Act of Oblivion

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Tim McInnerny

Length: 15 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

"A galloping adventure.” — The Wall Street Journal

From the bestselling author of Fatherland, The Ghostwriter, Munich, and Conclave comes this spellbinding historical novel that brilliantly imagines one of the greatest manhunts in history: the search for two Englishmen involved in the killing of King Charles I and the implacable foe on their trail—an epic journey into the wilds of seventeeth-century New England, and a chase like no other.

'From what is it they flee?'

He took a while to reply. By the time he spoke the men had gone inside. He said quietly, “They killed the King.”

1660 England. General Edward Whalley and his son-in law Colonel William Goffe board a ship bound for the New World. They are on the run, wanted for the murder of King Charles I—a brazen execution that marked the culmination of the English Civil War, in which parliamentarians successfully battled royalists for control.

But now, ten years after Charles’ beheading, the royalists have returned to power. Under the provisions of the Act of Oblivion, the fifty-nine men who signed the king’s death warrant and participated in his execution have been found guilty in absentia of high treason. Some of the Roundheads, including Oliver Cromwell, are already dead. Others have been captured, hung, drawn, and quartered. A few are imprisoned for life. But two have escaped to America by boat.

In London, Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is charged with bringing the traitors to justice and he will stop at nothing to find them. A substantial bounty hangs over their heads for their capture—dead or alive. . . .

Robert Harris’s first historical novel set predominantly in America, Act of Oblivion is a novel with an urgent narrative, remarkable characters, and an epic true story to tell of religion, vengeance, and power—and the costs to those who wield it.

©2022 Robert Harris (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Gripping read

Always enraptured by Harris’ writing, this was stupendous. I really understood the research that went into this, and he gave the characters (in my amateur opinion) very reasonable human reactions to what we actually know of them. He made each a dynamic, complicated person—something we could all try to understand these days. Though I am frustrated by Will’s actions in chapter 32, despite thinking it’s what he would do!

Tim’s narration was flawless. I’m not sure I would listen to this book without it (in that case, physical reading!). Had me on the edge of my seat.

Fantastic and compelling

I loved the story. Yesterday’s heroes can be tomorrow’s villains. A story of England and America, Faith and hatred. This story has it all. I couldn’t put it down…

The tenacity of all the main characters

I enjoy the camaraderie of two regicides. The generosity and deep religious belief of the Puritans, who helped the main characters avoid capture.

Historical Fiction at it’s best

Very well researched and a tremendous adventure story With the exception of the two main character it is hard to like the Restoration characters nor the regicides and some of their helpers. Maybe there is no way or reason to like the Restoration court. This is a magisterial tour de force and very informative as well as be vivid It is easy - sometimes too easy - to visualize the scenes painted in the novel. Well worth the effort but exhausting.

Act of Oblivion - Amazing Novel

Loved this historical novel. The relentless hunt for two men on the run. Their struggle to survive the endless journey. The families they left behind and long for.
Act of Oblivion is a well done page turner.

Tale of Devotion

Fitzgerald said it best. "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." In Act of Oblivion Harris manages to pit two worthy, sympathetic forces against one another, resolving their winding yet riveting saga only in the final seconds of this enlightening and richly researched narrative.

Excellent 17th Century Historical Novel

Robert Harris is, in my opinion, the finest historical novelist writing today. I've read his ancient Rome novels and some of his WWII novels. This one is a big change - 17th century England and America. As usual with him, it is very thoroughly researched. It covers the rise of Oliver Cromwell, his reign as Protector, the execution of Charles I, and the pursuit of the regicides, notably the two who escaped to America (Whalley and Goffe). Much of the novel is based on fact, although the "inspector Javert"-like character (Nailor) is invented. You will learn a lot about the 17th century and Puritanism. The narrator is excellent.

Incredible from beginning to end

The book itself is incredibly engaging and led by historical facts. The narration and voice acting of Tim McInnery is Grammy-worthy.

Excellent story and narration

I agree with another reviewer that none of the main characters were likable. The story, however, is a very interesting and occasionally thrilling part of American/British history from the 1600s. No wonder we separated from Britain! Not sure why it took another 100+ years.

Two revelations….

I had no idea of how good Tin M is as a narrator. He brings Clarendon alive as well as his other characters. Harris let’s himself write as I think he wanted on this one. It’s long and deep and thoughtful.