The Memoirs of Cleopatra

Another fascinating historical read from Margaret George. This novel was written in the same vein as Henry VIII; an attempt to show Cleopatra's side of the story. This time the information comes from a series of scrolls in which Cleopatra attempts to write down as much of her life story as she can before she dies. The scrolls are left to a trusted friend who adds a last scroll to detail the immediate aftermath of the queen's death.


Young Cleopatra manages to survive the treachery of her family (the Ptolemys were definitely not the Waltons), allies herself with Julius Caesar to regain her throne and to save Egypt, and begins an affair with Caesar. In her spare time she manages to find excellent advisers and government ministers and builds the empire of Egypt into a secure and very wealthy kingdom.

After Caesar's death, she once again picks a strong Roman as her partner; this time it is Marc Anthony. Unfortunately, Marc Anthony doesn't have Caesar's power or Cleopatra's insight into the minds of the power hungry. And we all remember from history class what happens next - get back to class if you don't!

The only problem I had with this book is that I thought the ending dragged out a little too long, but maybe that's because I knew how it would end. Or maybe it was because I already have my next Margaret George book on the coffee table and can't wait to get started.

All three pets were disappointed in this book. You see, they read up on Egyptian customs and were pretty psyched about two particular aspects of ancient Egyptian culture: the cat loved the whole "cats are sacred" bit, and the dogs liked the idea of a person being buried with their belongings, slaves, and favorite animals (easier to herd a cat in an enclosed space). However, the novel did not include cat worship or animal entombment so the dogs are shredding the book for the cat to use in her litter.