Pompeii

  • Author Robert Harris
  • Narrator Steven Pacey
  • Publisher Random House
  • Run Time 10 hours and 19 minutes
  • Format Audio
  • Genre Historical fiction.
This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

'A pulse-rate-speeding masterpiece' Sunday Times

'A stunning novel . . . the subtlety and power of its construction holds our attention to the end' The Times

During a sweltering week in late August, as Rome's richest citizens relax in their villas around Pompeii and Herculaneum, there are ominous warnings that something is going wrong. Wells and springs are failing, a man has disappeared, and now the greatest aqueduct in the world - the mighty Aqua Augusta - has suddenly ceased to flow . . .

Through the eyes of four characters - a young engineer, an adolescent girl, a corrupt millionaire and an elderly scientist - Robert Harris brilliantly recreates a luxurious world on the brink of destruction.

'As explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history' Daily Telegraph

Critics Review

  • Harris is a writer of integrity who does not seek refuge in postmodernist nonsense…He knows how to tell a story and achieves page-turningreadability without effort.

    Frank McLynn, Daily Express
  • Explosive stuff, indeed – and, yes, it goes with a bang.

    Tom Holland, Daily Telegraph
  • The depth of research in this book is staggering…Pompeii is indeed a blazing blockbuster.

    Simon Brett, Daily Mail
  • It is hard to imagine a more thorough-goingly enjoyable thriller read

    The Sunday Times
  • Harris had me imaginatively surrounded. I am lost in admiration at his energy and skill

    Boris Johnson, Mail on Sunday

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.