Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter {Review}

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Hardcover, 355 pages

Published August 1st 2011 by Arthur A. Levine Books



Selene grew up in a palace on the Nile under parents Cleopatra and Mark Antony - the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But when a cruel Roman Emperor takes the country and whisks the princess to Rome against her will. She finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies - until she reaches out to claim her own.

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My Review: 3 Stars

Ancient Egypt is fascinating and I was hoping for more of the day to day events in the typical life of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and their family. Yes, there was a little of that, but this story seemed to focus a lot of the political world at that time and the way the events played out with Rome. Life at this time was interesting, but there was a lot of evil that abounded. Prisoners, torture, death, adultery, incest, homosexual relationships, concubines, etc. This is all alluded to and skimmed over, with a few details given on the violent happenings, but I wouldn't say it's graphic.

Selene is a young teen when her parents die and she's taken to Rome with her two brothers. Her heritage is so ingrained in her that she's willing to forsake love and do whatever it takes to regain Egypt. It's hard to know who to trust and what to do, especially with so little experience in her young life, but Selene is strong, resourceful, and resilient. 

I did enjoy the story overall. At times, it moves along at a slower pace and is heavy on detail, but it is an interesting part of history. 

Content: some romance (non-graphic mention of two sensual incidents, kissing, non-graphic nudity); some language; violence (some moderately graphic details of death, torture, etc); talk of Egyptian religion. 

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About the Author:

Vicky Alvear Shecter is the author of the young adult novel, CLEOPATRA'S MOON (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2011), based on the life of Cleopatra's only daughter. She is also the author of two award-winning biographies for kids on Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. She is a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University in Atlanta. The LA TIMES calls CLEOPATRA'S MOON, "magical" and "impressive." PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY said it was "fascinating" and "highly memorable." The WALL STREET JOURNAL called it "absorbing."