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Original poster

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?

OP posts:
HarpQuartet · 17/10/2024 22:19

Yes, Act of Oblivion was such a page-turner, and Fatherland v good too.

Original poster
SockFluffInTheBath · 17/10/2024 22:18

Thank you for the replies. I’ll make a note to avoid second sleep, but will try some of the others.

OP posts:
1000umbrellas · 17/10/2024 21:56

I found Act of Oblivion really gripping and one of those books that truly transports you to the time and place. The description of the Atlantic crossing is particularly visceral. Haven't read the new one but would definitely recommend above as well as Conclave and Fatherland. Disappointed to discover he's pally with Roman Polanski.

AdaColeman · 17/10/2024 21:54

An Officer and a Spy, (about the Dreyfus Affair) the Cicero Trilogy and Fatherland are all excellent reads. I like Pompeii also.
I wasn't very gripped by The Second Sleep.

readingmakesmehappy · 17/10/2024 21:46

Eyesopenwideawake · 17/10/2024 21:40

An Officer and A Spy is excellent - his best by a long way.

This is my favourite of his. Also loved Fatherland and the Cicero trilogy. Haven't read Precipice but I think his last two haven't been as good.

Blackberriesandcobwebs · 17/10/2024 21:45

Loved Pompei

Eyesopenwideawake · 17/10/2024 21:40

An Officer and A Spy is excellent - his best by a long way.

AgathaMystery · 17/10/2024 21:38

fubared · 17/10/2024 21:35

I really loved 'Pompeii' and 'Conclave.' His later work, 'The Second Sleep' was tedious.

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

fubared · 17/10/2024 21:35

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 17/10/2024 21:34

I've not read that one but Pompeii by him was very good - I felt I learnt a lot and it was exciting. Conclave was quite good too.

Cross posted !

AgathaMystery · 17/10/2024 21:35

I liked his WW2 ones. The names escape me now. enigma?

fubared · 17/10/2024 21:35

I really loved 'Pompeii' and 'Conclave.' His later work, 'The Second Sleep' was tedious.

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 17/10/2024 21:34

I've not read that one but Pompeii by him was very good - I felt I learnt a lot and it was exciting. Conclave was quite good too.

Original poster
SockFluffInTheBath · 17/10/2024 21:25

Thanks @lookinthere I might try another after this then.

OP posts:
lookinthere · 17/10/2024 21:22

I haven’t finished it but honestly, he’s better than this book. I don’t think it is a bad book by any standards but he’s normally brilliant while this one is okay.

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