Dictator by Robert Harris review – a flawed but thrilling finale

It may show a superficial command of the facts, but this tale of Cicero’s demise makes a sensational political thriller

Robert Harris was an influential journalist and BBC reporter before he turned to writing fiction. His close friends have included Peter Mandelson and Roy Jenkins, and most of his ancient Roman politicians resemble figures in contemporary British politics. He has a pitch-perfect ear for class snobbery, hypocrisy, parliamentary posturing and bluster. His best episodes bring crucial behind-the-scenes moments in Roman political skulduggery to colourful life. He writes with swaggering confidence.

Dictator is his ninth historical novel. It is also the third novel in a trilogy set in the mid-first century BC, centring on the Roman orator Cicero. The trilogy is narrated by Cicero’s slave and secretary, Tiro, the inventor of our modern system of shorthand, whom Cicero rewarded with emancipation.

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