Interview: Robert Harris, Conclave

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Interview: Robert Harris, Conclave – A Deep Dive into Papal Politics

Hey everyone! So, I recently had the chance to – virtually, of course – chat with Robert Harris, the author behind the utterly gripping Conclave. This book, guys, it's a real page-turner. Seriously, I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that keeps you guessing until the very last page. I mean, who knew papal elections could be so dramatic?

Before we get into the interview itself, let's talk about why I even cared to read this book. I'm not exactly a huge history buff – okay, maybe a tiny bit – and I definitely wasn't all that familiar with the intricacies of papal elections. But the premise, man, it hooked me. The sheer power, the intrigue, the possibility of uncovering some major secrets... I was in.

The book itself is a masterclass in suspense. Harris really paints a vivid picture of the Vatican, the personalities, and the power struggles. He does an amazing job of pulling you into this world of secrecy and high-stakes decision-making. I'll admit, there were moments I was totally lost – especially when the discussion got into deep theological stuff – but honestly, it didn't matter. The story was so engaging I just went with the flow. And I learned a thing or two along the way, which is always a plus, right?

My Biggest Takeaway: Understanding the Conclave Process

One of the things I really appreciated about Harris's book, and something he expanded on during our interview, was how he explained the conclave process in a way that was both informative and engaging. I mean, I had no idea how complicated it actually is. All those cardinals, the voting, the secrecy… it's a whole different level of political maneuvering than anything I'd ever encountered.

Harris explained that the historical accuracy was incredibly important to him, and he went to great lengths to research the process, reading tons of books and even speaking with experts. That level of dedication shows in the novel. This isn't some fluffy historical fiction; it’s meticulously researched and compelling. He even mentioned using primary sources – wow!– which added to the authenticity.

The Interview: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Getting to talk to Robert Harris himself was a total highlight. He was incredibly humble and insightful. During our conversation, he emphasized his belief that the book's true strength lies in its exploration of human nature under pressure, and he couldn't have been more spot-on. It's not just about the election; it's about the personalities of these powerful men and the clash of their ambitions.

He dropped some pretty interesting insights about his writing process. For example, he talked about the importance of creating believable characters, even if they are based on historical figures. He said you have to get inside their heads and try to understand their motivations. I personally found his discussion of balancing historical accuracy with narrative drive extremely insightful. He mentioned he often had to make creative decisions to ensure the story flowed smoothly whilst maintaining the integrity of the historical context.

My biggest oops moment? I asked him a question about a specific detail from the book that, in hindsight, was completely explained earlier in the novel! I felt like such a dork! But he was super gracious about it, which I appreciated.

Tips for Reading Conclave:

• Read the Author's Note: Seriously, do it. It gives important background information and context.
• Don't worry about understanding every theological detail: Just go with the flow of the story. The human drama is the main event.
• Pay attention to the characters: Harris does a fantastic job of creating complex and compelling characters.
• Take your time: It's a dense read, so savor it.

Overall, my experience with Conclave and the subsequent interview with Robert Harris was simply fantastic. It was a journey of discovery, a lesson in historical fiction, and a reminder that even seemingly dry subjects can be made incredibly compelling with the right narrative. I highly recommend you give it a read! You won't regret it. You will, however, probably spend a few days thinking about the complexities of papal elections, which, in itself, isn't a bad thing. Let me know what you think if you end up reading it!