Cleopatra’s Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Novel Summation:

Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony-the most brilliant and powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, and when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she’s ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus’s household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies-until she reaches out to claim her own.

My Thoughts:

As a Classical Studies student I really enjoyed this book. Throughout my studies and even history we are told the story of Egypt’s fall to the Roman through Roman eyes. Octavavian is always portrayed as an amazing man for Roman history and I understand that he is but I find him so overrated. Therefore, it was refreshing to have a story from the point of view from Egypt and Octavian as a bad guy. The story follows the children of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Cleopatra Selene, Ptolly, and Alexandrios (Cleopatra Selene’s twin). Cleopatra Selene was a beautiful character to follow. She struggled with living with the identity of being the daughter of both Cleopatra and Mark Anthony.  She desires to be just as strong as her parents and I feel that she achieves this in her own unique way. The story can be divided into two parts. One part was Selene’s life in Egypt and the second part was Selene’s life in Rome. Cleopatra Selene has to overcome lots of obstacles and trials. She both suffers but also gains. I was a little upset that the story seemed to end abruptly but the rest of the story was really nice. I would definitely recommend this book.