ARCHIVE - WEEK 13 - CLEOPATRA - BOOK AS A WHOLE AND FINAL THOUGHTS - (JUNE 8TH - JUNE 14TH) - Spoiler Thread

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

This is the Book as a Whole and Final Thoughts thread for the book Cleopatra.

by Stacy Schiff

This is a spoiler thread.

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

On the whole, I liked the book a lot. Cleopatra led an amazing life and seems to have been almost a genius (all those languages!). Her liaisons with two of Rome's most famous men naturally made her seem very dangerous to most Romans, especially to Octavian. The splendor and wealth of Alexandria no doubt provoked envy, as well. I liked the descriptions of the fabulous banquets, although I'm not sure I would want to eat some of the delicacies that were mentioned. There was certainly enough drama in her life to warrant the many fictional versions of it. Schiff has made me want to read some of her ancient sources.

[Samanta]

I like the book too! Love the tone Schiff uses in her writings...full of wit and sarcasm. She definitely has a gift for story building. I want to read her other work.

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

I'm looking forward to reading the diametrically opposed versions of Plutarch and Dio about her last meeting with Octavian.

by Plutarch
by Dionysius of Halicarnassus (no photo)

[Teri]

Well, I'm only a step ahead of Vincent in reading/finishing the book. Got distracted with a couple of the buddy reads I was hosting. :-)

Here is my quick and dirty review:

Stacy Schiff expertly recounts the reign of Cleopatra and her tumultuous relationship with Mark Antony. Drawing on the few known primary resources available, Schiff is able to give the reader an unvarnished view of Cleopatra, Antony, and Octavian. It is easy to get lost in the clear descriptions of times.

I do like how the author puts everything in perspective for the reader. For instance, I had not thought about how the Valley of the Kings had already been raided by Cleopatra's time and Troy would have been "ancient history" to her as well. I really enjoyed digging in deep into her life and be able to understand the times from her eyes.

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

Thanks for sticking with it, Teri, and thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked the book.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Good for you for completing the read Teri and thank you Vicki.