Comments (44)

Community comments are the opinions of contributing users. These comments do not represent the opinions of Strathcona County Library.
What did you think about this title?
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Feb 26, 2023LadyDi52 rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
The author did a lot of research on the time Cleopatra lived in; but I was disappointed I didn't get much of a sense of the woman herself.
Oct 19, 2022mmracer rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Interesting read about a diabolical woman who was a creature of her time. It was kill or be killed and she understood that. Extremely will educated, masterful politician and extreme manipulator of men she clearly shows why women should…
Sep 04, 2022sergeantbubbles rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A truly fascinating biography of one of the most celebrated women in history. Well written and researched.
Sep 07, 2021wendybird rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
As a long time librarian & book reviewer, I have to bow to this lovely encapsulation by the publisher - I couldn't say it any better .... Her palace shimmered with onyx, garnets, and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual…
Jul 04, 2020AaronAardvark1940 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Schiff paints an entirely believable portrait of Cleopatra VII (I never knew there so many Cleopatras) based on extensive research of the available literature. She constructs her history based on ancient and modern sources, noting that…
Dec 20, 2019OPL_AnnaW rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
The basic sketches of Cleopatra's life are known by many, however the extent of her political skills, intelligence, and real influence are not. This book is incredibly well-researched yet highly readable - recommended if you like books…
Sep 18, 2019Olgalevin rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The book wasn't bad. Just seemed a bit surface level history for me.
Nov 17, 2018jquick99 rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I listened to the audio book. I don’t know anything about this time period. IF the book has a cast of characters, I recommend getting that. Since there’s lots of Caesars, cleopatras, Ptolemy, and other names that are unfamiliar...I had…
Nov 13, 2018WittySofa rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
CLEOPATRA A LIFE: STACY SCHIFF ACCURACY: I really liked this book. It provided me with better information than that from Wikipedia. Stacy Schiff does a good job explaining possible motives and actions that occurred by drawing from what we…
Jan 21, 2018mr_chocolate rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Was an interesting read, although sometimes was bogged down by similar names and the mixed marriages and marriages of convenience. The book was missing a genealogy chart of names, families and historic people of the time, which would have…
Mar 19, 2017
The compelling story of this famous queen of the ancient world whose loves and politics were far from ordinary.
Oct 22, 2015StephJames rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Completely fascinating. The first 50 pages or so has some lineage background that I thought was interesting, but might make some people conclude the book is dull. But just get past that beginning and you get a detailed portrayal of a woman…
Jun 29, 2015kate4joy rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
New perspective on history through the lens of biography.
Feb 03, 2015thelauchlan rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I can respect that the Cleopatra has been maligned over the years, but the author seemed so desperate to undo this that it sometimes got in the way of her writing. For example, she heavily implies that the reason Caesar was fought so…
Dec 08, 2014HerNoseInABookGal rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
It's as if you are right there. Cleopatra was a shrewd politically savvy leader. Ahead of her time an understatement. Thoroughly researched, well written, un-boring historical.
arsolarik
Jul 07, 2014arsolarik rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
This is a spew of random facts all shuffled around. I was looking more for a story.
Apr 22, 2014
A wonderful read that expertly follows Cleopatra's life and family tree. Schiff outlines the various and multiple intrigues of royal life illustrating just how dangerous it was for any member of the family to succeed to the throne. …
Jan 05, 2014suzannehb rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. The research is amazing, and the author uses fantastic judgment concerning how to portray Cleopatra, given the spotty and biased historical record. Interesting, but not a "stay up 'til 1 a.m." page turner. I'm glad I…
Jun 29, 2013
I learned so much about this infamous woman, Egyptian culture and Roman culture.The author has definitely done her homework. There are some places where you just have to slog through the text but overall a great read
Mar 10, 2013ser_library rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
in addition to Cleopatra's story, the information on the education and role of women is fascinating
jshethj
Nov 30, 2012jshethj rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Schiff does not present all the known versions of Cleopatra's life. She picks and chooses, most of the time with good judgment and explanation, but sometimes simply to create a spicy story. The book I had contained corrections from some…
Sep 02, 2012richibi rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
an apparently thorough biography of the last queen of Egypt marred only by an obfuscating style, the author demystifies the legend but too often does the reverse to her prose
Sep 01, 2012bmrich rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
intellectual trip back to the rebellious 1960's. Not a quick read but a rewarding one.
Aug 29, 2012Basileus rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I really liked this biography of Cleopatra. The author manages to sift through the known facts and various myths of this enigmatic woman and presents a portrait of her that doesn't quite fit the romanticized legend we are more familiar…
Aug 06, 2012rosefeliciano rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
this book started out very academic, then it shifted to a crazy crazy story about power, money, love, revenge and trust. amazing story. I really enjoyed the way she really wove the tale of "we don't actually know much about cleopatra,…