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Imperium
- Narrated by: Bill Wallis
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
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Imperium
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Summary
When Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually propel his master into one of the most famous courtroom dramas in history.
The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Cicero, a brilliant young lawyer and spellbinding orator, determined to attain imperium - supreme power in the state.This is the starting-point of Robert Harris's most accomplished novel to date.
Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, it takes us inside the violent, treacherous world of Roman politics, to describe how one man - clever, compassionate, devious, vulnerable - fought to reach the top.
Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early - exposing it prematurely to the laughter and scepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible.
That was how it was that night. When Cicero pronounced the word 'consul' he planted it in the ground like a standard for us all to admire. And for a moment we glimpsed the brilliant, starry future through his eyes, and saw that he was right: that if he took down Verres, he had a chance; that he might - just, with luck, go all the way to the summit...'
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What listeners say about Imperium
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 09-01-17
Superb story, utterly superb narration.
Takes you back to the politics of Rome, in a totally captivating story. An enthralling book, which must have been lovingly researched. It's a joy to listen to, as Bill Wallis is brilliant narrating it.
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19 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- ms c stapleton
- 14-08-16
Totally absorbed
I'm not an avid reader of thrillers or historical novels so this was a departure for me, but was a perfect book to use my audible credit on as it was so compelling a listen I couldn't wait to get back to it and listened to the whole book within a week.The writing was excellent, the dialogue believeable and the characters were well drawn.I have ordered the next two although will have a break before listening to enjoy them all the more-
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Megan
- 09-12-15
Immersive story
This is a great listen. It is immersive in the same way as Wolf Hall. The narrator is excellent.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- peacelily
- 02-02-17
Great book!
I was worried that I might find the subject matter boring at times, but I can honestly say that I didn't, for even one moment! The story and characters were captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- charles
- 12-07-16
Inspirium
Inspirium...lol, Cicero was a genius. Humbling to read about. Glad to have happened upon the author
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- doriangrey
- 10-02-20
Magisterial
If you like politics, and political maneuvering, you'll love this. And if you like all things Ancient Roman, you'll love it even more.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 22-01-24
Masterpiece
Absolutely spectacular story. Phenomenally well read by Bill Wallis. Great pacing, humour, and grandeur. Immerse from start to finish.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Swanny
- 23-08-16
Best narrator I've ever had
Absolutely fantastic novel, brilliant storytelling, excellent narration.
Deeply moving, and a fascinating insight into the fall of the Roman Republic.
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16 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Avril Peppard
- 01-05-16
Gripping stuff
Would you consider the audio edition of Imperium to be better than the print version?
I do, because I cannot read with my eyes shut. Bill Wallis is the most amazing reader & once started, I was lost ... it was very difficult to stop listening to it & do stuff.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Imperium?
When Cicero prosecuted Cataline. But then defended another Governor almost as corrupt. The disappointment was terrible.
Have you listened to any of Bill Wallis’s other performances? How does this one compare?
I don't know if I have, but he is the bees knees that's for sure.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Imperium .... Roman Republic rotten to the core. I don't know :D
Any additional comments?
Just that I rarely write reviews, but just had to let ppl know how amazing this book is.
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15 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lee Gallacher
- 24-11-20
First Class
One of my favourite books, superbly read by Bill Wallis. As engaging in audible as it was in print.
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