A review by hey_whatsoever
Conclave by Robert Harris

dark hopeful reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I’ve tried to read this book before and couldn’t get into it, but with the actual Conclave happening following the death of Pope Francis, I gave it another go. My intention was to read it while conclave was happening to understand the process. However I am a slow reader and Pope Leo had long been rejected by the time I finished the book. 

I really enjoyed this. It was a slow burner for the first 2/3 or so, but I enjoyed the slow drip drip of plot and character development. Then around 3/4 of the way through, the action became pacier. 

I didn’t guess any of the twists, and there were no neat tying of all the loose ends but the book was better for it. 

I’ve read several Robert Harris books and I rate this as highly as Ghost, my previous favourite of his. 
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