Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

I recieved Cleopatra's Daughter in a giveaway contest earlier this year and put it on the stack by my bed right under the current read. Finally, earlier this week, I began reading it and could hardly put it down. First off, I love the merging of the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures. Secondly, I loved Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra. She was determined and at times a bit rash. However, she was also courageous and honest. The book was refreshing and delicious. I cannot say there were any low points in the text. I even skipped my Wednesday morning nap to read more pages. Since I knew nothing about Selene prior to reading, I was able to enjoy the unpredictable plotline. The beginning captured my attention, the people kept my attention and the ending was gloriously rewarding to me as a reader. Seriously, this is my favorite Historic Fiction book of the year. I simply must find more out about the real people within the story and read more books by Michelle Moran. If you have not acquired this book, run, don't walk, and get this gem for yourself. I sure don't say that often.


Additional reasons I loved this book:
1. The architecture described in the book was fantastic. Actually quite a lot was constructed during the era the book was about. I've always been a bit fond of architecture since I learned how to draw floor plans.

2. I'm an admirer of ancient structures. So, the added element of Caryatids and Corinthian columns added to my delight in an already wonderful book.

3. The interaction between the various cultures was absolutely fascinating. From Gallic people to Nubians, all people seemed to converge on Rome by the will of the Roman rule.

Michelle Moran has two other books about Egyptian women and I will get my hands on them. If you want to know more about her, visit her website.
Cleopatras Daughter at Borders and at Goodreads
This is part of my Historical Fiction Challenge 2010