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lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up at a library book sale in October, and have finally gotten around to reading it. I read this book as a child (and some of the others in the Royal Diaries series). It's been so long since I've read it, I didn't remember what happened in the book, so I went in blind.
I ended up enjoying the look this book gave me at Cleopatra, and her life between the ages of twelve and fourteen. The book was a quick read; it took me under two hours to finish, and was pretty interesting. I really appreciated that Cleopatra's character came through quite distinctly. She was intelligent, multilingual, and cunning enough to understand the political realities in her own family (such as a murderous older sister and disappointingly useless father, who we saw her become disillusioned with), in Egypt in general, and in Rome. It was refreshing, as Gregory could easily have made her much more naive. Instead, Cleopatra was given just enough naiveté to be reasonable for her age. Coupled with the aforementioned aspects of her personality, she felt quite realistic, and I enjoyed seeing the historical events around her through her eyes.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to people (especially children 8-12) interested in a young Cleopatra, who perhaps don't have very much knowledge of ancient Egypt, and want to know more. I do know a fair amount, but it was still a good read for me. 3.5 stars.
I ended up enjoying the look this book gave me at Cleopatra, and her life between the ages of twelve and fourteen. The book was a quick read; it took me under two hours to finish, and was pretty interesting. I really appreciated that Cleopatra's character came through quite distinctly. She was intelligent, multilingual, and cunning enough to understand the political realities in her own family (such as a murderous older sister and disappointingly useless father, who we saw her become disillusioned with), in Egypt in general, and in Rome. It was refreshing, as Gregory could easily have made her much more naive. Instead, Cleopatra was given just enough naiveté to be reasonable for her age. Coupled with the aforementioned aspects of her personality, she felt quite realistic, and I enjoyed seeing the historical events around her through her eyes.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to people (especially children 8-12) interested in a young Cleopatra, who perhaps don't have very much knowledge of ancient Egypt, and want to know more. I do know a fair amount, but it was still a good read for me. 3.5 stars.
lenlenlia's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
laurenelisabeth7509's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kaitokid's review against another edition
5.0
Read a little while ago but i have always been fascinated with history and other cultures so i am very happy to have got a hold of this book.
bearystarry's review against another edition
Just not for me at this point in my life, I think.
ladyladyloveme's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
booksarebetter's review against another edition
2.0
I really like these diary novels of various people. But this one wasn't as good as others. The nod to Christianity was rather unnecessary and inaccurate. As well as Cleopatra being incredibly self absorbed at how perfect she was making this not very enjoyable for a diary entry in the series. A pity, as I do so enjoy Egypt and its history. One star rounded up for nostalgia.
stay_truetoyourshelf's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amara_jordan's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5