Conclave by Robert Harris - views?

[Standrewsschool]

What are peoples views in this book? The religion? Plot? And final twist?

I read it while on holiday in Rome. Loved the atmosphere and the "behind the scenes" Vatican politics. Thought the twist and final chapters in general were rather silly, the book would have been stronger without.

I knew there was going to be a twist. First I thought the new cardinal was someone’s son, but then he was too old. I wondered also whether there would be the first female pope, Sister Agnes? Or I thought that the main character would end up as Pope.

There were clues that things weren’t quite right with the cardinal - the shaver was not used, for example. There were probably clues earlier on, but I didn’t pick up on them.

I loved the behind the scenes, although didn’t know all the Catholic references.