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.

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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.

“It’s your turn,” Alexander said. When our mother didn’t respond, he repeated, “Mother, it’s your turn.”

But she wasn’t listening. Her face was turned in the direction of the sea, where the lighthouse of our ancestors had been built on the island of Pharos to the east. We were the greatest family in the world, and could trace our lineage all the way back to Alexander of Macedon. If our father’s battle against Octavian went well, the Ptolemies might rule for another three hundred years. But if his losses continued....

“Selene¬,” my brother complained to me, as if I could get our mother to pay attention.

“Ptolemy, take the dice,” I said sharply.

Ptolemy, who was only six, grinned. “It’s my turn?”

“Yes,” I lied, and when he laughed, his voice echoed in the silent halls. I glanced at Alexander, and perhaps because we were twins, I knew what he was thinking. “I’m sure they haven’t abandoned us,” I whispered.

“What would you do if you were a servant and knew that Octavian’s army was coming?”

“We don’t know that his army is coming,” I snapped, but when the sound of sandals slapped through the halls, my mother finally looked in our direction.

“Selene, Alexander, Ptolemy, get back!”

We abandoned our game and huddled on the bed, but it was only her servants, Iras and Charmion.

“What? What is it?” my mother exclaimed.

“A group of soldiers!”

“Whose men?”

“Your husband’s,” Charmion cried. She had been with our family for twenty years, and I had never seen her weep. But as she shut the door, I saw that her cheeks were wet. “They are coming with news, Your Highness, and I’m afraid-”

“Don’t say it!” My mother closed her eyes briefly. “Just tell me. Has the mausoleum has been prepared?”

Iras blinked away her tears, and nodded. “The last of the palace’s treasures are being moved inside. And… And the pyre has been built exactly as you wanted.”

I reached for Alexander’s hand. “There’s no reason our father won’t beat them back. He has everything to fight for.”

Alexander studied the dice in his palms. “So does Octavian.” view abbreviated excerpt only...

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

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 29 of 29 members.

by ingsink (see profile) 04/07/12

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