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“And, as with sleep, the more one desired meaningful prayer, the more elusive it became.��

UPDATE: 12-10-24 �� See thoughts below.

I was reading an article about books turned into movies, especially those that are coming out now, that got me interested in reading this book. The movie of the same name was just released this week…October 24, 2024.

What I have since learned is that this author has had several of his books adapted to film. So, I am now somewhat curious about his other books, too.

This book imagines the secret process involved in selecting a new Pope after the last Pope died. The book, and conclave (gathering of/private meeting �� Hence: the title of the book), takes place over a 72-hour period. It gives readers insights into the various characters involved in the process/vote that are being considered for this prestigious position.

The story is led by our main character, Cardinal Lomeli, the dean of the College of Cardinals who administers the vote. He is also considered for this esteemed position, along with 3 other contenders. What kind of negotiation will go on? Who really is worthy of the position?

But to complicate matters, one of the considered ones was secretly being investigated by the previous Pope. Why? Cardinal Lomeli begins to quietly investigate, too. What will he discover �� and could it affect the outcome of the vote?

Harris does an amazing job of providing procedural and historical detail to the process of selection which adds to the tension experienced as readers turn pages.

But what of the end? How will readers feel when they get there? As smart and as gripping as this read was, this ending felt stilted. Other than that, it truly was an unputdownable read.

UPDATE: Thoughts on movie�� I just had the opportunity to watch the movie with my husband and found the acting brilliant. The movie also followed the book rather closely, and handled the ending rather compassionately. Does the movie ending make me feel differently about the book ending? No comment. I don’t want to spoil anybody’s experience with this book. I think both are worth experiencing.

4.5 stars rounded down because of ending.