A stunning trilogy. Robert Harris has accomplished what many historical authors may aspire to but few attain. He has created an ancient Rome alive with the sights, the sounds, the smells of a city towards the latter years of the republic. He has painted a picture in my mind of warring commanders: Pompey, Caesar. Crassus. He has allowed me to view both the beauty of Rome from the aristocratic Palatine to the stench of the inner-city streets. He shows Romans as a people obsessed with wealth, and from wealth flows power, influence, and the ultimate prize a position in the senate leading to first consul adoration. Pompey the great commander, the chief general in the state….” A large chair was carried in for the Imperator, and he settled himself into it. An ivory pointer was placed in his hand. A carpet was unrolled at his feet into which was woven a map of the east, and as the senators gazed down he began gesticulating at it to illustrate his achievements”…. Caesar, the chief priest, adored by all the masses, fresh from military success, biding his time as he waits, panther like, moulding the men of influence to attend to his every whim. These two together with the wealthy Crassus form the triumvirate, a power base for them to dictate and manipulate. It is however a dangerous thing to allow so much “imperium” into the hands of the few. Cicero’s year as 1st consul is drawing to a close, and some of his finest accomplishments are now just a distant memory. When he faces a direct threat on his life it is to his wealthy companions that he turns for help and support, but such friendship will always require payback. Robert Harris shoes not only the strong side of Cicero but his weaknesses. His aspirations to climb the social ladder, result in a questionable decision when he borrows money to purchase a grand property owned by Crassus in the exclusive Palatine hill. As the candle slowly fades on a glittering senatorial career, and as the influence of a few wealthy men starts to emerge, the scene is set for a bloody conflict. Rome should have learnt the lessons of the past that it is a grave mistake to leave so much power in the hands of a powerful minority. A wonderful story, the subtle blending of fact and fiction makes Lustrum an essential read…the final chapter “The Dictator” now awaits me” Highly recommended.

Harris’ Cicero novels are among his very best, in my opinion. He catches the atmosphere, machinations and tone of politics in the late Roman Republic to perfection. Better still, his portrayal of Cicero is among the most convincing I have read. Here is no boring wordsmith, no cowardly or hypocritical makeweight, no self-promoting charlatan. Cicero, in these novels, is a hugely talented politician, lawyer and orator, who is also subject to the flaws and imperfections of any human. He is also principled, which is rather a disadvantage in the high stakes world of the disintegrating republic. Harris’ research is impeccable and his narrative in the story of Cicero attaining the heights of glory in 63 BC and his subsequent fall into a dangerous and disgraced exile is exemplary. Terrific stuff.

the master that is robert harris has a written a masterpiece which is deeply detailed, with roman politics, corruption and power, each character is made into flesh by the way they are described and also their dialogues.

Lustrum is the 2nd book Harris's written about Cicero. If "Cicero" doesn't ring a bell, don't worry! The book is fiction, based on historical facts. [Cicero is by the way a politician and an lawyer, but is most famous for his philosophy; he lived from 106 - 43 BC] Anyway, "Lustrum" goes on where "Imperium" (Harris's first book about Cicero) left off: at the point where Cicero became consul-elect. Even though the storyline continues neatly, you can read this book without having read "Imperium". I am especially intrested in Classical History myself and good books about that period (especially fiction) are hard to find. Harris's "Lustrum" however is one of those. Harris's style is easy to read and he doesn't transform Cicero into a "saint". The book isn't quite a novel, but isn't a thriller either. It's a very good combination of both. "Lustrum" isn't Harris's best, though. The main storyline (which is sort of set by history) has become a bit slow and lacks an ending or goal. Furthermore, "Lustrum" is a bit more of the same after "Imperium". This isn't quite as bad as it sounds, because Imperium is really good! So all in all it is a nice book; and I'd advise you to read it, but I'd advise you to read Imperium first. If you've done that, but found out that it's not your cup of tea - then never mind about Lustrum. If you liked Imperium and like to read more about Cicero, Lustrum is good follow up.