Natasha Solomon continues her mission to unearth women characters from history with her newest novel ‘Cleopatra’. I enjoyed the exploration of Cleopatra’s earlier years, told from her point of view. It shows a very politically adept young woman who could understand her father’s ineptitude alongside a sharp instinct for protecting herself. The world building was a fascinating insight into how religion intertwined everything, and the pageantry and traditions that surrounded the Egyptian royal family.

What disappointed me about this book was the lack of focus. We are introduced to another POV fairly early on - of Servilia, Caesar’s long term mistress, an adept political player herself. From this point the story seems to revolve around Caesar himself as the two women try to place themselves firmly within his influence.

This may be realistic in terms of the power structures of the time, but it hits a jarring note for a feminist retelling for the story to centre a male character so heavily. For a book named Cleopatra, I would have liked to keep it solely from her voice and through her eyes. While Servilia was formidable and the parallels between the women interesting, I didn’t expect or really feel her story added anything to Cleopatra’s narrative.

I also feel it would have been interesting to continue Cleopatra’s story past Caesar into her later years.

Thank you to @bonnierbooks_uk and the author for an advanced, gifted copy. Cleopatra is out now!

I really enjoyed this read and it served as a good history lesson for the early years in Cleopatra’s life, which, I discovered, I knew nothing about.

Beautifully written, with setting, clothing, jewellery and make up described in such wonderful detail, that I thought I was there with Cleopatra at times. The pace of the story was slow at times, though I did find myself getting lost in the description so much that I quite enjoyed an unhurried, leisurely read.

Mention Cleopatra and everyone thinks Mark Antony, but this book concentrates on the period before him, and he is very shadowy as a character, which surprised me. The story starts with a young Cleopatra who can see that her father is effectively selling Egypt to Rome. Cleopatra has to find a way to control her own narrative and does this by giving herself up to Caesar - in bearing him a son, she tries to secure the support of Rome which becomes increasingly important for survival as her own siblings turn on her and fight for the right to be supreme rulers of Rome.

Cleopatra’s relationship with Caesar is told in the first person, but it is clearly a union based on mutual gain rather than genuine affection. This is set against a different relationship enjoyed by Caesar, with a noble woman called Servilia, whom he has been involved with for years, but has never married - choosing to wed others instead.

Servilia and Cleopatra strike up an odd relationship based upon grudging mutual respect when Cleopatra visits Caesar in Rome, and following his murder, Cleopatra’s escape is very much dependent upon Servilia’s generosity.

The most heartbreaking relationship is that between Charmain and Cleopatra, which is so much more than the master-slave relationship that I would have expected. For so much of the novel the two women are one, complicated only by the introduction of another slave, Apollodorus the Sicilian.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cleopatra in this novel. Her determined, calculating nature is fractured to reveal a vulnerable female who has to constantly reassess her surroundings in order to survive. There could definitely be a follow up title…

A fun reading experience from start to finish. Intriguing story, characters that will appeal to all reads and action packed twists and turns.

Cleopatra is a beautifully written and thoroughly engaging novel that offers a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure. Fans of historical fiction and those interested in strong female protagonists will find much to enjoy in this book.

Born to be Paraoh, Cleopatra is a useful advisor to her father until he dies. Now threatened by her brother-husband Ptolemy and the might of Rome, Cleopatra has to make a pragmatic choice. Servilia is a respected Roman matron and the long-term mistress of Julius Caesar, she sees him rise to glory and also to believe in his own invincibility.
The story of Caesar and Cleopatra has been retold many times but this novel is different in that it focuses on women. Cleopatra is not built up as a great beauty but her character is not glamorised either. In fact the main theme is that of loyalty, Cleopatra to Egypt, Charmian to Cleopatra and Servilia to Caesar. It's lush and sensuous and rather beguiling but also clever.

Absolutely brilliant

I have devoured it in one day. Totally recommend it to all genre lovers. The writing style caught me from page one. It was so great to read about Cleopatra and the story told from.her point of view. It was like I could.hear her voice talking whole the story was unfolding

This ancient historical novel covers the teenage years of perhaps Egypt's most famous queen, Cleopatra. This includes her ascending to the throne, the overthrow of her joint ruler (her venal brother Ptolemy) and her relationship with Julius Caesar. Solomons gives a broadly sympathetic portrayal without making the ancient monarch sound too modern. It's fair to say Cleopatra probably wasn't particularly 'nice' but she was a savvy ruler, and some of her choices were dictated by circumstance. She certainly lived in a brutal, cutthroat (literally) world, where she competed continually with her siblings for survival, inherited an impoverished kingdom from her father, and then had to deal with the voracious Romans - rich, powerful and looking to subsume Egypt into their empire.

Although most of the book is from the first person perspective of Cleopatra, there are also chapters from the perspective of Servilia, an older Roman woman who is the long term mistress of Caesar. This extra perspective provides a good balance against Cleopatra's own narrative and enables the reader to gain information and context that wouldn't be possible to obtain from Cleopatra's viewpoint alone.

It's an interesting period of history and full of famous names. I'd heard of Cleopatra and Caesar of course, but I've never been familiar with the details of their stories so the story still had an element of surprise for me. I can't comment as to its historical accuracy, but as far as I can tell it roughly follows the known or presumed facts. Of course, with more ancient history the author often has more licence as less is known for certain.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that set in the ancient world. Fans of the Greek myth retellings - authors like Natalie Haynes, Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint - are very likely to enjoy this, although there are no supernatural aspects.

I really wanted to like this one, and was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I just can't get on with the writing style, and I couldn't care less about the characters. It is apparently we'll researched, and others have loved it, it just isn't a good fit for me.

*Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

This is a novel about Cleopatra, as you’ll have already guessed from the title and cover! Beginning with a visit to Rome with her father – the first time Cleopatra, then thirteen, has ever left Egypt – and ending just after the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, it’s a retelling of the life of one of history’s most famous women.

Although I love history and historical fiction, Cleopatra is not one of the historical figures I have a particular interest in and I haven’t read a lot of factual information about her. This means I can’t really comment on the accuracy of the book or how the choices Solomons makes on what to cover or not cover compare with choices made by other authors. Purely as a work of fiction, I found it quite enjoyable, especially the parts of the book dealing with Cleopatra’s personal life – her friendship with her beloved servant, Charmian; the development of her relationship with Caesar; and the birth of her son, Caesarion (depicted here as Caesar’s child). Solomons also delves into the politics of the period, the shifting allegiances and power struggles and the changing dynamics between Egypt and Rome. I found some of this a bit difficult to follow and I think including dates at the start of the chapters may have helped me keep track of the passing of time.

The novel is narrated mainly by Cleopatra herself, which allows us a lot of insight into what she is like as a mother, lover, sister and friend. However, there are also some chapters narrated by another woman: Servilia, sister of Cato the Younger and a mistress of Caesar’s (as well as the mother of his eventual assassin, Brutus). There weren’t enough of these chapters for me to fully connect with Servilia on an emotional level, but seeing things from her point of view did provide a very different (and more negative) impression of Cleopatra. I can understand why Solomons chose Servilia, but it would have been interesting if she had also written from other perspectives such as Charmian’s or maybe one of Cleopatra’s brothers and sisters.

The novel ends soon after Caesar’s death, leaving a lot of Cleopatra’s story still untold – her relationship with Mark Antony and the events leading to her suicide, for example. I haven’t seen any indication that there’s going to be a sequel, but there would definitely be enough material for one. Maybe Natasha Solomons will move on to something else for her next book, though; her previous work has included a novel narrated by the Mona Lisa, a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, and a saga about a wealthy banking family, so clearly she likes to write about a wide range of topics and characters!

Cleopatra is a name Carried in history which every human knows , so already with the title I had great expectations of learning more about this fascinating woman. However I am a little sad as was so looking forward to this book but I struggled to engage with it . It should have been called ceasar and cleopatra as there was just as much of ceasar and no mark Anthony ! One of the most paired couples in all of history cleopatra and Anthony so hugely devastated that passionate attraction : love affair didn’t even enter the story , maybe they’ll be a cleopatra 2

I do enjoy historical fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Fair Rosealine by this author. This is a reimagining of Cleopatra from a young girl to Queen and Caesar’s plaything per se. This is told in a duel perspective of both Cleopatra and Caesar’s mistress Servilia. It was interesting and whilst I didn’t devour it like the previous book I did find it interesting. Whilst I know of Cleopatra, Caesar etc this was in parts a history lesson and I quite enjoyed that. I did feel this was a good read and I’m giving it 3.5 stars because there were parts that didn’t quite make sense regarding 2 of the secondary characters but I won’t be explaining this as it would be a spoiler and I try not to do that.

An impressive dual pov from two extraordinarily strong female characters living in an overwhelmingly male dominated, cut throat world. We all think we know Cleopatra’s story but I, for one, found this a true eye opener of a read. It was exceptional. I always find the author picks out a woman who we all believe we know, and turns everything on its head. It was a fascinating read and one I recommend to everyone.

As an Egyptian, Cleopatra has always held a powerful place in my imagination, not just as a historical figure, but as a symbol of identity, pride and complexity. I picked up Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons hoping to reconnect with a part of my heritage that’s so often misunderstood or simplified through Western narratives. In many ways, this novel succeeds: it’s a poetic, emotionally resonant reimagining that gives voice to a woman who has too often been spoken about, rather than for.

Told from Cleopatra’s perspective, the novel reclaims her as more than the seductive caricature history has painted. Solomons presents her as a strategist, a mother, a ruler, and a survivor, flawed and human but deeply intelligent and resilient. The prose is lyrical and atmospheric, often reading like a long, reflective soliloquy. At its best, the writing captures the fragility and power of Cleopatra’s position as she navigates love, loss and empire.

However, the novel isn’t without its shortcomings. The pacing can be slow, particularly in the middle, where internal monologue takes precedence over historical action. Key events (such as Caesar’s assassination or the fall of Egypt) are filtered through personal emotion rather than dramatic tension, which can make the historical context feel hazy at times. As someone looking to deepen my understanding of my own history, I occasionally wished for a firmer grounding in the politics and realities of the time.

Characters like Caesar and Mark Antony feel distant and underdrawn; their influence on Cleopatra is described more than demonstrated, which sometimes weakens the emotional impact of their relationships. And while the novel succeeds in reclaiming Cleopatra from the male gaze, it occasionally leans into a different kind of idealisation, elevating her suffering and endurance in a way that risks making her feel symbolic rather than fully human.

Still, despite its flaws, this is a memorable and meaningful read. Solomons has crafted a version of Cleopatra that feels fresh, vulnerable and fiercely intelligent. It may not be a comprehensive historical account but it’s a moving character study that gave me a deeper emotional connection to a woman who has long been central to Egypt’s past, and, for many of us, its enduring sense of pride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to review.

This reimagining of Cleopatra VII’s life is sharp and compelling, particularly in the first third where we follow a young, calculating, and captivating Cleopatra as she navigates power and politics. The dual POV with Servilia offers an interesting Roman perspective, and Cleopatra’s voice feels both regal and refreshingly self-aware. Her relationship with Julius Caesar is portrayed as political rather than romantic, which I appreciated. However, once Caesar enters the story, the focus shifts heavily onto him, and Cleopatra begins to fade into the background somewhat. I was hoping for a fuller exploration of her life, not just the years tied to Caesar. A strong start but ultimately not the Cleopatra-centred story I wanted.

Thank you to Netgalley and Manilla Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been intrigued by Ancient Egypt, the Pharos and especially the female queens since I was a child. There is something so facinating about this period of time. History tells us Cleopatra lived a fascinating if short life, and this book delves into her story. We start in her early childhood, her marriage to Ceasar. It is told from a alternating first-person POVs, Cleopatra and Servilia, one of Ceasars lovers.

The book establishes early on that Cleopatra has been born to rule, and that thread follows throughout the book. It was very hard to get to know her on a personal level and even like her, but she garners your respect from the beginning. Not only a beauty, she also had a clever mind and wasn't afraid to use it and her body to get what she wanted, in order to protect her people and keep Egypt under its own rule. Which shows courage in this time period especially with the Romans on the scene. I did really enjoy the book but would have like to know more about Cleopatra. I felt once Ceasar arrived on the scene it became more about them, rather than her.

As beautifully written and poignat novel about love, life and destiny. And I would urge anyone who is interested in the period to read the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this eCopy to review

Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons is a captivating reimagining of one of history's most enigmatic figures. The novel depicts the life of Cleopatra, the legendary Queen of Egypt, presenting her as a complex, ambitious woman navigating the treacherous waters of power, love, and survival in a male-dominated world.

The story is told from the perspectives of Cleopatra herself and Caesar's mistress, Servilia, which adds a unique depth to the narrative. This dual perspective allows readers to see Cleopatra not just as a ruler and seductress, but as a deeply human character with vulnerabilities and strengths. The novel begins with Cleopatra's early years, her struggles with her brother Ptolemy for the throne, and her strategic alliance with Julius Caesar. Solomons paints a vivid picture of Cleopatra's intelligence and cunning, as well as her deep love for her people and her country.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its portrayal of Cleopatra's relationships. Her interactions with Caesar and later with Mark Antony are depicted with nuance and emotional depth, highlighting her ability to wield power through both political acumen and personal charm. The novel also explores her friendships and betrayals, adding layers to her character that go beyond the typical historical caricatures.

Solomons' writing is lush and lyrical, bringing ancient Egypt to life with rich descriptions and a strong sense of place. The historical details are meticulously researched, making the setting feel authentic and immersive. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense drama interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes that allow for character development.

Cleopatra is a beautifully written and thoroughly engaging novel that offers a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure. Fans of historical fiction and those interested in strong female protagonists will find much to enjoy in this book.

This is a well researched account of Cleopatra as she transforms from girl into Queen and Pharaoh. The story focuses heavily on her life with Caesar, how he aided her to regain power, and ends shortly after his death.

Natasha Solomans writes this book using first person narrative, giving the reader an intimate view into Cleopatra's thoughts, feelings and experiences. We also get a first person POV from Servilia, whose life was entwined with Caesar too. Servilia's POV was an interesting choice but provided a wholly different perspective of Cleopatra.

I found this to be a good historical retelling. It's not too bogged down with fastidious detail, but instead concentrates on building atmosphere of the time and place.

I did find that there were some pacing issues where the plot lost momentum. Also I would have liked to follow Cleopatra's story to the next part of her life and her relationship with Marc Antony. Maybe there will be a sequel? I sure hope so.

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for my complimentary copy for review consideration.

This story, told in the first person from the POV of two women, including Cleopatra, traces the story of the Pharaoh from her first visit to Rome with her father to her fleeing Rome with her son after Caesar's murder.

The first-person narration helps the viewer step into the story. I really enjoyed how Cleopatra was unapologetically a person of her time and not rewritten based on modern ways of thinking. As a strong woman in a man's world, she had to use her wit and wiles to survive. I would love to read a sequel to this book focusing on the latter part of her life.

A recommended read for fans of Nefertiti, Hamnet and The Other Boleyn Girl.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alright, where to begin. This claims to be a retelling of Cleopatra’s life. It’s not. It really just focuses on her relationship with Caesar. From the moment he’s introduced, we never see Cleopatra in scenes unrelated to him again. There was so much opportunity! For example, we’re told by another character that for over a year, Caesar went back to Rome without her. What did she do in Egypt in that time? No clue. There’s a time jump, we only see her again when they’re reunited. And because this is only the story of Cleopatra and Caesar, it ends at Caesar’s death. An incredible disappointment to me as her life after that only gets more fascinating.

The book is told in alternating first-person POVs, Cleopatra and Servilia. Cleopatra comes across as unlikeable and unkind, and pretty clueless about other people’s emotions. There’s an incredible scene in which she wonders what happened to her ‘sweet-natured, open-faced’ little brother. After their father died, she killed their other brother, imprisoned their sister, and had him marry her. Gosh, what cause does he have to be sad, uh? But whatever, she’s a queen, I expect her to be ruthless and self-centered, that’s fine, I didn’t mind. I do wish I’d felt something for her, though. This is a woman who had a brief yet extraordinary life. But the only emotion I felt reading this were from Servilia’s POV. I’m still unsure why it was there; it only reinforced the feeling that this was about Caesar, not Cleopatra. But I enjoyed it a lot more than Cleopatra’s, as Servilia is clever, interesting, kind, and did make me feel things.

Cleopatra’s POV felt completely flat to me. Someone unfamiliar with her story might feel more engaged, but if you already know what happens, there’s nothing new here. No fresh perspective, no attempt to fill in the gaps in historiography. It just tells you what you already know, in a very matter-of-fact way. I was also disappointed that Charmion was reduced to a beloved slave with no political influence. I did appreciate that Cleopatra constantly kept in mind the imbalance of power between them even as she thought about their friendship, though (I’m trying hard to find positives here). I would love a Cleopatra retelling in Charmion’s POV. If you know of one, please let me know!

But now we get to what I found hugely problematic in this book: the rampant fatphobia. Three characters are described as fat. Now I'm all for reclaiming the word as a neutral descriptor, but it doesn't end there. Cleopatra's brother isn't just fat: he's 'fat as an overstuffed partridge, the filling oozing out', a description clearly designed to elicit disgust. She 'worries for the safety of his stool', lest it break. She's 'astonished [the people carrying him] can support his bulk'. She laments that his supporters 'don't see a corpulent and vicious tyrant'. He doesn't 'understand the restraint of any appetite - for food, flesh or violence', equating being fat with having no self-control.

As for her father, he isn't evil, just wildly incompetent, and of course, also fat. He emerges 'sweating and corpulent'. 'Perspiration is beaded in the fleshy folds at his wrists and in the sausages of his neck.' Cleopatra 'pities the slaves who lugged him here'. This time, fat seems to mean inept and pathetic, and the idea of him being 'lugged' is incredibly dehumanizing.

And then we meet a third fat character. He's a drunk Roman accosting Cleopatra. He is 'barely able to stuff his gut into his toga'. She makes fun of his 'immense proportions'. Of course it's not enough to tell us he's a lewd pervert; we need to know he's fat to be properly disgusted, right?

I read an ARC, so I hope there have been changes in the final version. But it's still very telling that this was written in the first place and stayed in all the previous rounds of editing. Why is it so important to insist on how fat they are, and yet nothing else about their appearance is discussed in such detail? Why are there not whole paragraphs about the weight of other characters, except the occasional reminder that Cleopatra and Caesar, the ‘good guys’, are thin? What does the fatness of these three characters add to the story, except trying to make them seem disgusting? Especially at a time when being fat was a sign of wealth, so for Cleopatra to harbour these views seems out of place.

I also had a problem with the constant comments and jokes about her brother's advisors being eunuchs. They're shitty people, but they're not shitty because they're eunuchs, how many times do you need to make fun of that. Even her constantly referring to them as only 'the eunuchs' was annoying. And it doesn’t make sense for Cleopatra to be judgemental of eunuchs, when in reality, she had her own eunuch advisor, who here is entirely erased because I guess it didn't fit the evil eunuch narrative the author made up.

A final criticism but that's more a pet peeve of mine, I hate when authors choose to use ‘Marc Antony’ instead of ‘Antonius’. I’m sorry, Marc Antony sounds like an idiot frat boy, not one of the most important men in Rome. Anyways, that doesn’t matter much, and I’d have forgiven it easily if the book had more redeeming qualities. Alas, it didn’t.

I couldn’t wait to dive into "Cleopatra" by Natasha Solomons, and I was absolutely captivated from start to finish. This novel is a beautifully crafted retelling that brings a fresh, humanised perspective to one of history’s most misunderstood female figures.
What struck me most was Solomons’ lyrical, almost poetic prose. Her writing lends an ethereal quality to the story, making the ancient world feel vivid and alive. I appreciated how the book masterfully weaves historical details into the narrative without overwhelming the reader with facts — instead, it immerses you in Cleopatra’s world, allowing her internal struggles and triumphs to take centre stage.
The characterisations are what truly made this book stand out. Cleopatra feels so real — a woman of immense intelligence, strength, and vulnerability. Solomons delves deeper than the usual regal image we see in history books, exploring her internal dialogue and emotional landscape. I found myself sympathising deeply with her, especially during her first encounter with Caesar — her fierce resolve and sense of duty shining through even in her most vulnerable moments. The quotes where she reflects on her sacrifice and her sense of identity really resonated with me, highlighting her complexity as both a ruler and a woman.
The friendship between Cleopatra and Charmian was a highlight for me; it added warmth and depth to her character. The subtle hints of a deeper, perhaps sapphic connection also added an intriguing layer of intimacy, leaving me to ponder the true nature of their bond. The scene where Cleopatra releases Charmian to be with Apollodorus was particularly poignant, revealing her tender, more compassionate side beneath her royal veneer.
I did find myself wishing for a bit more dialogue throughout — I think more direct interactions could have brought some scenes to life even further. Still, the prose-heavy style made each spoken word feel meaningful, and I appreciated how it emphasized Cleopatra’s inner strength and strategic mind.
The perspective of Servilia, Caesar’s mistress, took some adjustment. At first, I was frustrated by the interruptions from her point of view, but as the story progressed, I understood their interconnectedness and how their stories complement each other. Servilia’s chapters didn’t quite leave the same emotional impact on me as Cleopatra’s, but they added an interesting dimension to the narrative, especially in terms of political and personal alliances.
One area I felt could have been expanded was the storyline surrounding Cleopatra’s sister — I wanted to know more about her motivations and fate. The ending, which comes shortly after Caesar’s death, felt a bit abrupt, as I was expecting to follow Cleopatra’s life further. However, I appreciated how Solomons chose to conclude with Cleopatra’s own words, speaking directly to us and reminding us of her enduring story.
Overall, "Cleopatra" is a haunting, enchanting retelling that offers a nuanced, compelling glimpse into one of history’s most fascinating women. Natasha Solomons has created a story that balances historical accuracy with emotional depth, making Cleopatra’s story more relatable and human. It’s a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time — a truly memorable read.