The Memoirs of Cleopatra: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Great insight into one of history's most (in)famous women
Review: Margaret George, with her usual thoroughness, draws the reader into ancient Egyptian society with all it's color, danger and intrigue. A fascinating read for anyone interested in Cleopatra or Egypt in general. While George takes many historical licenses, the overall plot is consistent with fact. Enjoyable from page 1 to the end

Rating:
Summary: Two Thumbs Up for a paddle along the Nile!
Review: Historically right on the mark. Margaret George is meticulous in detail that fills in the gaps for minds that wonder about people and their times. She travels in ancient universes and shares with us her adventures. Well worth your indulgence.

Rating:
Summary: Don't let the length daunt you
Review: This was the first Margaret George novel I read. I loved it. It held me spellbound from the first page, and I had no trouble reading the whole book, and I wished there was more.

I think that George wins big with the subject matter. Cleopatra, as I found out (I had little to no info about her before I started the novel - I hadn't even seen the move "Anthony and Cleopatra"), was a smart, beautiful, and fair ruler. She was obviously drawn to very powerful men, but interestingly they seem weak and flawed compared to her. Anyway, what makes the story so compelling is that it is about a very strong and interesting woman ruler from history, and George tells her story with respect and reverence.

Rating:
Summary: Great Tale
Review: I really enjoyed this book, but was I distracted by one repeated inaccuracy. The author places Cleopatra frequently within the Roman pomerium--a place where no sovereign monarch was permitted. It threw me off, but as always, I enjoyed Margaret George's wonderful writing.

Rating:
Summary: Riveting!
Review: This novel is a compelling work of art and history. Ms. George has clearly done her research and fills in the blanks beautifully. Although this book is based on history, there is never a dull moment from start to finish.

Rating:
Summary: True to Life
Review: As an avid reader I found this to be one of my great accomplishments. This book, though long, gives a first hand experience of the often misunderstood Cleopatra. It tells of her love and loss, life and times, and the world that was changing around her. Read this and fall in love with an unforgettable leading lady.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely amazing!
Review: This book is beyond words. The story is meticulously researched, clearly, and the end result is a book which I have now read three times, and am unable to put down. Yes, it is long, but it is the attention to detail in this book which makes you feel like you are actually there yourself, knowing the characters personally. I was captivated by this story, and I'd recommend it to any Cleopatra/Egypt/Rome fans. Excellent work.

Rating:
Summary: I wish I could've been there!
Review: I loved this book and I will most likely re-read it in the future. Cleopatra is a strong woman and I admire her, completely. I reccomend this book to anyone that has a love for ancient times. Cleopatra took me there. :@)

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read.
First, the author's research of the time and culture in the book is phenomenal; the book is rich with historic detail.
Second, the story, portrayed by everyone from Shakespear, ancient Romans and modern authors, is new, exciting and alive through Cleopatra's eyes. Although it is more than 900 pages, it never fails to capture the excitement of the struggle between Rome and Egypt, the west and the ancient world of the east, and the political geniuses who battle for expansion and control of their world.
Finally, the character portrayals are marvelous. Cleopatra is beautifully and sympathetically drawn - her pride, strength and scheming even when confronted with hopeless situations, her shrewd wisdom as a politician, her love of Egypt, her children and her friends, her turbulent and passionate love affairs with Caesar and Marc Antony, and finally, her pride and courage in her final act are spectacular, making her admirable, almost larger than life, even while her flaws are apparent. Caesar is likewise shown as a brilliant general, a larger than life man and a great lover, yet his vulnerabilities are shown, too, especially his weaknesses and misjudgments as a politician. His love affair with Cleopatra is touching and moving. Marc Antony is well drawn - he is shown as being honorable, admirable, a wonderful father and lover, but with a tragic flaw - he is a weak man who falls under the control of whoever is around him who is stronger - including Octavian and Cleopatra.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone. It is a book to be read and reread.



Rating:
Summary: The Kite Runner
Review: In this engrossing book of fiction by Khaled Hosseini, the narrator tells the story of his youth in Afghanastan and his eventual emigration to the US. I learned so much about the Afghan people and customs, recent Afghan history, and the radical change in the government and the economy in the past 20 or so years. The incredible personal story of the author and his relationship with his servant is so real, touching and suspenseful, I just couldn't believe someone could have made it up. I kept checking the book jacket to check that it was indeed a book of fiction.
I listened to this book on tape, read by the author. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a great story. As a bonus, you will be better educated on Afghanistan in the process.