Genre: Historical Fiction/Crossover YA Historical FictionCopyright: 2009
Pages: 414
Rating:
Michelle Moran has written another explosive novel that will redefine the way you see the story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra - through the eyes of their children. When a book begins with the kind of explosive bang that kick-starts Cleopatra's Daughter it really does setup a promise to the reader that they will be in for one heck of a read. For me, this was a promise that the author well and truly fulfilled.
This book felt so meticulously researched and is full of so much historical detail that in the hands of a less skill full writer, it could've been overwhelming. However, Michelle Moran weaves this information like a master, submerging you in Rome until you feel like you're really there (*cliche but it's true - I promise*). Because the author has chosen a protagonist (Selene) who is herself an outsider, it really does allow the reader to slip easily into her skin and view Rome with the horror and bewilderment of a foreigner.
Cleopatra's Daughter strings you from one scene to the next with suspense and fascination by the use of a few key plots. The suspense of the Red Eagle will have you guessing and speculating about the identity and fate of this brave rebel. I did not guess who it was right up until the moment it was revealed! So not only will you be wondering if Selene and Alexander will survive, you also spend a great deal of the novel questioning the fate of the courageous Red Eagle.
There were quite a few points in this novel that had me choked up with emotion (if you've read the book, I'm thinking of a very powerful scene featuring the trial of a young slave girl). I finished this book thinking that I am so very,very lucky to be born a free woman in the 21st century. While I loved visiting Ancient Rome with Cleopatra's Daughter, the reality is that I would never have wanted to be born in that time. It's in reading a book like this that you realise as women, how far we've actually come. I loved that this novel gave me a deeper appreciation of my life; it allowed me to celebrate the courage of Selene to face life and love in those turbulent times.
This book felt so meticulously researched and is full of so much historical detail that in the hands of a less skill full writer, it could've been overwhelming. However, Michelle Moran weaves this information like a master, submerging you in Rome until you feel like you're really there (*cliche but it's true - I promise*). Because the author has chosen a protagonist (Selene) who is herself an outsider, it really does allow the reader to slip easily into her skin and view Rome with the horror and bewilderment of a foreigner.
Cleopatra's Daughter strings you from one scene to the next with suspense and fascination by the use of a few key plots. The suspense of the Red Eagle will have you guessing and speculating about the identity and fate of this brave rebel. I did not guess who it was right up until the moment it was revealed! So not only will you be wondering if Selene and Alexander will survive, you also spend a great deal of the novel questioning the fate of the courageous Red Eagle.
There were quite a few points in this novel that had me choked up with emotion (if you've read the book, I'm thinking of a very powerful scene featuring the trial of a young slave girl). I finished this book thinking that I am so very,very lucky to be born a free woman in the 21st century. While I loved visiting Ancient Rome with Cleopatra's Daughter, the reality is that I would never have wanted to be born in that time. It's in reading a book like this that you realise as women, how far we've actually come. I loved that this novel gave me a deeper appreciation of my life; it allowed me to celebrate the courage of Selene to face life and love in those turbulent times.
All in all, this is a novel that discusses some very heavy themes but still manages to be hopeful and thoroughly entertaining. I agree with marketing this book also as a YA - I would definitely recommend it to teens and adults alike. The other great part about Cleopatra's Daughter is that Michelle Moran's website has a visual glossary of terms and items frequently referred to in the book. She's literally provided a historical reference to help your imagination recreate this time and place!
Honestly, Michelle Moran is one of my all-time favourite authors and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who thinks they even have a 'slight' interest in Anceint Rome.
Honestly, Michelle Moran is one of my all-time favourite authors and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who thinks they even have a 'slight' interest in Anceint Rome.
Visit Annie @ her blog Reading, Writing & Ranting
I completely agree with your review Annie! Love your review!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the story does subemerg "you in Rome until you feel like you're really there". And the story does this amazingly well.
Great review. I am so excited to read this book. I can't wait to be transported to another time!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review Annie. You've made me that much more excited to read this =) Thank you!
ReplyDelete