Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome
Book Review: Cicero Rising
Summary: 4 Stars
Although Robert Harris writes historical fiction, he is not particularly attached to any one time or place. His first novel was actually an alternate history - a what-if-the-Nazis-won-WWII tale called Fatherland. He has, in his last two novels, however, gone back to ancient Rome, first with Pompeii (which I have not read) and now with Imperium, a fictional biography of Cicero.
Narrated by Cicero's slave Tiro (who serves more as an observer than a true character), Imperium tells of the rise of Cicero to the highest position in the Roman Republic, the consulship. The first half is actually more of a courtroom thriller, with Cicero prosecuting a corrupt Sicilian governor. Actually, most of the legal system is open to bribery, making Cicero's job all the harder. At stake is Cicero's whole career: if he can somehow pull off a victory, he can start his climb in power; if he fails, he will never be more than a lowly senator. Of course, since Cicero is well-known in history and the governor, Verres, is almost forgotten, most readers know who will win, but Harris is still able to make the prosecution suspenseful.
The second half of the book deals with Cicero's political rise and the intrigues that both help him and make him enemies. His principal ally - although not always reliable - is Pompey, the great general who is at the peak of his power. On the other side is the plutocrat Crassus, whose hatred of Pompey will create an enmity with Pompey. There is the vicious Catalina who has Crassus's backing and intends on opposing Cicero for the consulship. Finally, there is the ambitious up-and-comer, Julius Caesar.
Harris has written a good novel, but there are imperfections. For all his attempts at being historically accurate, he also has anachronisms, such as referring to the months of July and August (which would not be named until decades later after Julius and Augustus Caesar had risen to the peaks of their power). The story also ends rather abruptly, leading me to think that Harris has a sequel intended. Harris does succeed at the heart of the book, however, bringing Cicero - often thought of as the greatest orator ever - to life. Fans of historical novels - particularly Roman historical novels - should enjoy Imperium.
Book Review: a good read
Summary: 3 Stars
Imperium is the first of two volumes of a fictional biography of the Roman orator, lawyer, statesman, new man, Marcus Tullius Cicero.
Mr. Harris uses the often successful formula of relating the life story of a historical figure through the eyes of a confidante, in this case the secretary Tiro, and he does not disappoint us. Tiro does his best to show his master warts and all, while still maintaining his loyalty to him, thus creating a fairly complex character of Cicero, a reasonably approximation of the real man himself as we know him from his extensive writings, especially the letters.
That does not mean that Mr. Harris does not create his very own universe of the era and the man, with emphasis on Cicero's real or perceived adversaries, the aristocrats who disdain the New Man, and the favorite villains for most novelists writing about the late Roman republic, Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar. The latter trio does not fare as well in way of characters, they are frequently drawn as carricature. Tiro himself is depicted as somewhat priggish and bland.
Characters more sympathetic in the narrator's - and presumably the author's - eyes, such as wife Terentia, brother Quintus, and the idealistic cousin Lucius, fare better, as does the potential villain Caelius.
That said , the novel is a good read, bringing Rome and the late republic vividly to life. The uncovering of Verres' horrendous excesses in Sicily is masterful. The reader gets a good introduction to Roman politics, and Cicero's work habits and his love/hate relationship with Terentia indeed do not strain one's imagination. Tiro's well known invention and use of stenography is being put to good use and on occasion does make for a nice suspense. As in the only other book by the author which I have read so far, Pompeii, the prose is excellent.
There are some anachronisms, indicative maybe of the lack of a good reader, but not to the point where they could become annoying.
I give the book three stars and look forward to the sequel. However, I cannot agree with Allan Massie, who wrote that, "Reluctantly, I must admit that Imperium is better than [my six novels]." He is much too modest!
Book Review: An plausible politician
Summary: 5 Stars
Even through fiction I think Harris has captured the essence of politicians that existed then and still do today. It seems to me a very likely scenario, not necessarily kind to any of the characters. I have often thought that there is not a single species of humans but two: homo sapiens and homo politicians. And Harris' Cicero is no better than any of the others. Cicero could claim the high moral ground in his mind, but in truth he laid the groundwork for the dissoluation of the Republic by his own desires to become Consul. Harris points out all the rules Cicero abused to achieve his goal, all the twisted morals, soul selling and double dealing he engaged in, while claiming to be the honest common man. Between bribery with money or favors and manipulations the result still remains the same except Cicero in all his blindness could not see his manipulations would have far more reaching reprisals. Nor would he admit it or perhaps realize or care what he had done because he was the consumate politcian. Yet Cicero's greatness still comes out in the story. Harris I think took fact and made it one of the most compeling and accurate stories of the period. Engaging story, excellent detail and somewhat depressing because nothing has changed for over 2000 years. I hope he does a follow up to this story.Book Review: Imperium - a real treat
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought Imperium on impulse, not having previously read any of Robert Harris's books. It is a fantastic read and has led me to investigate further the roman empire and the life and times of Cicero. It's well written, engaging and brings history to life. Once you begin, you'll want to know more!Book Review: Roman Politics - No different from today!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ancient Rome provides names such as Caesar, Crassus, Pompey, Verres, Tiro and Cicero. These are all great men in history except for the slave, Tiro. It is from this slave's viewpoint that this audio book, IMPERIUM, is written.
Tiro becomes Cicero's private secretary by developing shorthand that is used to take down every word spoken when Cicero needs it done. The story takes Cicero from a simple lawyer to the very top of Roman rule.
While I am not a great history buff and don't remember much of what I did read in school, I know my husband who is such a buff will love this CD. The politics of Rome is no different than the politics of today as the story takes you through the twist and turns of the wealth and greed of the greatest men in Rome.
There are descriptions of how voting was done at that time and of the great homes. It also tells how Cicero managed to climb his way up in the political arena with his great speeches and a mind that was quick to find the pieces needed to sway those in greater power to his side.
The reader, Simon Jones, has a British accent that adds to the fact that he is reading about Rome. His is clear and easy to listen to and provides different accents for the different characters.
If you love courtroom drama and Roman history, this CD will provide you with many hours of great listening.