This book tells the story of Queen Cleopatra VII, who was the last ruler of Egypt before it became a Roman province. Forget everything you think you know about Cleoparta, because chances are, its a myth. George has clearly done her homework; she brings to life the characters and the majestic city of Alexandria in a way that makes the reader feel as though they are apart of Cleopatra's world. She tells a story full of romance, passion, hope, betrayal, power, joy, and tragedy. The reader quickly sees that George's Cleopatra isn't the wicked, seductive queen that the Romans imagined her to be, but a intelligent, confident, and determined ruler.

This type of book is for either the serious ancient history buff, historical fiction readers, readers who enjoy political (especially dynastic) drama, and possibly even historical romance readers, what with Cleopatra's relationships with the great generals Julius Caesar and Marc Antony.

this is my absolute, all-time favorite book, but if I had to narrow it down, I'd say that this book's best features are the storyline and the characters, both of which are derived from actual history.

The only drawback to this book is that it is almost 1,000 pages long, so at times I grew frustrated trying to reach the end. But at the same time, I didn't want it end, because it was such a fantastic book. However, I don't recommend this book to people who don't have a lot of time on their hands.

When I finished this book I wanted to tell the world about it. It changed my life, opening my eyes to a new type of genre, and it kindled a passion in me for history. I wanted to tell everyone I knew to get this book, even the dog, who can't read!

This book made me experience a number of emotions. I was happy, sad, angry, and altogether spellbound; George had written this book so well that I felt like I had made friends with the characters, especially Cleopatra.

Is fantastic. She must have spent years working on this book. But it was worth it. She has also written The Autobiography of King Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles, both of which are also long reads that I eventually plan to get to.

I had fun while learning! I know that sounds corny, but after having read this book, I know a lot more about Cleopatra and the end of the Hellenistic era than someone who hasn't read this book or studied history.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of The Memoirs of Cleopatra: A Novel   from Amazon.Com!

Created May 18, 2010 at 11:44am • Submit your own review...