Monday, March 28, 2011

Cleopatra - Stacy Schiff

Cleopatra - Stacy Schiff (2010) So I wasn't sure when I started this one whether it was non-fiction or fiction, and the whole idea about learning about Cleopatra herself was a good reason to start, especially when the author explains that so much is unknown about the woman. I didn't know that she was more Greek than Egyptian, and that based in Alexandria she ruled by taking out so many of her own family members. In the end though, I wasn't loving the lady and her story, and was a bit tempted to flip through to get it finished. She didn't seem to be too concerned about looking after her people and country, just keeping her boyfriends happy and furthering her own interests. It was interesting to find out about the debunking of myths, especially the one surrounding her suicide which is often described as death by asp, which is more likely to have been caused by poison. So Cleopatra, I guess you and Elizabeth Taylor have a lot to chat about. 2/5

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