Read as part of CBR16 Bingo: detente. A cardinal attempts to keep peace while the church world is suspended over who will be the next Pope, despite shenanigans happening on the side. Also, shoutout to Spencer Hall, whose tweet eleven years ago still makes me laugh and is the title for this review.
When I saw the trailer for Conclave, I knew I would be reading the book it was based on no matter what. I have mixed feelings on Robert Harris’ books but they are exceedingly readable.
Basically, when I’m reading this kind of religious fiction, I’m looking to see how respectful they are of people who practice. I have no problem with criticisms of the institutions, the zealots, the unfortunate power the church has in State and what it does with said power. Those are all fair game. But as a pastor who makes it a point to respect and admire people of all faiths and none, I like examining folks who try to take this seriously, even if they are imperfect.
To that end, I loved Cardinal Lomeli’s character — and I love it even more that the empathetic Stanley Tucci will be playing him. Seeing everything unfold through his eyes as he goes about his day with faith in God but struggles with faith in the church and his place in the world made my investment in this otherwise familiar tale of suspense deeper than it otherwise would have been.
With all that in mind, it worked well enough for me even if it’s your standard issue thriller, though significantly better and well considered than Dan Brown’s take on a papal conclave.
The ending…there are small hints but I can guarantee that most of you won’t see coming. I know all the tricks of these kinds of thrillers and I was still relatively surprised. It’s great. And I’m excited to see how it will be adapted on screen.