Pompeii is a story that checks all the boxes of a classic adventure fiction novel and belongs to one of my favorite genres: historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of the infamous Mt. Vesuvius volcanic eruption in 79 AD, Robert Harris weaves a masterful tale that brings together fictional and historical characters, incorporating drama, humor, deceit, lust for power, revenge, love, jealousy, and, most importantly, the spirit of human resilience against all odds.

The story revolves around four central characters: Marcus Attilius, the aquarius of the Aqua Augusta; Pliny the Elder, the historian; the corrupt and conniving Ampliatus, the central antagonist; and Corelia, his rebellious daughter. The narration neatly flicks back and forth between their points of view, giving us insight into the characters' minds, their motivations, and their vividly portrayed emotional states.

The story starts off slowly, with several loose ends and unanswered questions. Where did the previous aquarius disappear? Why were the aqueducts drying up? Why was there sulphur mixed in the water? How did Ampliatus, a former slave, become the shadow ruler of Pompeii? The author peels back layer after layer as we delve deeper into the story, and before long, it becomes unputdownable, with each mini-cliffhanger ending making the next chapter a page-turner. The vivid descriptions of Misenum, Pompeii, and other historical towns and cities, along with the life and times of people in ancient Italy, transport the reader immediately to that era. This is one of the key strengths of the book. As we uncover the sinister plot and discover how everything ties into the impending volcanic eruption, we are fully prepared to witness the spectacle of the eruption itself.

What makes the story so relatable, despite being set 2,000 years ago, is the everyday nature of its characters and their thought processes, which feel immediately familiar. When the volcanic eruption finally happens, the panic, fear for survival, and bravery displayed by various individuals stand out. The author also delivers a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the stories of the different characters.

Pompeii is a must-read for all historical fiction enthusiasts and has made me an instant fan of Robert Harris.

Also published here.