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Imperium

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Imperium

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Bill Wallis
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About this listen

When Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually propel his master into one of the most famous courtroom dramas in history.

The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Cicero, a brilliant young lawyer and spellbinding orator, determined to attain imperium - supreme power in the state.This is the starting-point of Robert Harris's most accomplished novel to date.

Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, it takes us inside the violent, treacherous world of Roman politics, to describe how one man - clever, compassionate, devious, vulnerable - fought to reach the top.

Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early - exposing it prematurely to the laughter and scepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible.

That was how it was that night. When Cicero pronounced the word 'consul' he planted it in the ground like a standard for us all to admire. And for a moment we glimpsed the brilliant, starry future through his eyes, and saw that he was right: that if he took down Verres, he had a chance; that he might - just, with luck, go all the way to the summit...'

©2006 Robert Harris (P)2014 AudioGo Ltd. Published by Random House Audiobooks
Biographical Fiction Historical Political Fiction Exciting Stranger

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What listeners say about Imperium

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb story, utterly superb narration.

Takes you back to the politics of Rome, in a totally captivating story. An enthralling book, which must have been lovingly researched. It's a joy to listen to, as Bill Wallis is brilliant narrating it.

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19 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Totally absorbed

I'm not an avid reader of thrillers or historical novels so this was a departure for me, but was a perfect book to use my audible credit on as it was so compelling a listen I couldn't wait to get back to it and listened to the whole book within a week.The writing was excellent, the dialogue believeable and the characters were well drawn.I have ordered the next two although will have a break before listening to enjoy them all the more-

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Immersive story

This is a great listen. It is immersive in the same way as Wolf Hall. The narrator is excellent.

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4 people found this helpful

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Great book!

I was worried that I might find the subject matter boring at times, but I can honestly say that I didn't, for even one moment! The story and characters were captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspirium

Inspirium...lol, Cicero was a genius. Humbling to read about. Glad to have happened upon the author

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Magisterial

If you like politics, and political maneuvering, you'll love this. And if you like all things Ancient Roman, you'll love it even more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Masterpiece

Absolutely spectacular story. Phenomenally well read by Bill Wallis. Great pacing, humour, and grandeur. Immerse from start to finish.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An informative and fascinating insight into Roman political drama.

I loved this book. If you’re a historical buff, with a keen interest in political machinations and the corruption of men through power, this is the book for you. It portrays the social and political hierarchy, of the Roman Republic with wonderful wit and sarcasm and human foibles and frailties are displayeyed, for all to see. Which goes to makes this a highly informative and entertaining read.

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Surprisingly gripping. Very well delivered.

It was a little slow in playing, but suited running at 1.2 speed very well. The narrator was excellent.
Political intrigue at the height of the Republic, beautifully written characters deliver both atmosphere and a surprisingly thrilling story, not something I normally associate with politics.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best narrator I've ever had

Absolutely fantastic novel, brilliant storytelling, excellent narration.
Deeply moving, and a fascinating insight into the fall of the Roman Republic.

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16 people found this helpful