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Book Review of Pompeii

Pompeii
Pompeii
Author: Robert Harris
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
lucky7 avatar reviewed on


I enjoyed how Robert Harris was able to weave his story around the Vesuvius eruption of 79AD. He did the necessary research of this dramatic event and made it an effortless read, I couldn't wait to turn each page. We follow engineer Marcus Attilius as he takes over the job of Aquarius, making him responsible for the large aqueduct that brings water into the nine cities around the Bay of Naples. He must find out why it's suddenly not working and is expected by the powers above to rectify the matter posthaste. Along the way, we are introduced to honest civilians, learned scholars, everyday thugs, prostitutes, a dysfunctional family, and even a blind workman. We also gain insight into the workings of the city's government.. "politics" hasn't changed much.
I've visited the Pompeii archeological site and listened to the guides. This book adds the human element and riveting descriptions. Plus,it creates a powerfully suspenseful story despite the fact we already know the ending.