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cosymidlifebooknook 's review for:
Cleopatra: Know her. Love her. Fear her. Meet the real woman behind the myth
by Natasha Solomons
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
💬 My Bookish Thoughts
Wow, wow, wow. I've been fascinated by Egypt and Cleopatra ever since my nan introduced me to the Elizabeth Taylor film (though I’ve never managed to watch it all — old movies relax me so much I always fall asleep! 😴)
But back to the book. I was completely absorbed by the story of young Cleopatra and her complicated relationships with her family and Julius Caesar. Natasha Solomons brings her vividly to life — an intelligent, bold, and charismatic young woman cast into a dangerous world of politics, betrayal, and power.
The novel paints Cleopatra not just as a queen, but as a strategist, a survivor, and a woman with a vision — far more complex than I’ve ever seen her portrayed on screen.
I especially loved her relationships with Charmian and Apollodorus, who are so much more than servants to her. And Caesar’s mistress Servilia provides a brilliant counterpoint, adding another female voice to the turbulent clash of Egypt and Rome.
I won’t spoil the point the novel ends on, but I will say this: I’m crossing everything for a sequel. Natasha, if you’re reading this — please!
I read a digital proof, but the hardback cover is absolutely stunning — I’ll be treating myself to a special edition soon.
If you love historical fiction and powerful female leads, buy this book. It’s become one of my all-time favourites and I’ll be recommending it to everyone.
CW/TW: Themes include death, murder, miscarriage, and incest.
🙏🏼 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @bonnierbooks_uk and @natashasolomons for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wow, wow, wow. I've been fascinated by Egypt and Cleopatra ever since my nan introduced me to the Elizabeth Taylor film (though I’ve never managed to watch it all — old movies relax me so much I always fall asleep! 😴)
But back to the book. I was completely absorbed by the story of young Cleopatra and her complicated relationships with her family and Julius Caesar. Natasha Solomons brings her vividly to life — an intelligent, bold, and charismatic young woman cast into a dangerous world of politics, betrayal, and power.
The novel paints Cleopatra not just as a queen, but as a strategist, a survivor, and a woman with a vision — far more complex than I’ve ever seen her portrayed on screen.
I especially loved her relationships with Charmian and Apollodorus, who are so much more than servants to her. And Caesar’s mistress Servilia provides a brilliant counterpoint, adding another female voice to the turbulent clash of Egypt and Rome.
I won’t spoil the point the novel ends on, but I will say this: I’m crossing everything for a sequel. Natasha, if you’re reading this — please!
I read a digital proof, but the hardback cover is absolutely stunning — I’ll be treating myself to a special edition soon.
If you love historical fiction and powerful female leads, buy this book. It’s become one of my all-time favourites and I’ll be recommending it to everyone.
CW/TW: Themes include death, murder, miscarriage, and incest.
🙏🏼 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @bonnierbooks_uk and @natashasolomons for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Incest