Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
Heyne (2011), 530 pages
Description
On the eve of Marcus Cicero's inauguration as consul of Rome, the grisly death of a boy sends ripples of fear thourgh a city already wracked by civil unrest, crime, and debauchery of every kind. For Cicero, the ill forebodings of this hideous murder only increase his frustrations and the dangers he already faces as Rome's leader: elected by the people but despised by the heads of the two rival camps, the patricians and populists. There is, also a plot to assassinate him, and it will take all his embattled wit, strength, and force of will to stop it and keep Rome from becoming a dictatorship.
Media reviews
Harris provides through Lustrum great insight into this exciting period of Roman history not only by echoing historical sources but by numerous psychologic zooms: a glimpse or a blink of an eye here, a whisper or a rumor there, and over all the ancient truth of evil omen.
"Harris, whose previous novels include “Pompeii” and the World War II thriller “Enigma,” doesn’t take the path of many other writers of historical fiction and provide copious, painstaking descriptions of meals, wardrobes, palaces and the like to summon a long-ago, far-away past."
Over the two millennia since his death Cicero has been many things to many readers – authoritarian, pedant, vacillator, self-doubting philosophical sceptic. Each generation makes its own Rome and its own Romans, and Harris's version of this endlessly fascinating figure is richly and generously
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enjoyable. I look forward to the conclusion of the trilogy.
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For all its political insights, though, it is as a pure thriller that Lustrum stands or falls. In that respect, it succeeds splendidly. It may not be the best novel written about ancient Rome – I still prefer Gore Vidal and Allan Massie – but it is a damn good one: wry, clever, thoughtful, with
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a terrific sense of timing and eye for character. And even though I knew how the story ended, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, a tribute not only to the intrinsic fascination of these extraordinary events, but also to the narrative skills of a master craftsman.
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Lustrum is a serious piece of storytelling, enormously enjoyable to read, with an insider’s political tone.
User reviews
LibraryThing member adpaton
This is Harris's third book set in Ancient Rome and much as I enjoy them I am missing his wide ranging and imaginative treatment of topics as diverse as the son of Stalin and a speculative future Europe in.which the Nazis hold power. He is an excellent writer and he certainly brings his subjects
Having recently enjoyed the HBO series Rome many of these characters - Pompey, Cicero, Caesar, Cato - were more familiar to me than they have been in decades - since I did Latin and Ancient History at University in fact.
I would never have believed back in my teens, while I struggled with translating Cicero's somewhat dry and slightly boring speeches into English that a book about him could be so exciting, thrilling in fact. Far from being a dry political biography with some legal insights, this trilogy is proving a nailbiting page turner and I will definately buy the final volume.
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and their times to life. Having recently enjoyed the HBO series Rome many of these characters - Pompey, Cicero, Caesar, Cato - were more familiar to me than they have been in decades - since I did Latin and Ancient History at University in fact.
I would never have believed back in my teens, while I struggled with translating Cicero's somewhat dry and slightly boring speeches into English that a book about him could be so exciting, thrilling in fact. Far from being a dry political biography with some legal insights, this trilogy is proving a nailbiting page turner and I will definately buy the final volume.
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LibraryThing member dgold
Brilliant. Just wonderful in every way. I actually would rate this above the predecessor, as the Cicero in this book is far more flawed and imperfect than the earlier portrayal. You won't need to have read Imperium to enjoy this, but it certainly would help you to understand the motivation of many
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of the lesser characters. For Pompey and Caesar, however, the motivation is clear to all - power and the attaining thereof. Can't speak highly enough of the delicate multifaceted conspiracy tale woven here by Harris, as it finally unfolds its wings the reader is left grasping for certainties as much as poor old Marcus Tullius. Show Less
LibraryThing member ehines
Covers some of the same historical grounds as Steven Saylor's Gordianus books. Harris is not as good at capturing the bit of the otherness of classical Rome as Saylor, and his book lacks the humor, lowlife and political sophistication of the Saylor books, but he is also freer of some of the
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detective story cliche Saylor indulges in. From a historical point of view, I am disappointed that Harris does so little to tell us the situation in Rome. Yes, Caesar would later be the man who takes over Rome by force, but that had already happened with Sulla, and the uneasy, unstable and unjust order of things Sulla imposed is what folks like Catalina are on about (aside from their own personal ambitions). Decent historical fiction, a good story of an important part of Cicero's career,but too absorbed in its main character and lacking in depth of context. Show Less
LibraryThing member writemoves
An excellent political thriller taking place in Ancient Rome at the time of Caesar. Cicero balances the good of his country with his personal ambitions and goals. There is plenty of political intrigue, sexual scandals and illegal activities. There are a number of huge political and military leaders
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(Caesar, Pompey, Crassus etc) who have their own personal agendas. Excellent read from page 1 till the finish. Sometimes the good guys don't win or prosper in politics... Show Less
LibraryThing member annbury
The second volumn in Harris' trilogy about Cicero. Like the first, the history is solid and fascinating, but the novel is less than compelling. The characters, for me at least, didn't "come alive", despite the fact that the author has clearly mastered an immense amount of information about these
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same characters and their world. Would note that despite my complaints about volume i, I read volume 2, and will probably proceed to volume 3. Show Less
LibraryThing member brigidsmith
Another instalment in the story of Cicero - but will there be a third book? In this he leaves Rome for exile, but will there be more to the story?
LibraryThing member flmcgough
A fantastic follow-up to "Imperium," "Conspirata" picks up right where the last novel left off. Chronicling both the height of Cicero's fame and influence and his lowest ebb (at least in the eyes of the mob), this book hits its mark nearly as well as its predecessor. My only critique is that this
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book does not keep to the original premise as well as the first installment; being the supposed memoirs of Tiro, some details are unnecessarily repeated from one book to the next. A necessary measure, but one that nevertheless drew me out of the story a bit. Regardless, a fantastic read. I'm anxiously awaiting the conclusion! Show Less
LibraryThing member fsmichaels
I've enjoyed many of Robert Harris' books, but couldn't get into this one. Too bad. I got bogged down somewhere toward the middle and never surfaced again.
LibraryThing member YossarianXeno
Imperium, the first book in Robert Harris's series of novels about the life of Cicero, was unusually well written and researched. Lustrum lives up to the high standards set by it's predecessor. It is a gripping read, carefully observing the political twists and turns of Roman politics as Julius
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Caesar begins the process of converting Rome into a dictatorship. Harris has an excellent eye for political nuance; his style is sparse but compelling. Both Imperium and Lustrum are by far the best written books Harris has produced, almost as if Cicero's famed eloquence has inspired the author to surpass his usual standards. Show Less
LibraryThing member PeskyLibrary
The Roman Republic is at a time of internal crisis. Politicians and military leaders grapple for power. Sex, murder, and intrigue are used as weapons. The story is mostly told from the point of view of Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of the greatest orators of the time.
Harris has put a lot of effort in
EJ 04/2010
Harris has put a lot of effort in
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researching the era, and it shows. Characters act and scenes evolve in ways that evoke a historical era very unlike our own.EJ 04/2010
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LibraryThing member BrianHostad
Well writen, well paced book, with an unexpected (for me at least) ending. The book benefits from the fact it is based on actual events, though I'm sure Harris has changed some things to maintain the plot. It means there is nothing implausible or outrageous in the plot which detracts from the
I'm looking forward to the last installment, because then I'll allow myself to read up about the actual Cicero!
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narrative. The main baddies are completely bad, but other characters, such as Pompey and Caesar are intriguing and ambigous despite their antithapy to Cicero. Cicero himself is painted with flaws which make the story more plausable.I'm looking forward to the last installment, because then I'll allow myself to read up about the actual Cicero!
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LibraryThing member skulli99
Excellent, a lot better than the previous Cicero novel, covers political struggle of Cicero against JuLius Cesear, interesting aspects of social and everyday life of ancient Rome is also covered...definitely worth to read !
LibraryThing member cajela
A followup to Imperium, though it can be read independently. This book traces Cicero's life in the 5-year period ("lustrum") starting from his consulship - covering the time from the Catiline conspiracy to Caesar's departure for Gaul.
Harris paints a vivid and dramatic picture of the eternally
Very well written and researched, although if you're not at all up on Roman history the names and titles might get a little confusing. (Harris provides a helpful key at the back, though.)
Harris paints a vivid and dramatic picture of the eternally
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fascinating first century BCE Rome. The Roman republic was slowly crumbling, and Julius Caesar's power was on the rise. The story is told from the perspective of Cicero's secretary-slave Tiro.Very well written and researched, although if you're not at all up on Roman history the names and titles might get a little confusing. (Harris provides a helpful key at the back, though.)
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LibraryThing member everfresh1
I thought it was not as good as Imperium but still very impressive.
LibraryThing member TheWasp
A well written and entertaining follow on to Imperium , detailing Cicero's rise to power and struggle to maintain his position while his political opponents engage in murder and mayhem to usurp him.
LibraryThing member Parthurbook
This is Harris's third Roman book, and his second on the life of Cicero, told through the eyes of his secretary Tiro. It's a compelling, learned and well-crafted book - testament to Harris's skill as a writer of political thriller. Who else could keep seven major figures in play, describe the
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machinations of the Roman senate, and keep you turning the pages? Terrific entertainment Show Less
LibraryThing member john257hopper
A exciting page turner of a sequel to the author's Imperium novel. Cicero's life is packed full of incident and this novel covers the zenith and nadir of his political career. I felt considerable sympathy for Cicero and his secretary cum chronicler Tiro. Cicero's life is one full of incident and
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his powers of speech and argumentation rightly still remembered now, though Tiro's legacy is also assured, as he created a system of shorthand including the use of &, i.e. and e.g. that we still use today. Show Less
LibraryThing member sloopjonb
Excellent follow-up to Imperium, a real page-turner, read in one sitting. It will be interesting to see how Harris treats the more familiar history due in part three.
LibraryThing member PIER50
This is the first of the trilogy have had read, and whilst it was well written and interesting from an historical point of view, it didn't really excite me. It took me over a month to read, due mainly becuae It didn't have that 'can't put it down' feel about it. Worth reading, but don't expect
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quite the level of thrills that the cover might lead you to believe. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jarratt
“Conspirata” was a wonderful read. Set in ancient Rome, it’s a sequel to “Imperium,” and tells the tale of Cicero’s time as consulship and a few years thereafter. I’d not read “Imperium” and hadn’t even heard of author Robert Harris. In fact, I’m sure he’d be disappointed to
The novel is told in first person by Cicero’s secretary/slave Tiro. Had it been delivered in third person, I think the novel would have come off much more stuffy and not as “human.” Having someone who’s legally bound—owned, in fact—to Cicero makes for a more compelling tale. For even though Tiro is a slave, he clearly cares about Cicero and his family. I most enjoyed the political gamesmanship the book describes as Cicero must battle those who wish to do Rome harm, including Julius Caesar.
While Harris did offer a glossary of Roman legal terms as well as a list of characters, I found it hard sometimes to keep track of who was who. It didn’t help that there were long gaps when I wasn’t able to read. I’m looking forward to reading “Imperium” as well as some of Harris’ other books.
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hear that I bought “Conspirata” for $1 at the Dollar Tree. But he’ll be pleased to know that I’ll be reading more of his books.The novel is told in first person by Cicero’s secretary/slave Tiro. Had it been delivered in third person, I think the novel would have come off much more stuffy and not as “human.” Having someone who’s legally bound—owned, in fact—to Cicero makes for a more compelling tale. For even though Tiro is a slave, he clearly cares about Cicero and his family. I most enjoyed the political gamesmanship the book describes as Cicero must battle those who wish to do Rome harm, including Julius Caesar.
While Harris did offer a glossary of Roman legal terms as well as a list of characters, I found it hard sometimes to keep track of who was who. It didn’t help that there were long gaps when I wasn’t able to read. I’m looking forward to reading “Imperium” as well as some of Harris’ other books.
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LibraryThing member k4ie
Great book. I'll definitely be getting the next one in 2011. The sudden end is maddening though.
LibraryThing member LARA335
Fascinating historical and political novel. Robert Harris is able to bring ancient Rome to relevant life.
LibraryThing member starkravingmad
This is the 2nd book in the "Cicero" trilogy by Robert Harris. It is narrarated by Cicero's slave "Tiro" who also narrarated the first book "Imperium". Harris is a master at having the reader feel he is in ancient Rome - among the participants. Though not as good as "Pompei", it is more
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historically interesting. Several other important Roman figures are active characters in the book. We see the rise of Julius Caeser, Pompey at his peak of power, Cato - the stoic, and Crassus - the weatlhiest man in the world at the time (and perhaps of all time). The first half of this book is much better than the second. This is disappointing as the second half deals with Caesar's rise. Harris should have developed a way to spend more time with Caeser in the second half, and this book would have been much better for it. Importantly, this is the same book as "Lustrum" which was its title in UK. Dont buy both - as I did. Show Less
LibraryThing member starkravingmad
This is the 2nd book in the "Cicero" trilogy by Robert Harris. It is narrarated by Cicero's slave "Tiro" who also narrarated the first book "Imperium". Harris is a master at having the reader feel he is in ancient Rome - among the participants. Though not as good as "Pompei", it is more
Show More
historically interesting. Several other important Roman figures are active characters in the book. We see the rise of Julius Caeser, Pompey at his peak of power, Cato - the stoic, and Crassus - the weatlhiest man in the world at the time (and perhaps of all time). The first half of this book is much better than the second. This is disappointing as the second half deals with Caesar's rise. Harris should have developed a way to spend more time with Caeser in the second half, and this book would have been much better for it. Importantly, this is the same book as "Lustrum" which was its title in UK. Dont buy both - as I did. Show Less
LibraryThing member LynnB
Lustrum suffers from the seemingly inevitable fate of the middle novel of a trilogy: it has a bit of a "place holder" feeling to it. I found the first half of the book much better than the second, which dragged a bit. But, this novel of Cicero's time in ancient Rome did raise some interesting
First, it explores the difference of an orthodox (work within the system) to a revolutionary approach to change, to governance, to attaining power. Second, it poses the moral question of whether the ends justify the means as Cicero uses illegal and/or unethical means to save the Republic.
Except for the major ones, I found the characters didn't come alive for me. I often forgot who was who. But the book was generally well written and seems to be largely faithful to history.
If you are a real fan of Mr. Lustrum, or have a strong interest in the Roman Empire, you'll probably enjoy this book. Otherwise, it's ok at best.
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issues relevant to our times:First, it explores the difference of an orthodox (work within the system) to a revolutionary approach to change, to governance, to attaining power. Second, it poses the moral question of whether the ends justify the means as Cicero uses illegal and/or unethical means to save the Republic.
Except for the major ones, I found the characters didn't come alive for me. I often forgot who was who. But the book was generally well written and seems to be largely faithful to history.
If you are a real fan of Mr. Lustrum, or have a strong interest in the Roman Empire, you'll probably enjoy this book. Otherwise, it's ok at best.
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Awards
The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction (Shortlist — 2010)
Spear's Book Award (Shortlist — Novel — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009-10-08 (UK)
Physical description
530 p.; 7.4 inches
ISBN
3453435478 / 9783453435476