Book Review: Cleopatra's Daughter + GIVEAWAY

Michelle Moran’s books have helped revive my fascination for all that is ancient.  The characters encountered in her books, such as in Nefertiti, the Heretic Queen and now, Cleopatra’s Daughter, are ones that many of us have read about before.  Never though, have they been portrayed as incredibly interesting, intricate, deep and real as seen in Moran’s books.

 

 

Cleopatra’s Daughter grabbed my interest immediately.  The thought of reading about Cleopatra’s children; their thoughts and emotions within the first pages and throughout, was exhilarating to say the least.  I can’t think of a book that has yet to have transported me into ancient times with such vivid imagery as this one.  The ancient world is not one that can be depicted with ease.  Yet, Moran magnificently brings out the splendor, the glitter, the gold, the exquisite and the opulent-living in contrast with the coarse  and crude, all at their origin. 

I was amazed by the clash of class and refinement between the Greeks (and Egyptians, both in Alexandria) and the Romans of the times.  The differences in not only customs, fashion, architecture, but especially in languages and education, left me in awe. Cleopatra stands out as the regal queen of knowledge meshed with beauty, glamour and class.  She  also strongly believed in equality between genders- allowing her daughter the same privileges as her sons.  Culture and Education were most important to her and she made sure that Marc Anthony also was taught Greek and more; there where his Roman upbringing lacked.

But this was not only a story of awesome history and facts- Cleopatra’s Daughter mostly focuses on Selene and Alexander’s life after the death of their beloved parents.  Forcibly brought back to Rome, these last surviving heirs of Alexander The Great, were expected to live as Romans within the palace of Augustus (Octavian), the man responsible for the dreadful fate of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony.

I loved learning about life in ancient Rome and how these teens (throughout the story they seemed so much older than their actual age) dealt with every obstacle and challenge they faced.  So much is dealt with in this book.  These royal twins faced with an unbelievable turn of fate were extremely close.  I enjoyed that they could speak in a different language when secrecy was necessary; another of the benefits brought about by Cleopatra’s expectations of culture and education at its finest.

In this beautiful novel, we encounter many historical figures such as Octavia (Marc Anthony’s wife prior to Cleopatra- and also Augustus’s sister),  a Numidian Prince, Augustus’ daughter, Julia, Marcellus, Octavia’s son, a beautiful Gaelic slave, Gallia, and the infamous architect Vitruvius, to name a few.  Each has a superb role in this novel that unravels to perfection, culminating in an ending that will leave you breathless- Let me just say that the last fifty or so pages kept me glued with anxiety and endless tearing.

A story that absolutely needs to be read! Excellent!

Side Note:  Moran provides a glossary of terms, list of names, a map of the time, as well as, an historical follow-up of the characters and their fate.

Cleopatra’s Daughter will appeal to readers of history, mystery, love, romance, intrigue, arts and culture, anthropology and so much more-without an ounce of drudgery- an incredibly easy-to read page turner.  There’s something for everyone in this fabulous book.

NOTE: Because this book touches upon the relevance of equality in women seen by how Selene was brought up by the Great Cleopatra - for the way she was educated in architecture (amongst other disciplines), a field only accessible to men at the time- and brought up as an equal with her twin brother...I deem this book perfectly qualified for the Women Unbound Challenge.

And now … who will be the LUCKY ONE to win this GIVEAWAY???

A Big Thanks to Michelle Moran and Crown-Random House, I have an extra copy here for one of my lucky followers! 

(US and Canada only)

TO ENTER: 

1 Chance:  Leave a comment with your email.

5 Chances: Become a Follower of my Blog (If you’re already a follower, you get this automatically)

5 Chances: Place this on your Side bar or Blog about it.

2 EXTRA Chances every time you tweet and leave me the link

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

Winners announced on November 22^nd.

Announcing the Winner of The Lover's Path.....

The beautiful Fiabla, The Lover's Path, by Kris Waldherr goes to...

PRICILLA of: The Maaaaa of Pricilla!

Congratulations- You'll absolutely love this book!  Please email me your cointact info:)

Book Review: Georgette Heyer's No Wind Of Blame

No Wind of Blame, by Georgette Heyer

As you know, I mostly read books based on history (fiction and non-fiction) as well as literary and regency…this one was none of the above. I read it because it was a Georgette Heyer one and I just couldn’t pass it up. I figured that I love a good mystery, humour and Heyer- so I made the exception and took the plunge into a 20th c read. Blame it on Georgie…

No Wind of Blame is an hysterically funny murder mystery. Who gets killed? No other than the most inconsiderate, obnoxious, good for-nothing, adulterer, gambler, schemer, middle-aged- and he’s not even remotely close to being handsome; Wally Carter. Wally is married to a once-famous actress, the very flamboyant, but kind and warm-hearted, Ermyntrude. The couple lives with Ermyntrude’s eccentric young daughter, Vicky and plain Mary, Wally’s niece.

Everything is in preparation for a grand dinner for their guest, the Russian Prince Varasashvili (whom everyone, except Ermyntrude, thinks is way over the top). All the guests, which include some neighbors (liked and disliked) and friends (including those who would rather be more than just friendly towards Ermyntrude)are also invited to hunt for sport.

As situation will have it, Wally has one… with all the characters in this story. Firstly he owes money he gambled, to his neighbor Mr. White(who is crude and detested by Ermyntrude for his vile ways). Then there’s Mr. Steel, who is secretly (but it’s no secret) in love with Ermyntrude and this annoys Wally in no small way. Pierce is a young man who claims that Wally has misled a young lady and she is now in the ‘family way’ so he wants Wally to own up (ca-ching, ca-ching). Vicky is  the young step-daughter who is always causing him stress with her young mundane ways. Mary, his niece, has taken Ermyntrude’s side now that he’s claimed a gambler and a womanizer. Then there's the desolate Ermyntrude who is hysterical with him for having gotten hismself into so much trouble (but nonetheless, she’s rich and he desperately needs her money to clarify all his troubles). Lastly, there’s that darn Prince (whose name matches that of Wally’s dog)- The Prince who is way too elegant and way too gallant towards Ermyntrude…

On that fatal day that Wally gets shot, who’s to blame? Everyone’s got motive and everyone’s got a glitch in their story or alibi. It’s more than touch- and –go for the inspectors and just when the suspect seems found and the mystery solved, something else comes up.

Heyer’s talent is incredible. How she’s kept me dancing through more than 360 pages of ‘It’s him-No -it’s her’, I just don’t know. All I know is that I laughed right through this one.

For anyone who loves a good funny mystery, read this. You won’t be disappointed. As for me, I’m done- although I did find this entertaining and a definite change of pace and genre, it’s back to Heyer regencies from here on.

I’d like to Thank Danielle from Sourcebooks for this fun and engaging read.

Sophia's Corner- Book Review of Little Women

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

This is the story about 4 sisters. Their names are Meg, the oldest, Jo, Beth and Amy the littlest. Their father was at war and the girls lived with their mother. Meg gets married, Jo is a writer, Beth is very kind but gets very sick and Amy grows up and goes lives in Europe with her aunt. Many sad things happen about sickness and happiness. But there's good happy parts too.

What I liked best: I liked their Christmas and when they gave breakfast to the poor and how they helped eachother.


What I didn’t like so much: There is a very sad part in this story that made me cry about one of the sisters.
I liked this book but it’s not one of my favourites even though it has pretty photos.

I give this book 3 castle only because it was good but it wasn't one of my favourites.

 Sophia

Book Review + Giveaway!!

The Lover's Path, by Kris Waldherr

There’s nothing I enjoy more than reading about 16^th c Venice.  But Imagine reading a book written by a person who actually lived in those days!  Filamena Ziani (or Filamela: nightingale) was a female artist of  16^th c Venice.  This is the first actual English publication of her work , which was at the time, dedicated to her patroness,  Felicita Lando.  As a female musician-singer-writer, Filamena’s work never received the recognition due.  Kris Waldherr, through her enchanting illustrations has magically recreated this written work of art, by the nightingale and ‘Virtuosa’ of the times- someone who actually existed back then and even has a palazzo named after her!

This story or ‘fiabla’ of forbidden love, is about a young Filamena who is raised by her older sister Tullia, a notable Courtesan.   Tullia wants to shield Filamena from the world’s cruelties and the pain and torments that love can bring.  One evening while her sister is entertaining noble society gentlemen, Filamena is invited to sing in the background.  There she spots the man who was to become the love of her life...her forbidden love.

This novel is so beautifully created that you can just get lost in the splendor of the artwork.  Every single page is designed to enchant.  There are letters carefully tucked in envelopes and beautiful historical maps, card-size illustrations (the basis for the Love Tarot series) that can all be found within this splendid book.  But not only is this book breathtaking and fulfilling to the senses as is, the story itself is incredibly captivating.

At the beginning, I read along for the sake of romance and getting lost in a world of a different era…but as I kept reading, I discovered that this was not an ordinary love story.  I was surprised to find mystery, intrigue, and a twist of fate that I really did not expect.  I enjoyed this book through and through and the fact that the story was written by someone who actually lived in a place and time that fascinates me makes me feel like I found a treasure. 

In addition, the prelude to the Lover's Path is writen by Marina Rossetti, the curator of 'Museo di Palazzo Filomela (curator of the Museum of Filomela's Palace).  Here, she briefly describes the life, work, art, and documentation supporting this historical figure, time and place. 

Breathtaking, brilliant, interesting, interactive, historical - A splendidly precious creation.

Whether you immerse yourself into the reading, the history, the artwork, or just for the browsing- The Lover's Path  is a definite conversation piece.  This book is a real gem.

Side Note:  I believe that although  The Lover’s Path is  a mere 135 pages and is unpretentious in its reason to be- it’s got great merit in having brought forth a woman’s voice, thoughts and talent that were sadly suppressed at a time when women had no place in the arts.  It has sustained its message throughout the ages and Filamena’s talent has finally been brought to light.  A special Thanks to Kris Waldherr for playing a major part in this success.

(I’ll be entering this one in the Women Unbound Challenge for sure!)

 

AND NOW FOR A SPECIAL TREAT………………………..

Courtesy of Kris Waldherr…

GIVEAWAY :  The Lover’s Path!!!!  (US only)

 To Enter:

1 Chance:  Leave a Comment

2 Chances:  Become a Follower of this Blog (If you’re already a follower you automatically get this)

5 Extra Chances:  for every Tweet, Blog Post, Blog Side-bar Post

GOOD LUCK!!!

Winner Announced on November 12th

Book Review: Sandition, By Jane Austen

Uncompleted, Sandition was the last of Jane Austen’s work.

Another delightful short read by Austen. I can’t say enough about how much I revel in these brief , yet brilliant works. Sandition brought me the light read and humour I desperately needed after the meatier books I last dove into.


Sandition, is the name of a new beach resort village in its coming of age. Because it is a relatively unknown area in need of new residents, travelers and reputable people-the then local entrepreneur, Tom Parker, starts up the story on a tour in search of a physician for his new community. Along the way (and due to a small injury) he must stop for help in a town – and lucky for him, the people are very welcoming and readily available for help. Mr. Parker and his wife, appreciating the warmth and kindness of these accidental hosts, as a gesture of appreciation, offer to take the daughter of Mr. Heywood (the main man who helped and hosted them) a Miss Charlotte Heywood, back with them as a guest in their home in Sandition.

Charlotte is the heroine of this story and everything is pretty much seen through her eyes. In Sandition we meet such colourful characters as the very rich, elderly and twice-widowed, Lady Denham; her niece and nephew by her second husband, her cousin Clara- a beautiful and demure young lady. But- the funniest of all characters are Mr. Parker’s siblings who have endless ailments (all of them purel y made up). One of these, Diane (Parker’s sister) is on a mission to ‘fill up’ the town and in doing so, she is constantly busy and bustling around , leaving Charlotte to wonder if the illness isn’t but an act.

Sadly (for me), the story ends abruptly with the arrival into Sandition, of the dashing Mr. Sidney, Parker’s brother . I say sadly because I was just getting into it- just when the characters started coming together for the meshing of a story line…Sandition has got me wondering how this one could have turned out. The characters are delightful and true to Austen’s originality and good sense of build up to a story that would surely have become another of her great masterpieces. It also saddens me to think that it was during this very year of writing Sandition that Jane Austen passed away.




This is my 5th of 6 Austen reads, for the Everything Austen Challenge.

Does anyone know if there’s an Austenesque sequel to Sandition by another author? I’d love to see the take on this one.

Book Moments: More Challenges...

After an incredibly busy October that included 3 birthdays (all within the same week!)- and one being a Sweet16; all I can say is that I was sooo looking forward to the respite that November would bring. And now that November is finally here, I find myself overloaded with books to read and reviews to write. That’s OK, I love it! In fact, my compulsion has led me to join in 2 more reading challenges. I’m not nuts or anything(well maybe a little) but there is a practical side to me as well..so, I’m making sure that besides the reading-for-fun thing; these also fit my reviewing schedule;

Besides the ones I'm already participating in; which are:

The Jean Plaidy Challenge   

 

 

And The Everything Austen Challenge

I’ve found two more interesting challenges to join:

At Virginie Says,   there’s The Four Month Challenge Part 2

  

‘The challenge will begin on November 1, 2009 and will end on February 28, 2010.  Each book you read can only be used for one category.  You can ‘read’ up to ‘2′ audiobooks if you choose, but you don’t have to.  You can read books you are also reading for other challenges’.   See categories and point system here.  

I have sort of an ongoing list for this challenge- and so far, it looks like this:

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher,Kate Summerscale

The White Queen, Philippa Gregory

an Elena Vidal book, set in France

No Wind of Blame, Georgette Heyer

Gwenhwyfar, Mercedes Lackey

O’Juliet, RobinMaxwell

This next Challenge gives me a bit more time to complete since, like the Plaidy one, it’s a year-long challenge:

Women Unbound   is a book blog related to Women’s Studies and they’ve just announced this challenge for November 2009- November 2010.  I originally learned about this on my friend Lilly’s blog: Reading Extravaganza and thought it would be fun to join; especially since all I read is mostly about women in history.

For more info on categories and reads, check it out here. 

 

 

I’ve chosen the Blue Stocking Category and here are my picks so far:

Memoirs of The Empress Josephine, Madame de Remusat (I’m finally going to read this!)

Memoirs of Madame Vigee-Lebrun

Madame de Pompadour

Lucrezia Borgia

(I’m still working on my list…)    

What challenges have you joined so far?