Rating: 3 stars
Cover synopsis: Her palace shimmered with onyx, garnet and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Above all else, Cleopatra was a shrewd strategist and an ingenious negotiator. Though her life spanned fewer than 40 years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world.
I didn't know much about Cleopatra before I read this book, except that she was a queen of Egypt. So this was a good history lesson for me. The author is making the case that Cleopatra's story has deviated into the terrirory of myth and legend, and far from the truth.
I'll admit, the book was boring at times -- I felt like I was reading a history book, and I'm not really into history. But I was determined to finish it, and I'm glad I did. I feel like I've gained some knowledge and understanding not only about a pivotal woman, but an important time period in world history. It read mostly as a history of Egypt and the Roman Empire in the 40-30 BCs. There were times the author lost me in her references to other historical figures and facts, but not being a history buff, what could I expect? Overall, an interesting read.
