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Informative,
Interesting,
Dramatic

29 reviews

Cleopatra's Daughter: A Novel

by Michelle Moran

Published: 2009-09-15
Hardcover : 448 pages

141 members reading this now
41 clubs reading this now
29 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 29 of 29 members

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Introduction

Bestselling author Michelle Moran returns with another riveting and untold historical tale set against the backdrop of Egypt’s demise. Following Cleopatra and Marc Antony’s deaths, their three children--twins named Alexander and Selene plus a younger son named Ptolemy – are exiled from Egypt and sent to Rome in chains to be raised in one of the most fascinating (and dangerous) courts of all time. Cleopatra’s Daughter is the remarkable true story of what happens to these three surviving children as seen through the eyes of Selene. Their adaptation to Roman culture, their treatment as both a curiosity and a threat, and Selene’s perilous journey to adulthood, are all chronicled in the elegant detail and gripping pace that Michelle Moran is celebrated for.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

While we waited for the news to arrive, we played dice. I felt the small ivory cubes stick in my palms as I rolled a pair of ones. “Snakes eyes,” I said, fanning myself with my hand. Even the stir of a sea breeze through the marble halls of our palace did little to relieve the searing heat that had settled across the city. ...

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Discussion Questions

From the Author:

1. Are there elements of the ancient Roman world which seem similar to life today?

2. In the beginning of the novel, Octavian comes across as a ruthless man willing to do whatever it takes to stay in power. Does anything change as the story progresses? How do you feel about him in the end? Do your feelings change at all? Why do you think he treats Selene the way he does as the novel closes?

3. Selene has a complex relationship with Julia. Do her feelings about Julia change throughout the novel? If so, why?

Weblinks

»	Author Michelle Moran's blog
»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Book's Official web site
»	Fun and Informative Links and Images of Ancient Rome and Cleopatra's World

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

Dear Reader,

I do a great deal of traveling both for research and for fun, and most of my destinations are archaeological sites. On a trip to Alexandria in Egypt, I was afforded the amazing opportunity of participating in a dive to see the submerged remains of Cleopatra’s ancient city. More than ten thousand artifacts remain completely preserved underwater: sphinxes, amphorae, even the stones of the ancient palace. The dive was an incredible experience, and it changed the way I looked at Cleopatra. I immediately wanted to know more about her life, and it was mere coincidence that my next trip took me to Italy, where her ten year-old children were brought to live after her suicide. While in Rome, I was able to retrace her daughter's steps, and upon seeing where her daughter had lived on the Palatine, I knew I had my next novel. I hope you have as much fun in reading the book as I did in researching it!

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 29 of 29 members.

Interesting food options!

by ingsink (see profile) 04/07/12

To inspire conversation I moved a low table into the dining area. We sat on pillows to emmulate the reclined style of eating of the ancient romans. Of course, wine was offered along with bread, goat cheese, olives and honey ... all era appropriate. I wore a wrap style shirt and some chandelier earrings to suggest the era.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

by Daisy L. (see profile) 02/15/15

by Denise B. (see profile) 02/15/15

by Tracy B. (see profile) 11/21/14

"Cleopatra's Daughter"by Nancy M. (see profile) 10/07/13

This is the story of what happened to Cleopatra's daughter, after she and Mark Anthony died. I loved this book! It was well written, very informative and gives the reader a good sense of what life was... (read more)

"Good discussion"by ingrid m. (see profile) 04/07/12

Our group found this historical romance interesting, but sometimes confusing (some of us kept notes or often refered back to the character guide at the end of the book).

"Cleopatra's Daughter"by Kristin K. (see profile) 11/27/11

"Author does a great job"by Linda W. (see profile) 11/23/11

I like Michele Moran's books because she does such a good job of researching her subject to be as factual as possible.

"Cleopatra"by Joyce W. (see profile) 09/17/11

The first half of the book seemed slow but in reality the author was setting the story up. After about page 200 or so, you'll be unable to put this book down!

"Will motivate you to read more about the Egyptians"by Maile W. (see profile) 08/02/11

"Cleopatra's Daughter"by Rebecca M. (see profile) 07/20/11

This book starts off fast then tapers off for a slow, but interesting middle and finishes with a bang! I believe the best parts of this novel are the historical and author's note at the end. It really... (read more)

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