Book Club was a week late this month due to Good Friday. I have gotten busy and almost forgot to post our latest read. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran was a great book to discuss. I believe Dawn, who chose the book, had read something by Moran in the past and most of us have read some books about Egypt. However, we had a lot to learn!
This book is the story of the young children of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony who are orphaned when their parents each commit suicide upon the defeat of Egypt. Cleopatra Selene, her twin Alexander and younger brother Ptolemy learn that their older brothers have also been killed. As soon as their parents have been placed in their tomb Egypt's conqueror, the Roman Octavius, takes the children back to Rome. Although living in luxury and treated as royalty they are also very unsure of their role in Rome and their fate. They dream of someday being returned to their home in Alexandria.
It was an enjoyable book although there are many characters to keep track of, which is something I don't mind. Our discussion questioned how realistic the main character, Cleopatra Selene, was portrayed. We came to the conclusion that at that time children, especially a child of a Pharaoh, were probably much more mature than our own children at age 11 or 12.
Moran's book has a great deal to offer a reader who is seeking entertainment rather than a short course on Egypt. The notes at the back offered some additional material and a nice glossary. I found that reading this book on my Kindle was very helpful--move the cursor, see the definition.
Moran has a strong following due to her previous novels Nefertiti: A Novel and The Heretic Queen: A Novel. I think you will enjoy Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter.
