Lustrum

by Robert Harris, Random House, 452 pages, $39.99.

REVIEWED BY NICH CAMPBELL.

Last updated 11:21 17/02/2010

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This novel is, quite simply, stunning. It has been a long time since I have read such a well-crafted, tightly controlled and intelligent novel as this.

While Lustrum is the second part of Harris' Cicero trilogy, there is nothing lost by having not read the first book, Imperium. Focusing on Cicero's year as the Consul of Rome, we see him dealing with shifting power, a population growing dissatisfied and enemies both on his doorstep and further afield.

Told through the writings of his slave Tiro, Harris presents Cicero as orator, politician and leader. Cicero was a man who understood the power of words and how, when used correctly, they can tear down the walls of Rome.

But there are those who defy and plot against him. Negotiating conspiracy and power-hungry senators, Cicero must make tough and unpopular decisions that will ensure the future of Rome and Democracy itself. This is 21st century politics wrapped in a 63 BC toga.

Readers familiar with the history and life of Cicero will recognise key historical characters and events such as the Catalinian conspiracy. I am often critical of historical novels that give up plot for the sake of historical accuracy or vice versa. No such chance with Harris, as he has struck a balance between these two facets. I am cautious of slipping into hyperbole about this novel; if I have, it is fully deserved. Lustrum is one of the smartest and most intelligently crafted novels I have read in a long time.