for our times would make himself/herself known ASAP!

Great Sequel

A great sequel to the first book. But you could also start with it if you wanted to.

Read this please.

Contrary to the other two reviews, I loved this book. It's better to read Imperium, the first book in the series before you read this one. But either way, it's an enjoyable read. The fierce amibition and pitiless motives of Crassus, Pompey, Julius Cesar, and others will astound you. The history of the Roman Republic comes alive, enlivened by true life characters baring their warts and halos. The books are expertly read by Simon Jones. I look forward to the third book in this series.