Conclave

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Roy McMillan

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The best-selling author of Enigma and Fatherland turns to today's Vatican in a ripped-from-the-headlines novel and gives us his most ambitious, pause-resisting thriller yet - where the power of God is nearly equaled by the ambition of men.

The pope is dead. Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 118 cardinals from all over the globe will cast their votes in the world's most secretive election. They are holy men. But they have ambition. And they have rivals. Over the next 72 hours, one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on earth.

©2016 Robert Harris (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrator Roy McMillan takes full advantage of the opportunity to display his range. While not strictly miraculous, his transformation of Cardinal Lomeli, the protagonist, from dispirited to Spirit-filled is most certainly charismatic.... McMillan's performance is a triumph, as is the book itself." (AudioFile)

Microscopic look at Power

I've not read anything by Harris before so I tried to research him a bit before I joined the fan club. And the author does seem to collect readers. In my brief study, it became clear that this is an author that is impeccably informed on any subject he tackles, far beyond any precursory due diligence. This commitment is a force that shapes his characters into complex personalities that are knowable to the reader. He writes an intensely detailed story, melding the history with the psychology to produce thrilling dramas. Conclave is an insider's look at a "papal conclave," the process and the powers that elect the "Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God" -- the Pope.

That is the story in a nutshell, the Holy Father passes away and the cardinals assemble from around the world to vote on his successor. I've seen the gathering to elect a new Pope, and witnessed the black smoke emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel -- no new pontiff; white smoke and Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis. It is the details contained in this nutshell of a plot that are so hugely fascinating, the personalities of modern day cardinals operating under the ordained guidelines that have undergone almost two millennia of development.

Harris is a remarkable author. Conclave is superbly written, and clearly painstakingly researched. Some of the histories of the deaths and burials, the spiritual guidelines and requirements of these men (and women), were extraordinary.

This is detailed. The minutiae could be a challenge to some readers. No matter how you feel about it, and I'm sure it will be a bombshell to some readers, the ending is an interesting paradox that brings a centuries-old process into the modern age. Highly recommend for readers interested in the subject, especially those that want every little detail.

Great story to the very end

Loved the twists and turns that reflects the church that I have come to know.

Perfect!

Absolutely perfect in passion, scope, verbiage, reverence and irreverence in all the right ways! Wonderfully weaved mystery with a twist at the end that was queerly unexpected! I don’t often take time to write a review but I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will seek out other titles by this author.

an ethical question to ponder

story about the power used to gain status and how humbleness can overcome to regain the best for all.

Stunning inning

The last 5 minutes of the narration left my mouth hanging open! You must listen.

Absurd ending

Well developed principal characters and atmosphere, increasingly tense. But the ending's Hail Mary did not connect and resulted in disappointment overall.

Wow! Didn't see that ending coming!

This is an excellent story. I've read and re read it. I enjoyed the insight into how a Pope is chosen, and I'm not Catholic.

interesting

a very good listen and like a mystery novel, small pieces of info build into a masterpiece

Conclave

A wonderful tale of how choosing a Pope is decided.
The end, Not exactly WOKE, but be prepared if your Catholic. Woven are threads of populous thinking.

Twists and turns, a fascinating setting, a perfect narrator

This book kept me on the edge of my seat with excellent complex main characters, an exceptional narrator, a wonderous setting on several levels and a story that kept me guessing til the end.