The Memoirs of Cleopatra: A Novel

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Summary: What was on ABC?
Review: I thought the movie with Liz was bad!!! ABC has a big problem with sticking to the story. This book was wonderful, a real trip back in time. What a joy. ABC ripped it apart! Ms. George should sue! It was nothing but sex farce. Let's see Bill Zane's chest! It was nothing more than that. It was horrible! Not only did they not tell you what happened to her son, He was killed, but it failed to mention the three children she had by Marc Antony. Read the book and when the movie comes out on video...and we know it will..avoid it, nothing but trash. I only mentioned this here in the hope that no one will think the book is like that, it's not. The book is truly a great Novel take it to the beach. WONDERFUL.I waited in great hopes to see this movie, since they announced it in Febuary...only to be disapointed it took everything I had to watch the whole two nights. Two friends of mine who read the book and loved it, both told me about it..watched the first night, were so discusted by it, they didn't watch the second.

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Summary: I always thought of Ancient Africa's inhabitants as black...
Review: It never ceases to amaze me that although we're entering a new millenium, American media is still so RACIST. As the consultant for the ABC miniseries based on this book, George's failed attempt not to "talk down to the readers/audience" (a direct quote from The Hollywood Reporter - 5/21/99) should have extended into revealing Cleopatra as a strong, capable AFRICAN role model. Perhaps this truth could have been an issue in casting the miniseries as well. It's such a shame that as a society we're still unable to appreciate beauty and accomplishment in every color, and shame on you Ms. George for allowing such a distorted view of an AFRICAN queen to hit the shelves for all of our children to see - or did you think that their braids were wigs? The "Cleopatra for the 90's" miniseries should have at the very least cast an Egyptian!

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Summary: This is the best book I've ever read.
Review: I have to say I could not put this book down. This book was so fascinating and so very passionate. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me see Cleopatra as the woman she truly was--smart,intelligent, pretty, determined, ambitous and so very passionate. Not only passionate for her men. She was passionate about her country, her ancestry, her children. She was passionate about everything she believed in and loved. She was an independent woman way, way before her time. Margaret George is a brillant writer. The imagery, the description of Egypt, Rome and other lands was so very detailed and elaborate. I could picture myself there, back in those times. Cleopatra truly was a fascinating woman. As a woman myself, I find she's someone I can admire. This is my #1 book of all time.

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Summary: GOOD - BUT MUCH TOO LONG!
Review: I am not averse to reading long novels. In fact, I am a Michner fan, which says it all about long novels. This book could have been done in about 500 pages, but plodded along for an extra 500. It is rich in detail and tells the story of one of the world's more interesting women. I must admit that I learned things I did not know, but there is a limit as to how much detail is necessary in describing every banquet, every outfit, every sunrise and sunset on the Nile. Enough is enough. I made it to the end and I am not sorry I read the book - just sorry it wasn't shorter.

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Summary: A great book about Cleopatra
Review: This book is great, I really like it, you can find anything you wanna know about Cleopatra life, I really like it, it's preatty interesting

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Summary: Absolutely amazing!
Review: History books barely mention Cleopatra. They only say things like, " Until Caesar met the bewitching Cleopatra." They make no mention of her extraordinary life the joy and the pain that she went through, how regal that she truly was. Her love for her kingdom and her "white" city of Alexandria, was almost like a mothers love for a child. She always put her country first, even before the love of Caesar and Marc Antony. Margaret George is an extraordinary author. My applause to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Summary: Long Live Cleo!
Review: I found George's "Memoirs of Cleopatra" to be a spectacular work and, without question, the work against which all other attempts to fictionalize the Queen's life must be judged. Quite obviously, George has done a stupendous amount of research and, being an Egyptologist, I can vouch for the accuracy of her portrayal of Egypt during the tumultuous time of transition from Ptolemaic to Roman rule. As for the fictional elements, George handles what could be an intimidating task with the grace and insight of a master story-teller. For example, one never has the impression that the rightly mysterious figure of Cleopatra is being exploited for the sake of an entertaining narrative. The plot simmers and boils and stews and thickens--and satisfies at every turn. This is a must for fans of historical fiction, Egyptology,great women of history, or good old fashioned legend. The respect that one must give an ancient woman of Cleopatra's guile, extraordinary intelligence, and ability to survive and thrive in a cutthroat time is fostered by this book. Bravo, Ms. George. Five Big(Shooting!) Stars.

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Summary: Unbelievable detail and a unique perspective
Review: The beginning of the book failed to capture my attention, but after I got through the first few pages, I adored it. It extremely interesting to hear about Cleopatra's affairs with men whom history has immortalized. (However, I was a little bit anxious to see Caesar die and discover how she got involved with Marc Antony.) Also, I was only familiar with accounts that referred to her as unattractive and homely, so this book's presentation of her was quite a surprise. Though the book tends to get a little fuzzy at times, it is full of color and life. George manages to make all the places alive again, even if her characters get somewhat flat. The detail that she goes into is at times surreal, the onyx floors, gem encrusted thrones, the jewelry, the doors with gold inlays, etc. Though the book is quite long (1,000 or so pages) it is most certainly worth your time.

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Summary: A real disappointment!
Review: This plodding tome, belaboured with endless detail, is a testament to Ms. George's research ability but unfortunately, does not translate into a readable work. It was a real let down, as I loved her two previous works and have reread both more than once. I couldn't put those books down, but in this case, I couldn't pick it up! Cleopatra the woman go lost in the detailed descriptions and history. If you're considering buying this book because you loved her other books - think again!

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Summary: I was totally absorbed from page one!
Review: "The Memoirs of Cleopatra" brought the woman behind the legend to life for me. The only shame is knowing how the story has to end and dreading the last word written, because it means having to wait for the next Margaret George novel.