Cleopatra’s Moon I am currently reading the book Cleopatra’s Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter. The story first takes place in Egypt and is based on the princess Cleopatra Selene’s adventures throughout her life. She is the daughter of the great Cleopatra VII, and the Roman general Marcus Antonius. The whole book is a flashback because she is telling us about her past experiences. We first meet her as a little girl aged of seven years and leave her as a beautiful sixteen years old. At the beginning of the book her life is very peaceful, she lives in a majestic kingdom, has servants of all sorts, a beautiful library to study from, but most of all she has a perfect family. This all ends in her eleventh year, when Rome declares war to Egypt, and she loses all she has except her two brothers. This passage especially stood out to me because of all the emotion. “I closed my eyes remembering Mother’s soft breath on my ear as she whispered, “You have the heart of a great and powerful queen.” Her last words to me. I spent my whole life trying to live up to them. But I failed. I lost everything, lost every single person I ever loved.” (pg.4) Like I mentioned before, I loved the emotion mentioned here. Since this was right at the beginning of the book, it hooked me up and made me wonder how she had gotten here. After this, I couldn't stop reading. The story might seem quite gloomy, and obviously sad after the tragic events, but it is a fascinating book where you will learn so much about the life, the religion, myths and beliefs of the Egyptian, the Roman, and the Greek civilizations. In my opinion the most interesting part of the book is the Egyptian rituals. For example, “Amunet lit a bowl of incense on a low table. The smell was sharp, bitter and smoky, and I tried not to cough but could not help myself, Frankincense, the priestess said. After murmuring instructions to a servant she purified every corner of the room. Amunet picked up an ivory elephant tusk covered in carved symbols, ciphers and codes. She stood with me in the centre of the room, setting the bowl at my feet. Then she placed the tip of the horn onto the dirt floor and drew a circle of protection around us, chanting a prayer in the old language.” (pg.49, pg.50) I thought this paragraph was very specific and well detailed. It really made me feel as though I was with them. I recommend this book to anyone, (young adults and teenagers preferably) who are passionate about Egypt and who love Historical Fiction. It’s written in the first person and I personally love that! Believe me, if you read it, you won’t be deceived! I loved the vivid language and historical accuracy of this novel. I didn't, however, like how nonchalant Shecter seems to be about sex and same gender attraction. She kind of blew it off as nothing, which didn't particularly appeal to me, personally. Overall, however, it was a lovely coming-of-age story. Cleopatra Selene goes through many trials so that she can discover what her purpose is in life. I thought she was a strong heroine, and that if Cleopatra the first had kept a hold of Egypt, I think that Selene, at least as this author portrays her, would have been a worthy successor to the throne.
What do You think about Cleopatra's Moon (2011)?
I loved the historical truth incorporated in atrgic fiction story with loss and life, hate and love.
—musicgurl23
Patron Review:Even as a historical fiction this book grabbed my attention and refused to let go!
—Megan
Great book. The reader kept me enthralled on a drive to Canada.
—Taylor
A beautifully sad tale and I enjoyed every minute of it! :)
—Akshata
