One of the most secret meetings to be held anywhere on earth is the Conclave established upon the death of a Pope which is called to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church. Robert Harris has written a fascinating account about a Conclave held upon the demise of a Pope. He is writing based upon conjecture and supposition since there is no manner that could have granted him the means to learn what really happens. Beyond this the novel is a fascinating adventure into a meeting of the Church's Cardinals summoned from around the world to choose a new Pope. The men assembled are deeply religious, committed to a lifetime of service, and anxious to do what is right in choosing a new Pope. They reflect, pray and hope for divine guidance in making their choice. They are holy men, but do have ambition and many will attempt to influence the choice made. Mr Harris is very successful in bringing the reader into the mind and thoughts of several of the Cardinals assembled in shaping the events depicted. The man appointed "Dean" by the last Pope is charged with moving the conclave forward. He is a man deeply devoted to his beliefs and to his appointed task of guiding the actions of those present. Several of those in attendance want to be the next Pope and attempt to guide the others into choosing them. The author introduces the problems that are faced by the Church both at present and in the near future. They must be faced by both the new Pope and the other senior leaders under him. There is the place for women the use of local language, not Latin, in the litany and the enmity radical Islam feels towards Christianity in general. Definitely not a dry discourse, but a fascinating study of human nature reacting in a stressful environment.

I read this in one sitting and put everything else on hold for the duration

Really interesting this one. If you've ever been interested in knowing what literally goes on behind closed doors, then this is the book for you. The closed doors of the Sistine Chapel when the world is locked out and the new pope elected. There really are some fascinating insights into the process and buildings of the Vatican. I've been inside the Sistine Chapel but obviously not been in a real conclave but it read as very authentic and goes into the nooks and crannies of the buildings, the sleeping quarters and the conclave itself which however true, read as if you were there witnessing it all first hand. The backdrop to the Vatican and the process of choosing the new Pope, the rules, procedures, traditions all weave in and out of a intriguing mystery and it felt very claustrophobic, secretive and very eerie at the same time. The whispers in the walls,the smoke rising up the chimney and the never ending twisting corridors.....I was enthralled. A great mystery in such a significant setting - I felt as if I was where I shouldn't really be - and what a thrill that was!

An excellent read, keeps you interested with twists and turns in events. A very detailed examination of the procedures for electing a new papal father. J M Porter

Who'd have thought the process of a group of old men choosing a new Pope would be so exciting. Recommended if you fancy a different type of Thriller.