Pompeii by Robert Harris

I wanted to read this book because I've been to Pompeii. I am familiar with a lot of the buildings and walked on their mosaic floors. For the most part it is about the workings of the water system, the aqueduct. In modern terms we would say it is about a bunch of plumbers trying to fix a watermain. We are mesmerized by the story of Pompeii and tend to forget that it is a town of ordinary people, going about their business, confronted by greed, lust and murder. It provides us with great insight into the lives of the Roman citizens especially the rich. The mention of historical figures brings a realistic touch to the story.