"An incredible fictional biography"
The young Kleopatra shows her intelligence at an early
age in spite of growing up in the decadent court of her
pitiful father Ptolemy. Her half-brother hates her out of
jealousy for her Machiavellian skills (is that an
anachronism?) and with the help of her lover Archimedes she
raises an army to help her attain the throne she desires.
However, Kleopatra's obvious intelligence and abilities
fail to keep her from exile as the Romans rule the world,
but she plans to conquer Julius Caesar (see the next
volume). This is an incredible fictional biography that contains
a fantastic look at Ancient Egypt and Rome using historical
tidbits to tell the story of Cleopatra, the early years.
The novel turns a legend into a person while concentrating
on the heroine's adventures, political machinations, and
the classical Greek culture that she wants to emulate.
Fans of Ancient historical tales and Cleopatra will want to
read this book, the upcoming sequel (the Caesar-Anthony
years of her life) and Colin Falconer's WHEN WE WERE GODS
as a companion piece. Ms. Essex capitalizes the H in
historical as she provides a rich textured, fast-paced tale
that should lead to the latest Egyptology boom. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted August 3, 2001
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