Imperium

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Bill Wallis

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

When Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually propel his master into one of the most famous courtroom dramas in history.

The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Cicero, a brilliant young lawyer and spellbinding orator, determined to attain imperium - supreme power in the state.This is the starting-point of Robert Harris's most accomplished novel to date.

Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, it takes us inside the violent, treacherous world of Roman politics, to describe how one man - clever, compassionate, devious, vulnerable - fought to reach the top.

Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early - exposing it prematurely to the laughter and scepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible.

That was how it was that night. When Cicero pronounced the word 'consul' he planted it in the ground like a standard for us all to admire. And for a moment we glimpsed the brilliant, starry future through his eyes, and saw that he was right: that if he took down Verres, he had a chance; that he might - just, with luck, go all the way to the summit...'

©2006 Robert Harris (P)2014 AudioGo Ltd. Published by Random House Audiobooks

Good novel, absolutely brilliant narration

I had read this a while ago and wanted to now listen to it as well. What a treat - the narration adds so much depth and eloquence to Cicero's already fascinating story. Bill Wallis was an absolutely fantastic actor and narrator, will happily listen to anything he has read for Audible, which I see are quite a few things.

Outstanding in all respects

Having been interested in the life of Cicero and read several books I was very impressed with this audio book

I don’t feel that the author took many liberties and I thought the narration was outstanding

One of the best books I listened to this year

And yes- very relevant to current politics - clearly many lessons that haven’t yet been learned

Possibly the best i have heard on audible so far

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Beautifully written book. I could visualize every scene as if i was there personally. As a person who was already familiar with what happened in this story, the author was able to keep me in suspense over what was going to happen.

What about Bill Wallis’s performance did you like?

Amazing performance!!! The best ive heard!! He manipulates his voice slightly as he switches between characters, but enough to make you feel each one.

If you could take any character from Imperium out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Tiro!! Who else but the narrator and the one who witnessed it all.

Any additional comments?

Great book for those familiar with this period or Roman history and those who are completely unfamiliar with it.

Great book, great performance

I really love this wonderful book, and the performance is just spectacular. Such a great book to listen to!

Fascinating story, read by a superb narrator

If you could sum up Imperium in three words, what would they be?

Learning from history. The story of Cicero's political negotiations and manipulations has so many parallels to the present day.

Have you listened to any of Bill Wallis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Bill Wallis is a wonderful, wonderful actor. His 'presence' is perfect for this story and I especially enjoyed the subtle ways in which he distinguishes among the various characters. This was the first performance of his that I've heard, but it will not be the last. After finishing Imperium, I immediately bought Lustrum, which is also read by Wallis. I only wish that Wallace had narrated the third book in the series.

Incredible work of historical fiction

Robert Harris portrays an incredible, timely and thrilling account of the life and dealings of Cicero in the final years of the Roman Republic

A Step Back in Time

Just goes to show you; human nature remains intact over the centuries.
Author Harris animates the politics and human foibles of ancient Roman civilization, while bringing to believable life the greatness of Cicero.
As noted by another reviewer, narrator Bill Wallis's pronunciation of uncommon terms is perfect. As always, his narration lends elegance to the printed word.

Amazing Historical Fiction

amazing story that brings the Roman Republic to life, and points to how fragile democracy is.

A Succulent Smorgasbord

Harris' retelling of the rise of Cicero from the perspective of his slave, Tiro, breathes brilliant life into the character of Rome's most famous advocate. Along with Tiro, you get to know and admire Cicero as the story flows. Harris turns the trial of Verres, with all its legal machinations, into a succulent smorgasbord. And Bill Wallis' narration is truly masterful—one of the best I have encountered in an Audible book. This is a production that I think Cicero himself would have enjoyed immensely, and I have little doubt you will too. This will not disappoint.