Pompeii

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

'A pulse-rate-speeding masterpiece' Sunday Times

'A stunning novel . . . the subtlety and power of its construction holds our attention to the end' The Times

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.

'As explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history' Daily Telegraph

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

Believable story

What a well performed story! For many years I have been fascinated with the tragic story of Pompeii. One can only imagine how horrific it must have been to experience it and die in such awful circumstances. The author created a believable fictional story, taking the reader into that time and keeping interest high.