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292nd out of 558 books
—
464 voters
The Memoirs of Cleopatra
The world-renowned author of The Autobiography of Henry VII and Mary Queen of Scotland And the Isles turns from Renaissance Britain to ancient Egypt and the story of Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile. Told in the first person — from the young queen’s earliest memories of her father’s tenuous rule to her own reign over one of the most glittering kingdoms in the world–this is a m...more
Paperback, 976 pages
Published
May 15th 1998
by St. Martin's Griffin
(first published 1997)
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Oct 05, 2011
Kimberly B.
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
own
Wow, I can't believe this book is over...I feel a sense of accomplishment for having finished it (it's really, really long) and a sense of loss that it's over. The writing is so beautiful and real that it isn't a stretch at all to imagine that Cleopatra wrote it herself. There are so many incredible sentences in this book I could write page after page of quotes. Some of my favorites: "Always carry a limited gold service with you, was my motto." and "When fate offers you no choice you must appear...more
Whew! What a long book. This was my first foray into anything Cleopatran and I thought it was well worth it. I like long books, but this one was almost too long for me. Especially the last third of the book became very repetitive. How many times can she pine over Antony and worry about her children inheriting an Empire without sounding droll? Then again, it probably was an agonizing time of waiting for her - no emails or cell phone or AP newswire in those days to keep you informed.
I really got a...more
I really got a...more
5 likes · like · see review
Argh....this book needed a good editor. As with all of George's books, I get about half way in and begin to lose interest. While the historical detail is wonderful, it took the author 4 pages to say that Cleopatra took a swim.
Started the book in Egypt in December and had to put it down for a while.
Started the book in Egypt in December and had to put it down for a while.
17 likes · like · see review
On page 244: This book is fantastic! The beauty of Egypt and Cleopatra and the strength of Caesar and Rome are breathtaking at times. This is my second book by Margaret George and I know it won't be my last.
2 likes · like · see review
Jun 13, 2008
Marita
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Marita by:
Heidi
Shelves:
egypt,
historical-fiction
The real story of Cleopatra is totally fantastic, so I kept reading this epicly long book that put me to sleep twice.
3 likes · like · see review
Margaret George has a way with words. This is my first MG book and what a book to start with! I confess, it took me a while to get into it, though I appreciated what I read I was not pulled in. The book is a staggering 956 pages (if you don't include th authors notes etc.) and while the book read like poetry at times it also got tedious in the explanations of things; such is history though. Though I know that Julius Caesar and Cleopatra's relationship is very much more romantic in the book than...more
This is my car book...what is a car book? The book I keep in my car for those occasions such as appointments, waiting or dining out alone, when I want a book to read. I have owned this book since November of 2006 and I am only, maybe, halfway through it...but I have loved savoring it in these short bursts. I have often thought of pulling it out of the car and reading it full stop, but then I think it would spoil the fun.
I love this book! First career was as an archaeologist, so I LOVE all the ti...more
I love this book! First career was as an archaeologist, so I LOVE all the ti...more
FAVORITE book of all time. I would love to know Cleopatra.
5 likes · like · see review
Jun 14, 2007
Christina Stenstrom
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
those who want a good, long beach book, and those with a penchant for historical fiction.
The first 800 pages were fantastically engaging and I plowed through them in less time than it normally takes me to read several books. Caesar's assination, as described, was quite underwhelming, but Cleopatra's agony at Antony's death more than makes up for it. The last 160 were quite a slog, and the descriptions of Antony's doldrums following the seige of Actium, especially when read in the heat of summer, were truly grueling.
I learned that stealing from my mom is a good thing, else I never wo...more
I learned that stealing from my mom is a good thing, else I never wo...more
The Queen of Egypt, speaking in a unique voice expressing unexpected thoughts…
I’d admit that I put off reading this novel for the longest time—its thickness was an excuse I harped on, fearing that I might get bored with the story without even reaching the half of it (despite reviews to the contrary).
Of course, I realized the foolishness of this sentiment soon enough when I found myself staying up well into the hours of the night, turning page after page, losing myself in the grandiosity and hars...more
I’d admit that I put off reading this novel for the longest time—its thickness was an excuse I harped on, fearing that I might get bored with the story without even reaching the half of it (despite reviews to the contrary).
Of course, I realized the foolishness of this sentiment soon enough when I found myself staying up well into the hours of the night, turning page after page, losing myself in the grandiosity and hars...more
This is the second Margaret George book I read (the first being The Autobiography of Henry VIII - also brilliant). Told with Cleopatra's voice, from early childhood right through to her despairing death, Margaret George brings to life Ancient Egypt and all the fears, tragedies, loves and excitements of those times.
Cleopatra is a flawed beauty, given to bouts of selfishness but also does what she thinks is best for her people. Her greatest blind spot is in regard to the loves of her life: Julius...more
Cleopatra is a flawed beauty, given to bouts of selfishness but also does what she thinks is best for her people. Her greatest blind spot is in regard to the loves of her life: Julius...more
Margaret George has done it again! Just as she did in The Autobiography of Henry VIII, Margaret George has given an utterly realistic voice to a famous historical figure, while remaining true to the facts contained in whatever documented sources are available.
Many other novels about Cleopatra focus only on her affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Many of them also repeat the myths and inaccurate stories about her that grew out of Roman propaganda. Books like these usually ignore the facts...more
Many other novels about Cleopatra focus only on her affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Many of them also repeat the myths and inaccurate stories about her that grew out of Roman propaganda. Books like these usually ignore the facts...more
2 likes · like · see review
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I wouldn’t have thought it possible to make the reign of Queen Cleopatra dull, but that’s exactly what Margaret George has achieved in The Memoirs of Cleopatra, a 900+ page hair-puller of a novel. Books like this make me wish I wasn’t a Finisher. I wish I had mastered the art of abandoning a novel halfway through, but, alas, once I start a book, I’m committed.
Not that Memoirs is a total loss. I set out to read it wanting to learn more about Queen Cleopatra’s reign and I’ve certainly done that. T...more
Not that Memoirs is a total loss. I set out to read it wanting to learn more about Queen Cleopatra’s reign and I’ve certainly done that. T...more
This book was a tradition for me to read each summer. I relished school getting out and lounging in the pool, day by day, and reading through these pages. It took the whole summer to read, too, because this book is a monster.
After graduating college, I stopped reading this book every summer. But I still pick it up time to time and read my favorite passages.
If you have any interest at all in Queen Cleopatra, you will love this book. However, if you're like me, after reading this book any other bo...more
After graduating college, I stopped reading this book every summer. But I still pick it up time to time and read my favorite passages.
If you have any interest at all in Queen Cleopatra, you will love this book. However, if you're like me, after reading this book any other bo...more
5 likes · like · see review
Margaret George does an amazing job of making you feel as if Cleopatra is walking beside you narrating the story of her life. The writing in this book is descriptive and takes you away to Cleopatra's time to the point you vividly you feel as if you could reach out and touch the people and places around her. I didn't want this book to ever end however, by the time I was at the end of the book I felt as if Cleopatra and I were close friends. There were times in the book I had to stop and remind my...more
Wonderful historical fiction. No need to have previous knowledge to follow the story line, so if this would be your first delve into the life of Cleopatra, it's a safe and most interesting bet.
However, like all historical fiction, there are liberties taken where debated historical facts are watered down and or completely overlooked in the face of writing a good story. And in this case, an interesting love story. Yes, Cleopatra was the lover of both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, which is one of...more
However, like all historical fiction, there are liberties taken where debated historical facts are watered down and or completely overlooked in the face of writing a good story. And in this case, an interesting love story. Yes, Cleopatra was the lover of both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, which is one of...more
This is one of the best gooks I've ever read. Ridiculously long, but one I never wanted to end. It currently resides at Uncle Norman's house in Ka'a'ava, Oahu, HI. If I ever want it back, I'll probably have to travel there to get it. If you have ANY interest in history, Egyptology, or romance, READ THIS!! Margaret George does a ton of reasearch, takes fact, and turns it into GREAT fiction! This is my #1 Margaret George novel.
It actually took me months to get to the end of this saga!!!
As is always the case with Margaret George, the research she does has to be astonishing. There were so many characters in this particular book that I had to keep a list otherwsie I was getting totally lost and confused.
In the end, one had to feel sorry for Cleopatra and her poor children. Her love of her country and its people shone through and she was let down by the men in her life that she fell hopelessly in love with.
A fascinating...more
As is always the case with Margaret George, the research she does has to be astonishing. There were so many characters in this particular book that I had to keep a list otherwsie I was getting totally lost and confused.
In the end, one had to feel sorry for Cleopatra and her poor children. Her love of her country and its people shone through and she was let down by the men in her life that she fell hopelessly in love with.
A fascinating...more
The book truly opens up and hooks most readers in to Cleopatra's life as she lived it before becoming Queen all the way leading up to her crowning and her four marriages while she ruled over Egypt. This book had many historical facts laced in to the fiction of her life, it was a learning experience reading the novel. Very well written, like you're breathing the sands of Egypt however, the length is a little over done. Especially in the last half of the book where all Cleopatra is doing is waitin...more
The Memoirs of Cleopatra is a mammoth novel, both in size and scope. Crammed full of historical events, real-life characters and period detail, it breathes new life into the familiar story of the fabled Queen of Egypt.
The book revolves around a triumvirate of finely crafted characters: the ambitious Cleopatra, the aloof Caesar, and the vacillating Antony.
While the tale occasionally bogs down under its sheer weight—I felt like I needed a scorecard to keep track of all the characters—it is nonet...more
The book revolves around a triumvirate of finely crafted characters: the ambitious Cleopatra, the aloof Caesar, and the vacillating Antony.
While the tale occasionally bogs down under its sheer weight—I felt like I needed a scorecard to keep track of all the characters—it is nonet...more
This book took forever to get through but it was well worth the effort. Margaret George does an AMAZING job describing Egypt and the pampered life of the young Cleopatra; you can see the palace walls so clearly in your mind. I'm the kind of person who becomes attached to characters, and when Caesar was murdered I felt the devastation almost as acutely as Cleopatra did. I had to put the book down for a long time, and when I finally came back to it I found that I was angry with her when she began...more
WOW, this book truly feels like an accomplishment to complete. My edition totalled 1137 pages, which probably makes it the largest book I have ever read. I'm also sad that it's actually over too, as it was a surprisingly engrossing read.
I think my enjoyment of this novel was helped out by the fact that I knew very little of Cleopatra's life before reading, I knew of the basics of course. Her affairs with Caesar and Anthony, and her chosen form of death, but other than that I was completely igno...more
I think my enjoyment of this novel was helped out by the fact that I knew very little of Cleopatra's life before reading, I knew of the basics of course. Her affairs with Caesar and Anthony, and her chosen form of death, but other than that I was completely igno...more
Well, I finally finished it. 9857 pages! It is way too long, but I learned a lot so I gave it three stars.
On page 480 of 957. I am interested in the cultural aspects of different kingdoms, but NOT military strategies, which I tend to skim. Some might like the romantics of Cleopatra's relationship with Mark Anthony, but this is not why I have chosen to read the book. Half way through - it is too long, or tries to cover all readers' interests, so sometimes I am bored.
On page 278 of 957. I detest...more
On page 480 of 957. I am interested in the cultural aspects of different kingdoms, but NOT military strategies, which I tend to skim. Some might like the romantics of Cleopatra's relationship with Mark Anthony, but this is not why I have chosen to read the book. Half way through - it is too long, or tries to cover all readers' interests, so sometimes I am bored.
On page 278 of 957. I detest...more
This was a looooong read (976 pages)... and there were parts I was tempted to skim (ie the war and military scenes)... but all in all - I found it VERY interesting. What a fascinating woman Cleopatra was. I am ashamed to admit that prior to reading this book, I knew very little about this historical figure and yet I still judged her in a negative light - vaguely thinking that she had a bad reputation for some reason or another.
But this book gave me a completely different perspective. It was wri...more
But this book gave me a completely different perspective. It was wri...more
This is such a spellbinding book. A wonderful read thoroughly researched and written in such a way to make it so easy a read and keep you involved with all the historical facts. A huge book but don't be put off - it's a pleasure to read it.
Back Cover Blurb:
Told in the first person - from the young queen's earliest memories of her father's tenuous rule to her own reign over one of the most glittering kingdoms in the world - this is a mesmerizing saga of ambition and power.
It is also a tale of pas...more
Back Cover Blurb:
Told in the first person - from the young queen's earliest memories of her father's tenuous rule to her own reign over one of the most glittering kingdoms in the world - this is a mesmerizing saga of ambition and power.
It is also a tale of pas...more
This historical fiction book covers the entire life of the famous Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. The book starts when she is a young child, and ends.....well, I'll leave that up to the reader to find out for him/herself!
I'm embarrassed to admit that I started the book knowing next to nothing about Cleopatra. In this case, it was probably a plus that I didn't know much; the book is so huge and detailed that I think it would be easy to get bogged down in if you already knew her story. For me, though,...more
I'm embarrassed to admit that I started the book knowing next to nothing about Cleopatra. In this case, it was probably a plus that I didn't know much; the book is so huge and detailed that I think it would be easy to get bogged down in if you already knew her story. For me, though,...more
I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it's written from Hamachi's perspective and the reader absolutely feels every ounce of his emotions! The book is written in very vivid and transparent language and you can smell, hear, feel and taste each word.
1 like · like · see review
Cleopatra had been sitting on my shelf for years-about 4 years ago it traveled to Europe and only had about 50 pages read. This past year I picked it up again and started all over from the beginning. I became completely engrossed in the story. The book is wonderfully written, telling Cleopatra's story from a young child to her encounter with the asp.
For anyone that loves history-the book is very well researched. I finished the book feeling I had a great knowledge of the history of this time.
Geo...more
For anyone that loves history-the book is very well researched. I finished the book feeling I had a great knowledge of the history of this time.
Geo...more
First off, this book was so freaking long. So, so long. It actually exhausted me reading it. But I didn't want to put it down at all. I feel very accomplished having read it and I will say that I am VERY grateful I read it on my kindle, not in paperback, I think I'd have a broken wrist if I'd have read it the 'real' way (I have the utmost respect for people who read the hardback edition, you must have wrists of steel).
Anyway, this was just an epic. I've been enjoying reading Egyptian era fiction...more
Anyway, this was just an epic. I've been enjoying reading Egyptian era fiction...more
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Margaret George is a rolling stone who has lived in many places, beginning her traveling at the age of four when her father joined the U.S. diplomatic service and was posted to a consulate in Taiwan. The family traveled on a freighter named after Ulysses' son Telemachus that took thirty days to reach Taiwan, where they spent two years. Following that they lived in Tel Aviv (right after the 1948 wa...more
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“So i learned two things that night, and the next day, from him: the perfection of a moment, and the fleeting nature of it.”
—
196 people liked it
“It is almost impossible to describe happiness, because at the time it feels entirely natural, as if all the rest of your life has been the aberration; only in retrospect does it swim into focus as the rare and precious thing it is. When it is present, it seems to be eternal, abiding forever, and there is no need to examine it or clutch it. Later, when it has evaporated, you stare in dismay at your empty palm, where only a little of the perfume lingers to prove that once it was there, and now is flown.”
—
44 people liked it
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