Pompeii: A Novel by Robert Harris Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Pompeii: A Novel
Book Review: a fair snapshot of the Romans and their corrupt side
Summary: 5 Stars
I found Harris' treatment of Imperial Rome to be most fair and interesting. Unfortunately, the main character was not very interesting - he really just served as the tool to allow the readers to view Roman society and engineering. It is also unclear as to why he develops his love interest and is so willing to risk his life for her when they've barely spoken to one another.
Other reviewers have criticized Harris' treatment of Roman society in general, claiming that he sensationalizes the unseemly parts of Roman life, such as the brothels, the sex with children and the frequent representations of male genitalia in public places and in jewelry. I feel that he represented the spectacle that was Rome quite fairly. The Romans were master engineers, they had a society that allowed quite a bit of upward mobility, women had no rights to speak of, they were brave, and they were sexually explicit. Harris covers these aspects well. The reader would do well to remember that this is not a history of the Romans, it is merely a snapshot of the last 2 days of Pompeii.
I think that Harris' depiction of the eruption was some of the best descriptive reading that I've had the pleasure to read for a while: the refugees, Pliny's vainly rushing out of port to try to save the library and refugees, the ash falling, the panic. Well done - it more than makes up for the weak character development in my mind and makes it five stars.
Book Review: a little disappointing
Summary: 2 Stars
Unfortunately, the book neither gives adequate information about the life of the people at the time, nor is the information about the Roman aqueducts really coherent. So, itb seems to me,this book is neither fish nor fowl.
It is simply very superficial!
It is still interesting and easy reading, only, after you've finished, you do not really know, why you read it.
Book Review: an excellent read for those who enjoy intelligent fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
Robert Harris has been one of my favorite authors for many years now since his groundbreaking Fatherland and the equally gripping Enigma and Archangel. At first I was suprised to see Harris turn in the direction of First Century Roman Empire, but it turns out to be one of the best surprises of the year.
The novel reads very well, both informative and entertaining. Harris does take some liberty with the events, but all in all they are true to the accounts of what actually happened. The inclusion of Pliny the elder is truly great, since it is his accounts of what happened, that actually allow us a glimpse as to what it was really like.
As one would guess, the novel climaxes with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and like all truly great historical fictions, even though you know what is going to happen, you find yourself hoping that everyone will make it out alive. That is the true sign of a great novel.
For those who want to learn a little, yet still enjoy a truly great story, this is certainly a book to pick up.
Book Review: best novel ever, detailed historical background
Summary: 5 Stars
The novel is just amazing, very easy to go though, you would want to read it all at once.
The historical background is even more accurate, as an Italian and passionate of Roman and Napolitan history I can tell!
you will feel like being one of the historic characters of the book, and live the drama of the Vesuvius eruption.
Book Review: engrossing!
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back in time. Not knowing alot about history I don't know how accurate it is but who cares!!! What a great story to get lost in. It's hard for me to let go and flow with books and tv/movies, but I slid right into this one!! Sit back and enjoy. A must read