This is a novel about Cleopatra, as you’ll have already guessed from the title and cover! Beginning with a visit to Rome with her father – the first time Cleopatra, then thirteen, has ever left Egypt – and ending just after the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, it’s a retelling of the life of one of history’s most famous women.
Although I love history and historical fiction, Cleopatra is not one of the historical figures I have a particular interest in and I haven’t read a lot of factual information about her. This means I can’t really comment on the accuracy of the book or how the choices Solomons makes on what to cover or not cover compare with choices made by other authors. Purely as a work of fiction, I found it quite enjoyable, especially the parts of the book dealing with Cleopatra’s personal life – her friendship with her beloved servant, Charmian; the development of her relationship with Caesar; and the birth of her son, Caesarion (depicted here as Caesar’s child). Solomons also delves into the politics of the period, the shifting allegiances and power struggles and the changing dynamics between Egypt and Rome. I found some of this a bit difficult to follow and I think including dates at the start of the chapters may have helped me keep track of the passing of time.
The novel is narrated mainly by Cleopatra herself, which allows us a lot of insight into what she is like as a mother, lover, sister and friend. However, there are also some chapters narrated by another woman: Servilia, sister of Cato the Younger and a mistress of Caesar’s (as well as the mother of his eventual assassin, Brutus). There weren’t enough of these chapters for me to fully connect with Servilia on an emotional level, but seeing things from her point of view did provide a very different (and more negative) impression of Cleopatra. I can understand why Solomons chose Servilia, but it would have been interesting if she had also written from other perspectives such as Charmian’s or maybe one of Cleopatra’s brothers and sisters.
The novel ends soon after Caesar’s death, leaving a lot of Cleopatra’s story still untold – her relationship with Mark Antony and the events leading to her suicide, for example. I haven’t seen any indication that there’s going to be a sequel, but there would definitely be enough material for one. Maybe Natasha Solomons will move on to something else for her next book, though; her previous work has included a novel narrated by the Mona Lisa, a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, and a saga about a wealthy banking family, so clearly she likes to write about a wide range of topics and characters!
Thanks to Manilla Press for providing a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
She Reads Novels 
Cool. As you know I’m always on the look-out for ancient world novels that at least push at the boundaries of the Greco-Roman world. Adding to ‘The List’.
It’s always funny that Cleo was the last queen of Egypt but was in fact the 7th of her name. Most of the rest are forgotten – overshadowed by the one we know from Caesar & Anthony, Shakespeare plays & countless movies!
I actually picked up a few books on her & her family tree recently if you’re interested:
The Cleopatras – The Forgotten Queens of Egypt by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Cleopatra – The Queen who Challenged Rome and Conquered Eternity by Alberto Angela.
I’m sure a lot of people don’t realise there were so many Cleopatras as the others never really get mentioned! I would like to read some more non-fiction about her, so I’ll definitely consider those two books – thanks!
It’s ONE of the most confusing things about the ancient world – the commonality of names. Then again, in English history, most of *our* monarchs are either Henry or Edward…. [grin]
Colleen McCullough has a Rome series, with the last installment being on Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Margaret George, I believe, also has a book on her. I haven’t read either so I can’t recommend them but they are highly rated in consumer sites.
I’ve often thought about reading the Colleen McCullough series, but still haven’t got round to it! I’ve enjoyed some of Margaret George’s other books, so I would like to read the Cleopatra one too.
This sounds very interesting! I have a few books on Cleopatra that I still need to read on my shelves ‘Cleopatra’s shadows’ and ‘Cleopatra and Julius’ for example.
There are so many books about Cleopatra! I haven’t read either of the two you’ve mentioned.
Cleopatra is a woman who has certainly fascinated many people throughout history. I wonder what she was really like.
Yes, she must have been a fascinating woman!
I quite fancy an ancient history novel that isn’t set in the Greco-Roman empires!
I’ve read surprisingly few books about ancient Egypt. It’s not a setting I’m drawn to very often but it’s always fascinating!
I was one of those kids who was obsessed with ancient Egypt (and dinosaurs, and the solar system) so I’m keen!
I am tempted by this one as I did enjoy a couple of this authors earlier books! Not sure if I will get to it any time soon though.
Thanks for sharing your review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge