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majasmine02's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This isn’t usually the type of book I would go for but it surprised me at every turn. It’s a detailed discussion of the place the Church plays in a modern world- full of dicussion of the factions within the Church and how the institution struggles to stay afloat. While there were too many characters for me to completely keep track of, they all represented a clearly defined faction and facilitated that discussion. It is however, important to note that some of these factions representations rely on somewhat harmful stereotypes. Despite this, I do feel that it does an all around good job of presenting this narrative. The story kept me engaged throughout and, once I got into it, I really struggled to put this book down. It’s a unique and strangely emotional story that is masterfully crafted.
frunge's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
duparker's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I liked the modern end twist, the clearly researched approach and the tight storytelling. The characters were different and at the same time visible in a diverse church community. Good beach read.
surfinddog's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this book up from a community book sale on a whim as the story and back synopsis intrigued me. This book was a whirl of fun and is one of the best mystery books I have ever read. It usually takes me a few days or weeks to finish a book but I finished this book in one day as I just could not put it down. I needed to know the answer to the mystery. I have not read any of the other works by Robert Harris but this book sets a high precedent for quality stories.
If you have the time for a quick mystery about the Catholic church and how papal elections work then do yourself a favor and read this.
If you have the time for a quick mystery about the Catholic church and how papal elections work then do yourself a favor and read this.
sil_the_lobster's review against another edition
5.0
A lot's been said about this book already so let me just say that I found it brilliant. As in, brilliant. Well written, well paced, fantastic insight into the oddly ancient rituals...and all without car chases and guns being fired. (Although there is an incident towards the end of the book but it doesn't yank the story onto an action-y lane.)
Unfortunately I stumbled across a review that contained a massive spoiler and gave away the new pope plus his secret - thanks for that, a**hole!!!!
However, I still liked the book and I liked how Harris chose to approach the end. I didn't find it rushed at all (as opposed to other reviewers) and tbh, I quite liked the pragmatic approach and quiet acceptance. So refreshing amongst all the drama and angst that's so very en vogue.
Yes, I much, much enjoyed this. Five out of five stars.
Unfortunately I stumbled across a review that contained a massive spoiler and gave away the new pope plus his secret - thanks for that, a**hole!!!!
However, I still liked the book and I liked how Harris chose to approach the end. I didn't find it rushed at all (as opposed to other reviewers) and tbh, I quite liked the pragmatic approach and quiet acceptance. So refreshing amongst all the drama and angst that's so very en vogue.
Yes, I much, much enjoyed this. Five out of five stars.
_balexis's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
greybeard49's review against another edition
4.0
Have read all of Harris's books and there is no one better at writing literary and absorbing thrillers. Most centre around political (small and large caps) manouverings in really interesting contexts and are cleverly set up and superbly realised. I read the advertising material for this book and must admit that the context did not enthuse. Religion is of little interest.
However rating Harris as I do I persevered and was rewarded for doing so. The book was superb. One reservation - Harris's final revelation I thought far fetched and unnecessary. I understand his reason for including it. An ironic and shocking counterpunch aimed at the current attitude of the Catholic hierarchy to gender equality within it's own organisation. I did, however, think it stretched credibility of the plot too far. Overall an excellent book.
However rating Harris as I do I persevered and was rewarded for doing so. The book was superb. One reservation - Harris's final revelation I thought far fetched and unnecessary. I understand his reason for including it. An ironic and shocking counterpunch aimed at the current attitude of the Catholic hierarchy to gender equality within it's own organisation. I did, however, think it stretched credibility of the plot too far. Overall an excellent book.
jenniferstringer's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Decent page-turner, but thought the denouement was a little hokey.