Cleopatra Book Review | A Powerful Retelling of Egypt's Most Misunderstood Queen
At a glance
- What is the verdict on Cleopatra ?
- A beautifully written and deeply human retelling that reclaims Cleopatra from centuries of myth, presenting her as a ruler, mother, and woman fighting for her people and legacy.
- Who is this book recommended for?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction, female-centered retellings, Ancient Egypt, political intrigue, and stories about powerful women in history.
- Who should skip this book?
- Readers looking for action-heavy historical adventures or highly academic, history-focused narratives.
When we hear the name Cleopatra, most of us immediately think of the stories history has repeated for centuries.
She was a seductress. An enchantress. A manipulator.
But what if there was more to her story?
Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi offers a refreshing and deeply human portrayal of one of history's most fascinating women. Here, Cleopatra is not simply a legendary queen remembered through the lens of others. She is a healer, a mother, a lover, and above all, a ruler willing to fight against impossible odds to protect the land she loved.
As Cleopatra herself declares throughout the novel: She was Egypt, and Egypt was her.
Book Details
- Title: Cleopatra
- Author: Saara El-Arifi
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Retelling
About the Book
The novel begins with Cleopatra's rise as Pharaoh of Egypt and takes readers on a journey through the defining moments of her life. From navigating political intrigue and betrayal within her own kingdom to facing threats from powerful external forces, Cleopatra must constantly fight to secure Egypt's future.
Rather than focusing solely on the myths surrounding her, the story presents a woman carrying the immense responsibility of protecting her people while navigating love, motherhood, power, and loss.
My Review
If you've followed my reading journey for a while, you'll know that I have a particular love for historical retellings, especially those that center women's voices. Cleopatra has always been one of those historical figures who fascinated me, and I've often wanted to look beyond the legends and discover the woman behind them.
I actually stumbled upon this book completely by chance while browsing a bookstore. The cover caught my attention immediately—it was love at first sight. I knew I wanted to read it the moment I saw it.
Thankfully, the story inside proved to be every bit as beautiful as its cover.
What I loved most about this novel was its narration. Saara El-Arifi's writing is immersive, emotional, and compelling from the very first page. The story flows effortlessly, pulling readers into Cleopatra's world and allowing us to see her not as an icon or a legend, but as a woman navigating extraordinary circumstances.
The author skillfully balances the political and personal aspects of Cleopatra's life. We witness her struggles as a ruler facing enemies both within and beyond Egypt's borders, while also experiencing her hopes, fears, relationships, and responsibilities as a mother and a woman.
This perspective adds remarkable depth to a figure often reduced to simplistic stereotypes.
What I Loved
- A fresh and human portrayal of Cleopatra.
- Beautiful and immersive writing.
- A strong female-centered historical narrative.
- Political intrigue, betrayal, and court drama.
- The exploration of Cleopatra as a ruler, mother, healer, and lover.
- A story that makes readers question historical narratives they've always accepted.
The Ending
The ending completely took me by surprise.
Even though many readers may already be familiar with Cleopatra's historical legacy, the way the author chooses to conclude the story was both powerful and emotionally impactful. Without giving anything away, I can confidently say that the final portion of the novel became one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
It's the kind of ending that stays with you long after you've finished reading.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction.
- Fans of female-centered retellings.
- Anyone fascinated by Ancient Egypt.
- Readers looking for strong women protagonists.
- Those who enjoy political intrigue and court drama.
Final Thoughts
Cleopatra is more than a historical retelling. It is an invitation to reconsider a woman history has often misunderstood and misrepresented.
Through beautiful storytelling and a deeply human perspective, Saara El-Arifi gives readers a Cleopatra who feels real, vulnerable, intelligent, and fiercely determined.
This was a book I picked up because of its stunning cover, but it became a story I loved because of the woman at its heart.
Will I reread it? Absolutely.
Will I recommend it? Without hesitation.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Favorite Quotes & Highlights
"Look within and you will see me. I am every woman scorned, and every girl wronged. I am the wrath of vengeance and the heat of desire. I am everything carnal and your darkest sins. I am all that is innocent and pure. Witch. Whore. Villain. But I am also Cleopatra; the mother, the lover, the friend, and so much more. I am abundant. You will never define me, and that is the purest form of freedom I can hope to find in this life I’ve been cursed to endure. I told you at the beginning, this is not the story of how I died. For death will forever evade me. No, this is the story of how I lived. And live still."
"You have been dragged through ink and song. Your ears bleed from the echo of your name that thunders across time. Your eyes are hollow, for they have been imagined and reimagined until they can no longer see. Rest now. Let yourself disappear from the consciousness of others. I give you your freedom in these two words: I exist. I exist. I exist. Like the quiet hiss of a snake. I exist."
"History is a disease. It masquerades as truth, but no one can replicate a moment in words alone. In Egypt we didn’t try. History and stories were synonymous—like our art, they were reflections of sentiment rather than lauded as fact."
"The love you have for Antonius is rare. If it has dimmed, I understand your choice. But if it still burns bright, do not be fearful to face the fire. It is better to be warmed by love, no matter how distant, than to stand alone"
"“Why Selene?” I smiled and pointed to the moon. “For like the moon goddess, I bring my own light.” A handful of years ago, the lyre player had instructed me to do just that: “Do not chase shadows. Make your own light.”"
"History is not fathered, it is cultivated, ever-growing, ever-changing, and most importantly it is pruned and trimmed by those who uncover it from the shade."
"You speak of my many lovers but few of you acknowledge my first, and perhaps my only true love. Egypt."
"When it is your turn to lead, blood will know blood,"
"You know my name, but you do not know me."
"She even dared to gaze with face serene upon her fallen palace courageous, too, to handle poisonous asps that she might draw black venom to her heart, waxing bolder as she resolved to die."
"“One for the past and the happy years well spent, one for the present and the patience we extend, one for the future and the love that never ends."
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