Conclave

I just realised I forgot to write about Robert Harris's novel Conclave, which I finished about a week ago! I borrowed it from my daughter and gave it back to her when I'd finished reading it, so it vanished from my various book piles -- it's out of sight, out of mind, with me. My younger daughter saw a preview of the recent film, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini, and then took me to see it because she thought I'd enjoy it, which I did.

The film is mostly faithful to the novel, which follows a straightforward timeline. There are several likely candidates for the role of new pope, but as the conclave proceeds over several days, one by one doubts arise about the integrity or suitability of each frontrunner. The outside world intrudes by means of a terrorist attack nearby; Dean Lomeli (Lawrence in the film) is racked with his own crisis of faith and dabbles in a little detective work. When the last vote is taken, everyone is happy with the final decision -- but there is one more mighty twist to come...

Conclave is a highly readable, engaging glimpse into a world that most of us know little about, with its arcane rituals, shameful secrets and strange leadership role in an increasingly secular world. It was an undemanding read (it was my daughter's 'tram book') but a very enjoyable one, even though I already knew what was going to happen!