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)

Papal page turner

I listened to this story mostly today. I was hooked.
I love the descriptions of the process each Cardinal has to agree to. The various characters all felt like someone who comes and goes every day.
It keeps you guessing. Not scary. Story is well laid out, beautifully told and read. Would gladly recommend it to a friend.

Made me feel part of the election

Wow! I am the first to admit how picky I am regarding thrillers. This took my breath. Other titles in this genre doing the same has been "I am Pilgrim" "Crazy house" and the "You trilogy's two first books. Just to give you a pointer regarding my general thriller-taste.

I know people mention this book together with the work of Dan Brown. Like "I am Pilgrim",this title appeared more realistic than Brown in my opinion.

I too wish it had an alternative ending, but I feel it was one awesome listen.

If you like Robert Harris.

I like this author and this is right up there with his best. A little short. The reader does voices really well. It’s like he melts right into the story. I’m going to check out more read by him.

Solid Catholic Historical Fiction

A solid, fascinating, positive work. However, it seemed the story was almost too predictable, and the novel was framed mostly to explain the rites and rituals of the Conclave. The story was a means, not the end. If I was going to summarize it, I'd call it Catholic HISTORICAL fiction.

Another great Robert Harris novel

Well plotted, great word pictures, quick, educational read. Unlike most novels, this author knows how to write good endings. Reader was good, but alas, not John Lee.

Good story and great narration

Engaging story, if not quite as strong as some of Harris’ other books. Wonderful narrator: reads with intelligence and correct phrasing. Conveys different characters without any annoying ‘tricks’.

Gripping, completely compelling

Would you listen to Conclave again? Why?

Yes, probably in a year or 2. Robert Harris' books are so good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

They were all good and McMillan is excellent at the variety of characters

Which character – as performed by Roy McMillan – was your favorite?

McMillan is an exceptional reader with an actors ability to give nuance and variety to a books heroes and villains .

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Interesting but slow moving

The concept of this novel is interesting but a less than spellbinding novel. Not as good as other Religious novel.

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.