Holly W. reviewed on + 17 more book reviews
7th book of the "Masters of Rome" series. McCullough intended to end the series with The October Horse. Despite the title, Cleopatra is less important than the political struggle to control the world between Octavian (Caesar's heir), who claims the east (Rome) and Antony, who rules the west. Caesarean, child of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar figures prominently.
By aligning herself with Mark Antony, Cleopatra hoped to keep Octavian (Julius Caesar's heir and Rome's probable next ruler) from absorbing Egypt into the expanding Roman Empire. She uses him as a puppet, but they ultimately fall in love. Octavian finally became ruler (as Caesar Augustus). Antony granted lands and the title, "King of Kings" to Caesarean. According to Plutarch, Caesarean escaped to India after being falsely promised the Egyptian kingdom.
Chock full of intrigue and betrayal,[ the book reveals Cleopatra's plan to use her romance with Antony to participate in the war councils and rule the world. Antony, finally realizing defeat at the hands of Octavian, falls on his sword. Octavian (after 520 pages)locks Cleopatra in her rooms, promising that if she does not kill herself, her children will be safe. He tells her Caesarion is dead. She kills herself by letting a cobra bite her. After her death, Octavian finds a cobra in his own bed. (hide spoiler)]
Much detail about geography and minor characters makes this a hard read. I read 3 of the other 6 books in the series and enjoyed this the least.
By aligning herself with Mark Antony, Cleopatra hoped to keep Octavian (Julius Caesar's heir and Rome's probable next ruler) from absorbing Egypt into the expanding Roman Empire. She uses him as a puppet, but they ultimately fall in love. Octavian finally became ruler (as Caesar Augustus). Antony granted lands and the title, "King of Kings" to Caesarean. According to Plutarch, Caesarean escaped to India after being falsely promised the Egyptian kingdom.
Chock full of intrigue and betrayal,[ the book reveals Cleopatra's plan to use her romance with Antony to participate in the war councils and rule the world. Antony, finally realizing defeat at the hands of Octavian, falls on his sword. Octavian (after 520 pages)locks Cleopatra in her rooms, promising that if she does not kill herself, her children will be safe. He tells her Caesarion is dead. She kills herself by letting a cobra bite her. After her death, Octavian finds a cobra in his own bed. (hide spoiler)]
Much detail about geography and minor characters makes this a hard read. I read 3 of the other 6 books in the series and enjoyed this the least.
