Conspirata: A Novel of Ancient Rome Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 2011

Wow. I read the first with keen interest that satisfied a general interest in roman history but the second in this series left me agog. The story of Cicero and Rome during one if it's most spellbinding moments. Of power and politics. Riveting inside scoop. Intertwined with Tiro, the ever observant and sanguine slave. This book is a rare gem that left me wanting more! Absolutely love it.

Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon penned a piece called "Cicero Superstar." In her overview of this illustrious Roman's life she noted that his preserved letters contain some laments about a lack of confidants: " 'I go down to the Forum surrounded by droves of friends, but in the whole crowd I can find no one to whim I can make an unguarded joke or let out a friendly sigh.' " Well, Robert Harris mitigates this somewhat by making Tiro, the scribe, someone upon whom Cicero relies and and trusts with sensitive matters. As Harris notes, Cicero did write to his slave stenographer, " 'Your services to me are beyond count.' " Both Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome and now Conspirata: A Novel of Ancient Rome are narrated by a Tiro who serves as confidant and advisor. At times this stretches credibility -- especially when Tiro archly, though mildly, implies he is smarter than his master and paints himself the hero. However, CONSPIRATA does not really suffer from this device; Tiro supplies an "common" view of Cicero that a fellow Senator, for example, wouldn't as convincingly convey.Cicero himself, through Tiro's eyes, is a man whose vanity sometimes gets the better of him, who isn't above a bit of graft, and who is occasionally politically tone deaf. But one never loses sight of this statesman's intrinsic desire to serve his republic with integrity and honor.CONSPIRATA covers 63-59 B.C. This "lustrum" -- meaning five-year duration (the title (Lustrum: A Novel) was chosen for the previously published British edition) -- began with Cicero's momentous one-year term as consul. In the following four years, he was celebrated as "pater patriae" (father of his country) but then suffered a drastic downturn in political and economic fortunes as Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus seized power. This novel introduces a gruesome murder mystery in the first pages that leads to an internecine conspiracy against the republic. The book convincingly traces the path that Cicero might in reality have followed in order to finally reach the defining decision of his consulship, namely that several high-ranking Romans should be executed without formal trial.Presumably, at least one more volume will be forthcoming to finish this story of Cicero's struggle with Rome's more dictatorial powers-that-be. In that final novel, perhaps we will read more about Cicero as philosopher since after this lustrum he wrote his celebrated dialogues DE REPUBLICA and DE LEGIBUS (found herein: M. Tullius Ciceronis De Re Publica, De Legibus, Cato Maior de Senectute, Laelius de Amicitia (Oxford Classical Texts)) -- and many of his approximately eight hundred surviving letters.Quoting from another of those missives, Glendon aligned Cicero's worries about "whether, when, and how far to compromise for the sake of advancing his most cherished cause -- the preservation of the traditional system he called republican" with current relevancies about government strength and form. As with IMPERIUM, Harris uses CONSPIRATA to accomplish precisely the same thing: he depicts Cicero's Rome as a decaying republic being pulled into tyranny, and in the political chicanery and intrigue of ancient times, one sees the indubitable reflections of modern problems with aging "democracies" that are leaning too far toward bread, circuses and central authority.CONSPIRATA is a worthy successor to IMPERIUM, although it is more concerned with plot than its predecessor and gives the impression of being a more hastily written novel. IMPERIUM developed its plot at a relatively leisurely pace in order to build a character portrait; CONSPIRATA hastens -- sometimes summing up little things like wars in a few paragraphs -- to focus on particular actions in Cicero's life. Regardless, it too is entertaining, enriches understanding of Cicero and his compatriots, and it unquestionably reminds us that if we do not keep the lessons of history uppermost in our minds, we could well repeat the patterns of Cicero's Rome.

Robert Harris, with his Cicero Trilogy - "Imperium," "Lustrum" (published as "Conspirata" in the US), and "Dictator" - has achieved something remarkable in historical fiction. These books do not merely recount the life of the legendary Roman statesman and orator, Marcus Tullius Cicero; they resurrect him, breathing into the annals of history a vibrant, palpable sense of immediacy and relevance."Imperium," the first in the series, is a tour de force that introduces us to Cicero at the onset of his political career. Harris's narrative, ingeniously framed through the eyes of Cicero's secretary Tiro, who historically is credited with inventing shorthand, allows readers an intimate glimpse into the political machinations of ancient Rome. The novel is a compelling blend of political intrigue, vivid characterization, and a meticulously researched historical backdrop. Harris's portrayal of Cicero is not just that of a political figure, but of a man driven by ambition, yet bound by moral integrity.In "Lustrum" (or "Conspirata"), Harris elevates the stakes. Here, we see Cicero at the height of his power, but also at the precipice of his downfall. The novel delves into the darker corners of Roman politics, where conspiracy and ambition lead to a tumultuous and dangerous landscape. Harris's ability to create suspense is unparalleled, even though the outcome is a matter of historical record. The reader is transported into the heart of political battles and moral dilemmas, feeling each triumph and setback as if they were occurring in real time.The trilogy concludes with "Dictator," a poignant and powerful finale. This book covers the last fifteen years of Cicero's life, a period marked by personal and political turmoil. Harris's portrayal of Cicero's last years is not just a recounting of events; it's a deep, introspective look at the ideals of democracy and the nature of power. The narrative is both epic and intimate, capturing the grandeur of Roman history and the personal tragedies of Cicero's life with equal effectiveness.Throughout the trilogy, Harris's prose is a standout. It is elegant yet accessible, bringing the complexities of Roman politics and society to life in a way that is both educational and immensely entertaining. The level of detail in his descriptions of the Roman Senate, the Forum, and daily life in ancient Rome is astounding, providing a vivid backdrop against which the drama unfolds.Moreover, Harris's Cicero is a brilliantly realized character - a man of great intellect and eloquence, yet filled with doubts and vulnerabilities. The supporting cast, from Julius Caesar to Pompey the Great, are equally well-drawn, each adding depth and color to the rich tapestry of the narrative.In conclusion, Robert Harris's Cicero Trilogy is a monumental achievement in historical fiction. It offers not just a window into the past, but a mirror reflecting our own times. Through the life of Cicero, Harris explores themes of power, integrity, and the fragile nature of democracy, themes that resonate just as strongly today as they did over two thousand years ago. This series is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or simply a masterfully crafted story that transcends the ages. Harris has not only written a definitive account of Cicero's life but has also set a new standard in historical fiction.

Harris writes so realistically, he transports readers back to Ancient Rome and the days of Cicero, Caesar, Pompey the Great, Crassus and the like. Wonderful work!

WOW! What a nice surprise. Before I bought my Kindle, a guy in a bookstore recommended Imperium, also written by Robert Harris. I was ambivalent, not knowing anything about Harris or his other books, but I bought it. I really enjoyed the book, so much so that I immediately bought the follow up (Kindle version), Conspirata. If you like Roman history, historical fiction, and want to learn more, this is the book for you! You don't have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one (although it will be beneficial) this book can stand alone. Harris spins an exciting, fast paced, well written story about Cicero and his efforts to save the fragile Roman Republic from a coup. As told thru his slave/friend/assistant Tiro, what could be a complicated narrative of obscure events became an exciting story with well drawn characters that the reader cares about. Read it! Read both!