Robert Harris presents Marcus Tullius Cicero as a young lawyer on the make in Imperium. The story is told by Cicero’s slave, Tiro, who invented a short-hand system that provided invaluable in legal and political situations. Cicero, without money or family connections, manages to climb the Roman bureaucracy through his brilliant skills at rhetoric and speaking. Harris captures the intrigue of the Roman Senate and the corruption of the political process. If you enjoyed I, Claudius, you’ll find this fictional biography very satisfying. Harris has done his research and insists “Although Imperium is a novel, the majority of events it describes did actually happen; the remainder at could have happened; and nothing, I hope (a hostage to fortune, this), demonstrably did not happen.” This is excellent historical fiction! GRADE: B+
Harris is Nick Hornby’s brother-in-law, as mentioned in the latter’s book. I’m more interested in his contemporary books, but that’s just me.
I’m pretty sure Robert Harris wrote the book THE GHOST WRITER is based on, Jeff. That’s on our list of movies to see soon.
Sounds interesting, though I’ll probably stick with the books by Steven Saylor, many of whom feature Cicero as well as Gordianus the Finder. Speaking of which, it’s time to read another of those, and I just happen to have a couple here on the shelves.
I like Steven Saylor’s Roman books, too, Rick. If you like Saylor, you’ll enjoy Robert Harris.
That’s a strong recommendation, George. Thanks.
I’m impressed by all the research Robert Harris has done for his Cicero books, Rick. But that research never gets in the way of the novels’ momentum.
I loved I, Claudius and I tried to read Pompeii but couldn’t get into it.
I do want to see The Ghost Writer. I had the book in my hand but decided I’d rather be “surprised” at the movie.
Roger Ebert gave a rave review to THE GHOST WRITER, Beth! Diane and I want to see it soon. IMPERIUM is a vast improvement over POMPEII.
I want to read THE GHOST WRITER too, Beth.
Harris also wrote an ‘alternate history’ book about the Nazis winning WWII (The Big One), FATHERLAND, set in 1964 on Hitler’s 75th birthday.
I have FATHERLAND, Jeff. It’s in the stack. Robert Harris writes a variety of books. He’s not afraid to try something new.