This is a historical fiction which is based on Cleopatra's life, the last Pharaoh of ancient Egypt. The story is told from the point of view of Charmain, her handmaiden. It goes from them growing up as children through their suicide (told in past tense as Chairman is pleading her soul to Isis and Serapis, the ancient Egyptian gods of judgment).I thought this book was average. Truth is, it started out strong and I really like historical fiction, but around page 400 (my copy was 600 pages), the plot started to drag. I understand that it was based on historical events but there were many things that could have been shortened or condensed in some way. For example, Graham spends and inordinate amount of time detailing the fashion's and dress of Cleopatra and her handmaiden's (Chairman and Iras), even going so far as to tell me in one section there are "100 jewels along her neckline". It was that kind of detail that slowed the pace of the book down for me.Also, one must realize that in ancient times, communication wasn't a quick as it is today. It took months sometimes between letters. So there are many times in the book where Cleopatra and Chairman are just "hanging out" in a way, or tending to the daily tasks of running the ancient Egyptian empire while they waited word from Caesar or Marc Anthony. The long winded paragraphs about doing the laundry, planning banquets, and tending to the empire's finances again slowed the pace of the book. By around page 450, I was a little bored (again, I like historical fiction). So more because of pacing, I gave this book three stars. It could have been better. The story of Cleopatra is re-told through the eyes of her and her female companions. Half-sisters by birth and constant companions throughout life, they form a tightly knit sisterhood against the vicissitudes of the world. While the language sometimes seems a little too mature for mere girls, the story truly comes into its own as the girls ripen into womanhood. Cleopatra IV, Charmian and Iras are very different in nature and character and the author does an excellent job of capturing their separate viewpoints and approaches to life. Part memoir, part historical document, part fiction, goddesses, warfare, politics, romance, love and sex mingle to make this a woman’s tale of a unique and turbulent time in history.
What do You think about Hand Of Isis (2009)?
Really need to read it again because I have some details of it being amazing.
—Michellanie
This was a wonderful book about Cleopatra from childhood on- wonderful!!!
—lisa
