A Conspiracy (1972)

An epistolary novel written mostly as correspondence between Tigellinus, the Co-Commander of Emperor Nero's guard, and Paenus, head of the secret police. Tigellinus believes there is conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor and focuses on the literati of Rome as likely conspirators. Seneca and Lucan play major roles and there is much reference to their respective works.

I really liked this one. I didn't expect to because it's so obscure and the ratings aren't that good, but it asks some interesting moral questions and gets you thinking. If you don't already know what happens (as I didn't) it's very suspenseful. Hersey's writing is also accomplished and his phrasing is lyrical.

This would be a good novel for a book report. I'm no expert, but it seems like Hersey tries to be historically accurate (he has a background as a journalist and is is famous for his realistic fiction), there are lots of things to write about, and honestly it's fairly short. ( )

Treads somewhat the same ground as the very recent Imperium, but I would submit this is the better work. A "Conspiracy" of poets and soldiers working to unseat Nero and possibly install Seneca in his place. Told largely through the memorandum of two members of Nero's secret police (Tigellinus and Paenus) as they close in on the "conspirators." No dialogue of any kind, actually. ( )