Conclave

Title: Conclave

Author: Robert Harris

Published in: 2016

Date read: 3rd January 2025

Score: 5/5

Genre: Thriller, Fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Conclave," published in 2016, is a sophisticated and suspenseful thriller by Robert Harris that takes readers behind the closed doors of the Vatican and into the complex, political, and deeply human process of electing a new Pope.

The story is narrated by Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli, a man of quiet faith and meticulous order who holds the title of Dean of the Sacred College. The novel begins with the death of the reigning Pope, a much-loved and long-serving figure. As the Dean, it is Lomeli's solemn duty to preside over the Conclave, the secret, centuries-old ritual in which the cardinals of the Catholic Church gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose his successor.

The Conclave is a world unto itself—sealed off from the outside world, with strict rules of procedure, ritual, and secrecy. As the cardinals arrive, Lomeli is faced with a diverse group of powerful, ambitious, and often conflicting personalities, each with their own agenda for the future of the Church. The leading candidates for the papacy are:

Cardinal Bellini: An Italian conservative who seems to be the obvious frontrunner.
Cardinal Adeyemi: A charismatic Nigerian progressive, representing the growing power of the Church in the developing world.
Cardinal Tremblay: A determined Canadian with a more modern, liberal vision.
Cardinal Benítez: An austere, traditionalist from Latin America.
The Conclave begins, and the initial rounds of voting produce no clear winner. The narrative becomes a tense psychological drama as the cardinals navigate the backroom deals, shifting alliances, and power struggles. However, the process is thrown into complete disarray by a series of shocking revelations. A fifth, unexpected cardinal arrives, a man whose existence was completely unknown to the public and even to most of the Church hierarchy. This mysterious figure, a powerful but deeply reclusive cardinal, threatens to upend the entire election.

Lomeli's investigation uncovers a series of devastating secrets and scandals, each more shocking than the last. He realizes that the Conclave is not just a political battle but a fight for the very soul of the Church. The revelations touch upon corruption, hidden pasts, and a dangerous conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of the Vatican.

The climax is a stunning and unexpected twist. Lomeli, using his wisdom and calm demeanour, must confront the truth and reveal the true identities and motives of those involved. "Conclave" is a masterful suspense novel that provides a fascinating and plausible look at the inner workings of one of the world's most secretive institutions, all while delivering a truly gripping mystery.

Comments:
This is the first book that I have read by Robert Harris and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I am always captivated by the pomp and tradition of the catholic church and I was not disappointed at all. In the author's notes at the end, you can see the sheer amount of research that he did for this book and it was all worthwhile, I loved it. I have not seen the film version, however, throughout the book, the main character called Cardinal Lomeli always had the voice of David Suchet when he played Poirot. Calm and all-knowing.
I bought this when I saw it on an offer as it was different to the books that I had read most recently, this further affirms that I need to try new books/genres etc because I know that my next one will struggle to impress me this much.

Books that we've read by Robert Harris (1):
Conclave (2016)