POMPEII

POMPEII : Robert Harris: Random House: 2003: Fiction 278 pages

I love it when I can learn and be entertained by a book at the same time. Such is the case with Pompeii by Robert Harris. Streams are drying up, the massive Aqua Augusta aqueduct which supplies fresh water to a quarter of a million people isn’t flowing properly, the fish in the villa ponds are dying, wisps of sulfur are floating in the air, earth tremors are increasing, all signs things are not right with Mt. Vesuvius. The general public chooses to ignore and even poo-poo these events. However, Marius Primus Attilious, newly placed in charge of the 60 mile aqueduct (his predecessor has mysteriously disappeared), is extremely concerned. This novel is presented through the eyes of the engineer Attilious. Details of the culture from the pleasure seeking rich to the mistreated slaves, the intricate workings of the aqueduct, historical insights, power, corruption, and even a bit of romance make this novel an entertainingly fascinating read. There is minimal implied sexual content and a scattering of language. John Lee’s voice compliments the Book on Tape audio version.

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