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Anyone read Robert Harris?

39 replies

SockFluffInTheBath · 16/10/2024 22:02

I’m about 2/3 through Precipice having bought it for cheap from Waterstones. It’s the first of his books I’ve read and quite wishy washy. I expected it to be harsher, grittier maybe. Has anyone read his books and is it typical of his writing?

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RoverReturn · 29/08/2025 10:18

I've read Enigma and Fatherland years ago and was not impressed. His writing was not gripping, characters not great.
I'm always surprised at how revered he is.

upinaballoon · 28/08/2025 21:20

I know this is an old thread but I'm happy to pull it up. I am listening to 'Act of Oblivion' and really enjoying it. I hope to read or listen to some more of his.

VacuumPacked · 16/11/2024 17:03

We are Robert Harris fans in this house enjoyed Pompeii especially.
He is famous for the accuracy of his forensic research, reliable, fascinating.

redtrain123 · 23/10/2024 22:26

i’ve read Conclave and V2 - both really enjoyable.

Nettleskeins · 23/10/2024 22:24

Archangel
Cicero Trilogy
V2
Pompeii
Munich

And his wife wrote The Hive which I also enjoyed...Gill Hornby

SheilaFentiman · 23/10/2024 21:19

Also loved The Ghost

BigDahliaFan · 21/10/2024 12:23

Loved the Cicero trilogy. And act of oblivion. I really liked precipice, but it's not quite his usual style.

Beethovensafari · 20/10/2024 21:42

Bostoncreme · 19/10/2024 22:19

Have not seen anyone mention the Ghost which I liked. Second sleep was awful. Reading the Precipice now. Not Particularly gripped. I think he is hit and miss. Fatherland was the best, Conclave was good but the ending disappointing.

as my DH said when he saw I had bought precipice “ I see you have bought another Harris book “ to complain about !!

Oh yes, I totally forgot he wrote that one! It was really good!

WolfFoxHare · 20/10/2024 10:24

AgathaMystery · 17/10/2024 21:38

Agreed. I gave up on 2nd sleep. It was dire.

Show quote history

Yes, me too - I think I was expecting it to be more profound* like Fatherland or the Cicero trilogy given the interesting setting but it was really just a dullish ‘thriller’.

@SockFluffInTheBath try Enigma or Fatherland.

*not sure profound is quite the right word, but when I read Fatherland I was blown away, and the Cicero series are really next level.

Bostoncreme · 19/10/2024 22:19

Have not seen anyone mention the Ghost which I liked. Second sleep was awful. Reading the Precipice now. Not Particularly gripped. I think he is hit and miss. Fatherland was the best, Conclave was good but the ending disappointing.

as my DH said when he saw I had bought precipice “ I see you have bought another Harris book “ to complain about !!

sproutsandparsnips · 19/10/2024 21:53

I agree with everybody. An Officer and a Spy was hands down my favourite - in my all time top 5. Also loved Act of Oblivion.
All the WW2 ones are excellent and the Roman ones. Second Sleep was very strange and Conclave - I enjoyed the writing but th3 end was a bit of a damp squib for me.
I am looking forward to reading Precipice.

PotatoWafflerWrites · 19/10/2024 21:07

Fatherland is a masterpiece! I've not read any others so I'm grateful for this thread as gives lots of good recommendations.

catlovingdoctor · 19/10/2024 20:54

Agreed - Act of Oblivion was gripping!

cariadlet · 19/10/2024 20:44

I haven't read that one but have read some of his others and have enjoyed them all - Fatherland, Second Sleep, Munich, Arkangel, An Officer and a Spy and the Fear Index.

Arran2024 · 19/10/2024 20:04

SockFluffInTheBath · 16/10/2024 22:02

I’m about 2/3 through Precipice having bought it for cheap from Waterstones. It’s the first of his books I’ve read and quite wishy washy. I expected it to be harsher, grittier maybe. Has anyone read his books and is it typical of his writing?

He was on Jeremy Vine radio 2 yesterday talking about it. I thought it sounded lovely so have put it on my Christian list.

Philandbill · 19/10/2024 19:57

I think that his books really vary. Some I've absolutely loved and others just haven't gripped me. Fatherland is superb and Munich is also excellent. I did some gardening this afternoon whilst re listening to my Audible copy of V2, another book of his that I loved. DH loved the Roman books but they've not appealed to me.

Nourishinghandcream · 19/10/2024 19:05

Loved Enigma and have re-read it several times.
Adds to the general "feel" of the book that I knew Bletchley and my late Ddad used to work at the "Park".

ProfessorLayton1 · 19/10/2024 18:44

He is one of my favourite authors, Cicero trio loft and Fatherland are my favourites.

legosnowqueen · 19/10/2024 08:49

Archangel is incredible, also Fatherland.

GingerLiberalFeminist · 19/10/2024 08:02

The cicero trilogy was brilliant, pompeii was a bit sh*t, I liked the second sleep but I like scifi/anachronistic literature

Exloony · 19/10/2024 08:00

Act of Oblivion is excellent. It's about the escape of two of the regicides responsible for the death of Charles I to America. Gripping.

BrandyandGinger · 18/10/2024 17:42

I absolutely loved The Second Sleep. I thought the plot was so clever. I enjoyed Conclave as well. I must read Pompeii next.

FactsNotFeelings · 17/10/2024 22:23

Conclave yes that was good

Beethovensafari · 17/10/2024 22:20

The Cicero Trilogy is excellent

sakura06 · 17/10/2024 22:20

I've only read Act of Oblivion but loved it. I want to read Conclave as it's my grandfather's favourite book.