A Greek descendant of Alexander the Great, she is portrayed as a keen observer of her father's oppressive rule and unpopular submission to Rome as an intellectual who studies the papyrus scrolls in the Library at Alexandria and learns the language of the Egyptian people as a patient, shrewd competitor among her siblings for Ptolemy XII's throne and as an adolescent who seeks friendship on her own terms with Charmion, a loyal court dancer who later reveals their shared lineage. Living among a cast of both historical and fictional characters, Cleopatra narrates her story from age 10 in 59 BC to her death at age 39. VOYA June 2011, Gr 7-10 -This fictional memoir of Egypt's alluring, mysterious queen resonates with historical authenticity, plausible emotional dilemmas, and passion for power and survival.

In addition, the book will serve nicely as an introduction to historical fiction for book clubs focusing on this genre, or as a read-aloud to introduce students in social studies classes to the time period.-Donna Miller. This well-crafted tale will definitely appeal to fans of historical fiction dealing with ancient Egypt and those who have a particular interest in one of the world's most fascinating female leaders. Value-added resources at the end of the book include the author's notes, a bibliography, websites, a time line, a list of Egyptian gods and goddesses, and an explanation of the Egyptian calendar. Cleopatra is portrayed as a beautiful, resourceful leader whose quest for power and royalty appear to be based on an altruistic belief that she truly can make a positive difference for Egypt and its people. Despite this scarcity of information, Meyer weaves a plausible plot integrating historical facts and her own creative narrative, complete with secondary characters that may or may not have existed. As Meyer relates in the author's notes at the end of the book, Cleopatra remains a largely mysterious figure as there is little information about her life. As with her previous books on historical figures, this story is told in first person, providing readers with an intimate feel to Cleopatra's life from age ten to her death by suicide. With this latest title, Meyer continues her trend in writing engaging, historical fiction.

Cleopatra confesses by carolyn meyer