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4 "solid, carefully layered, quietly thrilling" stars !!

Update November 2024: This past weekend we went to see this film based on this really excellent four star book and in a nutshell it was okayish. I would rate it a 2.7 ...somewhere between average and good. There were some really good scenes but overall felt flat and lacked the depth and complexity that I had hoped for. The actors did not really get a chance to shine and act out their inner turmoil. No regrets seeing the film but the book is leagues better....

Book review:

We have all of Mr. Robert Harris' novels and I have read none of them. When I saw this in the bookstore, however, I just had to have it. I was allowed to buy it on the condition that I start reading it within two weeks of purchase. I live with a tyrant but a sweet and generous one :)

After reading this novel I will be certain to read all his others as Mr. Harris is an excellent and subtle storyteller. He has done meticulous research on the traditions and laws of Roman Catholic Conclave and created an exciting and compelling story of a fictionalized account in the near future.

Among my agnostic friends and friends that are ex-Catholics they questioned my desire to read this novel. I am not Catholic but have learned an awful lot from wise clergy, compassionate nuns and monks and have been moved spiritually when attending Old Rites services. I have also witnessed the great social justice work that is done by liberation theologians and practitioners in Latin America. This is not to say that great evil has not been perpetuated by this huge institution including widespread childhood sexual abuse and the oppression of women, sexual minorities and other faiths. I digress ( as usual) and will start with a quote from the book:

" Bless you, Sister, for your generosity. I believe my heart is pure. But how can any one of say for sure why we act as we do? In my experience, the basest sins are often committed for the highest motives. "

This book follows Lomelli a cardinal who has the task of facilitating Conclave as the Dean of Cardinals. We follow his investigations into corruption, secrets, his spiritual struggles and the reflection of his own conscience as he navigates mystery upon mystery of this compelling novel.

Mr. Harris has great skill in painting portraits with very little information and only a few colors to create realistic dialogue, fascinating tension and the formation of alliances and the development of schisms.

Mr. Harris does not weigh us down with too much detail but enough to get a crystal clear picture of procedure, strategy and ambience. He understands politics, human psychology and the struggle of the spirit.

A wonderful and thrilling read. I look forward to your Roman trilogy Mr. Harris !!