Pompeii, by Robert Harris
Pompeii by Robert Harris plunges readers into the opulent world of ancient Rome just days before one of history's most catastrophic natural disasters. Set in 79 AD, the novel paints a vivid picture of life around the Bay of Naples, where the wealthy indulge in lavish parties, tourists bask in the summer sun, and the mighty Roman fleet rests peacefully at anchor. At the heart of this story is Marcus Attilus Primus, a young and ambitious aqueduct engineer thrust into a position of immense responsibility. Attilus, newly appointed as the aquarius in charge of the Aqua Augusta, finds himself grappling with an unprecedented crisis: the failure of the water supply. This hasn't happened in living memory, and it threatens the very lifeblood of the region. Harris masterfully weaves historical fact with fiction, bringing to life characters like Pliny the Elder, the scholarly admiral of the Roman fleet. As Attilus races against time to uncover the source of the water shortage, he must navigate treacherous political waters and confront deeply entrenched corruption. The stakes couldn't be higher – millions depend on the aqueduct's steady flow.
The author's meticulous research shines through in rich details that transport the reader to ancient Pompeii. From the bustling streets lined with thermopolia (fast-food joints) to the opulent villas of the elite, every scene is brought to life with vivid clarity. Harris doesn't shy away from the grittier aspects of Roman life either, depicting the stark contrasts between slaves and citizens, and the brutal realities of life in the Empire. As Attilus and his unlikely band of allies embark on a perilous expedition up the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, the mountain looms ominously in the background. Keen-eyed readers will spot the subtle signs of impending doom – from inexplicable earth tremors to the strange behavior of animals – that the characters tragically dismiss.
Pompeii transcends the typical disaster narrative, offering a gripping tale of human ambition and ingenuity set against the backdrop of unstoppable natural forces. As Attilus races to solve the water crisis, the mountain's ominous presence grows, with subtle hints of impending doom scattered throughout. The result is a captivating novel that will enthrall both history enthusiasts and thriller fans, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the explosive conclusion that forever altered the Bay of Naples.
“The destination of the journey could not be altered, only the manner in which one approached it - whether one chose to walk erect or to be dragged complaining through the dust. The natural impulse of men is to follow, he thought, and whoever has the strongest sense of purpose will always dominate the rest.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Robert Harris is a popular author, a television correspondent with the BBC and a newspaper columnist with the London Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph. He is best known for the novels Enigma and Act of Oblivion. He lives in Berkshire, England.
The volcanic ash that covered Pompeii preserved an extensive collection of ancient graffiti on the city's walls. These writings provide invaluable insights into everyday Roman life, including political slogans, declarations of love, insults, and even advertisements. One particularly famous piece of graffiti reads: "I marvel, O wall, that you have not fallen in ruins, you who support the tediousness of so many writers."
Harris spent considerable time researching Roman engineering and the eruption of Vesuvius. Many of the technical details about Roman aqueducts in the book are historically accurate, including the use of lead pipes and the method of detecting leaks using floating cork.
The character of Pliny the Elder in the novel is based on the real historical figure. Harris incorporates Pliny's actual final days and his death during the eruption, as recorded by his nephew Pliny the Younger, into the narrative.
Harris peppers the dialogue with Latin phrases and terms, particularly those related to engineering and daily Roman life, to add authenticity to the setting. He provides context clues or explanations for readers unfamiliar with these terms.
Harris has stated that he was partially inspired to write Pompeii after the September 11 attacks in 2001. He saw parallels between the sudden destruction of Pompeii and the shock of modern terrorist attacks, both events dramatically altering their respective worlds in a matter of hours.
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