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)

Political Intrigue at work

I listened to this book in the early hours of work each day before I needed to interact with the real world. Before I started, I worried that I would have difficulty following a history novel while focusing on my tasks. However, Robert Harris has woven a superlative narrative that puts you in the shoes of Cicero's servant in Ancient Rome. I felt as if I were there as Cicero dealt effectively with conspiracies among the Roman Senators, generals, and populace. I could feel the growing power of Caesar and saw him as a threat to the Roman Empire even though I knew he was destined for greatness. Clearly, the politicians of today would not stand a chance in a debate with either Cicero or Caesar--two brilliantly clever politicians who could turn any situation, good or bad, to their advantage. Get ready for an engaging trip to ancient times with this awesome novel!

Brilliant,riveting,...insert superlative here!

Fascinating, at times hilarious, particularly Tiro's (the narrator, Cicero's secretary) dry sense of humor. And Simon Jones does a spectacular job reading the book; his many voices are spot-on and instantly recognizable. I anxiously await the last installment of this wonderful trilogy.

Performance carries it. Decent story that languished a bit.

The narration is spot on with this series. This book, like many of the author's books in my opinion, lags in places that could be reduced or written out.
It finishes well and I will be purchasing the third book in the series. It's worth the read in my opinion.

Great book excellent narrator

With so many characters to keep straight in this book the narrator did a good job of distinct voices for each.

Very enjoyable

Brings Cicero and Rome back to life. Glad I wasn’t alive back then! The narrator was excellent.

Identifies Cicero

I loved every minute of it. I always wanted to know the who, what, when, where and how of the life of Cicero.

Enjoyable Read

Having listened to Imperium, I hoped for a similar tone and pace and was not disappointed. The political intrigue was brilliantly described, and the perspective of Tiro nicely used to add a common man's commentary to the historical events portrayed. I've read Harris (The Ghost and Pompeii) and find nothing is lost in the audible version of his books. The narration is first rate. The only criticism is that the gaps between chapters seem to be a tad too long-- causing me to thing my battery had drained mid-story. I highly recommend this book.

An exciting and moving story of ancient Rome

I've always been interested in ancient Rome, and thought I had an understanding of its politics and history. But I was amazed at how little I knew of the persons and events that led up to the fall of the Republic and its transformation into the Empire.

But my experience with this superb novel was not just a history lesson- far from it. Harris takes you through these epic events in a very personal way. Tiro, Cicero's secretary, narrates and I developed a fondness both for him, Cicero, and their allies.

The main plot arts through one of the most pivotal and intriguing periods in history, yet the sub-plots and characters keep the novel intimate and personal.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am now downloading the first novel in the series (perhaps I should have started there). I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in history, Rome, politics, or simply rich character stories full of courage, betrayal, friendship, and drama.

The riveting sequel to "Imperium"!

What did you like best about this story?

Continuing the adventure of Tiro and Cicero, Harris once again weaves historical fact into a meticulously layered tale of intrigue and murder. The stakes are raised as Cicero's enemies grow in power, with the deadly, shadowy apparatus of conspiracy working against our heroes. If you loved "Imperium", you'll be captivated by every moment of "Conspirata". Settling back into sights and smells of Ancient Rome is as satisfying as meeting an old, dear friend.

What about Simon Jones’s performance did you like?

Simon Jones, who ranks with John Lee as one of the great vocal performers, returns with his wonderful characterizations of Crassus, Caesar, Pompey, and every other scheming, backstabbing Roman power player. Jones' reading immerses you completely into Harris' Rome, presenting some of the most famous personages in history as the very real, very flawed people they were.

If you like political thrillers,this is a good one

If you like political thrillers, this is a good one. The series continues from where Imperium left off and leaves me excited for the next installment in the series.

The author provides a lot of detail from historical names and places in the later days of Roman history. Much better than the average historical fiction novels.