Title: Cleopatra’s Daughter
Author: Michelle Moran
First published September 15, 2009
429 pages, Paperback
Rating: 4.11
Overview
As the sun sets on the Egyptian empire, a princess is ripped from her homeland and taken as a prisoner to the heart of Rome. Selene is left with nothing but the memories of her once-great country and the comfort of her twin brother, Alexander.
In a foreign city where tyranny reigns, they learn to adapt to their new Roman lifestyle, hoping to catch the eye of Caesar and find a way to return home. Selene uses her artistic talents to keep herself afloat, but when she meets the charming heir to the empire, she struggles to keep her focus.
As whispers of a liberation movement grow louder, Selene and Alexander find themselves caught in the crosshairs of the dangerous “Red Eagle”. Will they be saved by this mysterious figure or will they meet their demise?
About the Author
Meet Michelle Moran, an accomplished author with an international fanbase. She has written six historical novels, one of which, Madame Tussaud, was even optioned for a mini-series in 2011.
Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, which is no small feat!
Michelle grew up in southern California and attended Pomona College before earning a Masters Degree from the Claremont Graduate University. After working as a public high school teacher for six years, she spent her summers traveling the world.
Her time volunteering on archaeological digs inspired her to begin writing historical fiction.
Michelle’s recent marriage in India inspired her seventh book, Rebel Queen, which is set in the East. When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring archaeology.
She’s particularly intrigued by archaeogenetics, especially since her children’s heritages are so diverse. Despite her many interests, Michelle’s greatest passion is reading, and she can often be found engrossed in a good book.
She loves to travel and currently resides in the US with her husband and two children.
Editoral Review
Michelle Moran’s historical fiction novel, Cleopatra’s Daughter, takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of ancient Rome and Egypt. Published on September 15, 2009, this book presents a unique perspective on the aftermath of the legendary queen’s death and the fate of her children.
Moran is an experienced author of historical fiction, having written several other acclaimed novels including Madame Tussaud and Nefertiti, and her expertise is evident in the vivid descriptions and meticulous research that bring the past to life.
The novel follows the life of Cleopatra’s daughter, Selene, who is taken captive by Octavian after her mother’s death. Along with her twin brother, Alexander, Selene is brought to Rome as a prisoner of war, where she must navigate the dangerous political landscape of the city and find a way to survive.
The story is set against the backdrop of the first century BC, a time of great turmoil and upheaval in Rome, as the city transitions from a republic to an empire.
Moran’s writing style is rich and engaging, with a strong sense of place and time that transports readers to ancient Rome and Egypt. The characters are well-drawn and complex, with Selene in particular standing out as a strong and compelling protagonist.
Moran skillfully weaves together historical fact and fiction, creating a seamless narrative that is both entertaining and informative.
One of the strengths of Cleopatra’s Daughter is the way in which it sheds light on a little-known chapter in ancient history. While Cleopatra is a well-known figure, her children are often overlooked in popular accounts of her life.
Moran’s novel provides a fresh perspective on this fascinating period, illuminating the experiences of those who were caught up in the aftermath of Cleopatra’s downfall.
However, the book does have some weaknesses. The pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the extensive historical detail overwhelming.
Additionally, the ending feels somewhat rushed and unsatisfying, leaving some loose ends unresolved.
Despite these flaws, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a compelling and worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction. It offers a unique and nuanced perspective on a fascinating period in ancient history, with well-drawn characters and richly detailed settings.
Those with an interest in ancient Rome and Egypt will find much to enjoy in this novel.
Overall, I would highly recommend Cleopatra’s Daughter for readers who enjoy historical fiction and are looking for a fresh take on this period in history. While it may not be perfect, it is a well-crafted and engaging novel that is sure to delight and entertain.
I would give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
