One of the bullet points written about this latest novel by Robert Harris indicates that it is unlike anything he has done before. That statement is very much true. Mr Harris always gives us a well written book, a plot second to none, and of course characters that are painted in the most mesmerizing manner with portraits of them that allow each to live for the reader. The plot is a very pleasant surprise and not what the reader expects. But assuredly the change in the novel's direction is one that will be well received and quite satisfying. Christopher Fairfax, a young priest arrives in a remote village in the hinterland of England in the year of the book 1468. He was sent there in order to hold services for the village's previous priest who had just passed away. The area around the town is overrunning with ancient artifacts such as glass, human bones, paintings and other miscellaneous memorabilia stemming from long ago. The previous priest had been an ardent collector and exhibitor of what he found. He was killed in a freak fall while moving around in one of the areas he had been working in Fairfax becomes fascinated by the collection and determines he will make an inroad into the meaning of what is freely available on the ground. He will work in the area and become amazed at what he is unearthing. His very faith is shaken to the core by the interpretation of the findings And. he is almost killed in the search and also finds time to have a romantic interlude with one of the ladies living there. The strength of.Robert Harris's book lies in what is discovered and the facts this leads to. It is only fair to say that this is certainly one of the author's best books and any more of the plot revealed would surely take away the joy of following the path Harris makes. A very well done novel and another in the series of excellent books created by Robert Harris.

I was several chapters in before I realised this was set in the future, not the past! An absorbing read, with great characters and an edge-of-the-seat storyline that is very believable in the era which we all currently live in. I’m already half way through my next Robert Harris book, and would certainly recommend Second Sleep.

I still think about this book, some weeks after finishing it. The story is original, entertaining and very thought provoking!

Absolutely agree that this is something Harris has never done before. Hell I would even say this is one of the best works by the man who brought us the likes of Fatherland and Munich. In Second Sleep he takes something ordinary and later reveals it to be extraordinary. Granted, I do not read much fiction but Harris appears to be one of the best out there in creating tension and spiralling the events from the rather leisurely first pages into the unputdownable thriller of discovery. Right about half way your mind starts to wonder with possibilities and possible solutions but you simply do not expect the twist to come when it does. This has history and future, piety and heresy, love and hate, loyalty and treachery bleeding from the very first page to the last. Brilliant I normally recommend a few books that are similar below my review, but cannot think of anything too reminiscent of The Second Sleep. ENJOY!

I’ve read a few Robert Harris novels over the years, but have never been a massive fan. However, I absolutely loved this book and whilst it’s a couple of months now since I’ve read it, it’s certainly stayed with me. Hugely entertaining, and thought provoking. To be honest the less you know about the plot before reading it the better I would say - best just to be swept along! Highly recommended.