As I type this review of Conclave by Robert Harris, the actual conclave to find the new pope following the death of Pope Francis is taking place. Plus the film of this book, starring the wonderful Ralph Fiennes is on streaming platforms so I wanted to read the book before watching it (obviously).
Let’s have a conclave
Also, I was going on holiday and needed a new book for it – all the signs were pointing towards reading (well, I listened on audiobook narrated by the excellent Roy Mcmillan) Conclave.
And you know what, the signs were right. Conclave is the perfect blend of informative – giving insight to this ancient and esteemed process – and gripping with a modern crime plotline. It’s also tightly written: It’s my first time reading Robert Harris too, I really like his writing style.
Our lead character is Italian Cardinal Lomeli. He is so well written, a servant of god who has been troubled by doubts but nevertheless, has to oversee the most important of events, the election of a new pope. His personal journey is enticing and he is a big reason this book has so much heart.
I believe my heart is pure but how can any of us say for sure why we actually do as we do. In my experience the basest sins are often committed for the highest motives.
The book gives details on the actual papal conclave process, how the cardinals come together to pick the new pope – famously communicating the results of each round of voting through smoke from the Sistine chapel chimney. Black smoke – no pope decided yet, white smoke – he has been elected.
Conclave, as well as being informative, is also a great mystery / thriller read with the cut-throat nature of those cardinals whose dream it is to be pope doing anything to get there. More than a few skeletons come tumbling out of the closets.
No one who follows their conscience ever does wrong, your eminence.
Fast paced, the perfect balance of facts and intrigue, I thoroughly enjoyed Conclave. You should definitely give this highly topical book a read.
• Get your copy of Conclave here;
• Audiobook narrated by Roy Mcmillan;
• Running time: 8 hours 21 minutes;
• Published by Arrow 2017;
• 288 pages;
• Book review rating:
