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Book Reviews -
Women's Fiction
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Written by Catie Hayes
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 Kleopatra,
by Karen Essex
Stories of Kleopatra typically portray a manipulative seductress
with little else to offer. Ms. Essex, however, has created a very
different perspective on this historical legend. In the spirit
of The Mists of Avalon, this is a novel that celebrates the strength,
intelligence and resourcefulness of a remarkable woman.
At age three, Kleopatra faces the death of her mother. Through
such a traumatic event, however, her unique qualities, a keen
mind and uncanny linguistic capabilities, are given fertile ground
to flourish.
Kleopatra
details the remarkable years prior to her rise to the throne.
Through fierce diplomatic negotiations with Rome for Egypt's freedom,
exile, murder plots against her and the execution of her siblings,
Kleopatra's devotion to the good of her people remains unshaken
even before she reaches power. She learns quickly to let her blood
run cold in diplomatic matters, and to use whatever means necessary
to ascertain the security of her rule. This is a fast-paced story
with a well-researched historical foundation. Fortunately, it
is also the first installation of a series. Kleopatra's reign
continues in Pharaoh;
also highly worth reading.
Copyright 2003
Reprinted with permission.
About the Author : Catie Hayes is founder/editor of WomanLinks.com;
a community of support, spirituality, growth and empowerment for
women. She is a freelance writer, the single homeschooling mom
of two, and an avid fan of laughter, cats and chocolate (not necessarily
in that order).
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