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Pompeii

From the bestselling author of Conclave

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Pompeii

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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Brought to you by Penguin.

During a sweltering week in late August, as Rome's richest citizens relax in their villas around Pompeii and Herculaneum, there are ominous warnings that something is going wrong. Wells and springs are failing, a man has disappeared, and now the greatest aqueduct in the world - the mighty Aqua Augusta - has suddenly ceased to flow . . .

Through the eyes of four characters - a young engineer, an adolescent girl, a corrupt millionaire and an elderly scientist - Robert Harris brilliantly recreates a luxurious world on the brink of destruction.

'A pulse-rate-speeding masterpiece' Sunday Times
'Stunning . . . its subtlety and power holds your attention to the end' The Times
'As explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history' Daily Telegraph

© Robert Harris 2003 (P) Penguin Audio 2014

 Historical Fiction Fiction Scary Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

Harris is a writer of integrity who does not seek refuge in postmodernist nonsense...He knows how to tell a story and achieves page-turningreadability without effort.
Explosive stuff, indeed - and, yes, it goes with a bang.
The depth of research in this book is staggering...Pompeii is indeed a blazing blockbuster.
It is hard to imagine a more thorough-goingly enjoyable thriller read
Harris had me imaginatively surrounded. I am lost in admiration at his energy and skill
Since The Usual Suspects, novels and movies have become obsessed with the trick ending but .Insolently resisting this trend Harris has brought off a known-ending story
A sophisticated thriller that takes in its stride the conventions of the historical novel, Pompeii deserves the place it will undoubtedly have at the top of the bestseller list.
Blazingly exciting... Harris, as Vesuvius explodes, gives full vent to his genius for thrilling narrative... pulse-rate-speeding masterpieces of suffocating suspense and searing action
Robert Harris's Pompeii is his best yet: as explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history - Simon Sebag Montefiore 'Books of the Year'
Breakneck pace, constant jeopardy and subtle twists of plot... a blazing blockbuster
All stars
Most relevant
Having visited Pompeii recently, this was a must read. I wish I had read it before I went, I think I would have understood more about the people who lived there.

If only I had read this before I went to Pompeii

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I have listened to this 5 times and just about to start again, gripping read and historically sound

Louise

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having visited Pompeii it was fascinating to imagine how this story could really have happened. Great level of detail, particularly around his water was so important. Romantic aspects slightly implausible but understood that something good has to come out of a disaster.

historically interesting with good level of detail

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Excellent narration by Sten Pacey. Robert Harris adds to the understanding of Pompeii with information on the background volcanology and water engineering of Ancient Rome. Not a demanding text, but that is not Robert Harris' raison d'être. he is a teller of ripping stories that do not make enormous demands on the reader or listener. Definitely recommended.

Brings a vivid account.

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Such a great book, you can feel and taste Campania on every page. It's a genius idea to base a book about a volcano eruption around water and the aquaduct. Beautifully read by Stephen Pacey. If you have never read it, you are in for a treat. If you have read it, you are still in for a treat.

Brilliant book read brilliantly.

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