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.

A fascinating retelling of Cleopatra and her rise to Queen of Egypt and her relationship with Caesar, who facilitated her succession. It took me a chapter or two to get into the story but that may have been me because once I got into the tale I was fascinated and engaged. The descriptions of the surroundings in both Alexandria and Rome are well portrayed; the relationships and intrigues among the main characters fascinating and the relationship between Cleopatra and Charmian very touching.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Natasha Solomons/Bonnier Books for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this book which covers some of Cleopatra’s early years but mainly her relationship with Caesar. The first person narrative works well and the prose is very evocative - this book humanises both Cleopatra and Caesar. The book was engaging, realistic and told a clear story. I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for access to this arc in return for an honest review.

Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons

This is a beautiful retelling of the life of Cleopatra, yet it is just as haunting as it is enchanting. I have always been fascinated with Egypt and their most famous queen, so when I saw this book, I just had to read it. This book is one of my favourite retellings I’ve read in a long time!

Natasha Solomons’ writing is done in a stunningly lyrical prose, giving the narrative an ethereal tone. The research that went into this book is evident through the amount of historical facts/details woven into the story, making the readers feel like they are truly being transported back in history to Egypt. This was clearly a huge undertaking for the author and full credit goes to her as it’s absolutely paid off. The setting descriptions, with the use of research, are vivid and enticing. Although this is, of course, a historical retelling, the author does not get caught up in listing facts or explaining historical events and instead the focus lies mainly on Cleopatra as a woman and as a queen. The story felt natural and well paced; it did not come across as just a retelling but instead a brilliant exploration of the life of Cleopatra. The author’s personal additions to the well-known plot and the way she brings life to all the characters was outstanding and really memorable. I did wish in places we would have had more dialogue (as Solomons’ writing is definitely more prose heavy) so we could see the way the ancient characters interacted with one another, but the lack of dialogue did make every spoken word feel more weighted and important, which made up for it in my eyes.

The characterisation of Cleopatra in this book is what made this such an outstanding tale. Natasha Solomons writes about Cleopatra in such a way that she feels alive, as if we can feel her presence through the pages. History remembers her as a beautiful queen with a sharp mind and an astute politician, but Solomon delves deeper than that to show us the more human, raw side of her character. This book is heavy with Cleopatra’s internal dialogue and, although I often dislike this narrative technique elsewhere, I do think it was incredibly well done here. There is a deep exploration of Cleopatra’s internal struggles and this made her feel really animated, relatable and I found myself sympathising with her. The scene where she first meets Caesar and we are shown the lengths she must go to to protect her queendom and Egypt is heartbreaking and very moving, yet we see her almost take it as her duty and there is no sense of her feeling sorry for herself, which suggests a real steely resolve from her as a character. When she says “He thinks he takes me, but I’m not here at all. He cannot reach me”, and, later, “There is no time for how I feel, not now. There is no room for Cleopatra the woman. I must not think about Caesar fucking me, but lock the thought tight away…” I found these to be really powerful quotes about her personal sacrifice. I also appreciated how we saw Cleopatra as the wise woman she was, as intelligent and complex, but this added a really interesting contrast as we see that although she is capable of ruling off her own mind, she must sacrifice her body and her thoughts to Caesar to protect what is most dear to her.

Charmian and Cleopatra’s friendship was a bewitching addition to the story. Right from the start we are told under no uncertain terms that although they are friends, Cleopatra owns Charmian, to the point of even naming her herself (“Every part of her belonged to me - even her name. Charmian, giver of joy”). There is an almost sapphic element woven into the book, with suggestions that Cleopatra’s feelings for her slave are not just that of ownership, or even friendship, but that of a lover. I found this a really interesting underlying element and, although it is not explored directly, it feels that the author was expertly trying to hint at this whilst also leaving it up to readers to determine the truth behind these suggestions. When Cleopatra releases Charmian to go and be with Apollodorus, this is truly an emotive scene which tugs on the heartstrings; it shows that although the Queen can be ruthless and cut-throat when necessary, Cleopatra also has a sensitive, soft and loving side which she hides for fear of betrayal.

The final words of Cleopatra were remarkable and ones I will remember long after I stopped reading: “...they would seal me inside a history that never was. I worry that one day… my own self [will be] lost… The world is stuffed with my enemies and rivals who only see me through the veil of their own dislike… But I’ve told you my story and you know that I am not who they say… Don’t listen to them, for who knows the truth better than me? For I am Cleopatra.” I found this a really compelling way to end her narrative.

I was confused at first why Servilia had her own POV and, the first few times she cropped up, found myself getting frustrated at the interruption from Cleopatra’s POV. However, as the story goes on you begin to see that their fates and their stories are unequivocally linked, and not just by their sharing of Caesar’s bed. I didn’t necessarily warm to Servilia’s character, and found her POV not to be particularly memorable, but this didn’t take away from the enjoyment overall; it did mean I unfortunately rushed through her chapters trying to get back to Cleopatra, though. I felt that Servilia was perhaps the only character I didn’t see real complexity with; even the characters like Ptolemy, his eunuchs, Mark Anthony etc had complexity where we want to see them as evil, yet there are moments where we realise we cannot fully see them as villains but simply humans trying to survive in the vicious historical times. I must say I felt that the storyline surrounding Cleopatra’s traitor sister could have been explored in more detail, but again this didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed the story. I just would have liked to have known a bit more about her motivations, what happened to her, who she was as a person etc. Furthermore, we do seem to end the story very abruptly after Caesar's death (I was expecting us to explore right through to the end of Cleopatra’s life). Perhaps Solomons had her reasons behind doing this, but I didn’t find those reasons to be particularly clear to me as a reader. However, I will give the book credit as it still does feel like a complete story with the way the author finishes the tale by having Cleopatra directly speaking to the readers and encouraging them to remember her story.

Overall I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book carried some heavy themes (betrayal, grief, love, slavery, sacrifice, duty and many more) which were expertly and sensitively explored by the author. I would love to read more from this author and would definitely highly recommend this book. A huge thank you to Netgalley and Natasha Solomons for the ARC.

An interesting delve into the life of Cleopatra! I didn't know much about this historical figure aside from the very well known facts, so found this take on her character an intriguing one

I’ve always been fascinated by Egypt since I was younger, so this book really caught my interest. I loved the early parts that focused on Queen Cleopatra’s power, independence, and intelligence—it was refreshing and inspiring to see her portrayed that way. As the story moved into the middle and end, I felt like some of that strength faded, which was a bit disappointing, but I still enjoyed the journey. It was an engaging read overall, and I’m glad I powered through it.

I read an eARC of this book on Net Galley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This book explores a period of the life of Queen Cleopatra. From visiting Rome with her father as a teenager, to the conclusion of her relationship with Caesar. Because this book is about a real historical figure and is drawing on the Shakespeare play, it focuses less on events and more on character. Many of the key moments in the book will be known by people familiar with the play or the history. So the author has cleverly chosen to look at this more as a character study rather than a retelling. We have a slower pace, a look behind the scenes at the powerful and beguiling queen, seeing her thoughts and what she has to sacrifice to ensure the best outcomes for her people. We see her troublesome family and the poisonous narratives that are spread about her by those looking to push their own agenda.

We have a beautiful look at found family and friendship here. Cleopatra’s actual family has toxic dynamics that cause her numerous problems. Her romantic relationships are strategic and while she can take some joy and companionship from them, she is always using herself as a political tool. Her friendships however, are where we see her true loves come into play. This is tested in the book and we see Cleopatra forced to make a choice between what’s best for her, and what’s best for those she cares about.

Cleopatra’s story into interspersed with chapters from a Roman woman’s point of view to show us another side to Caesar and his legacy. This gives us the Roman context juxtaposed with Cleopatra’s distaste at visiting Rome.

A well-written and fascinating historical novel.

Finished it in almost one sitting. For someone who has little interest in Egypt or Egyptian mythology I have to say that I really enjoyed the book. And I really appreciate books like this as I like to learn while I read. Whereas I don't really research things myself, I just.feel like I'm back at school and get bored easily. Didn't really care about Servilla but Cleopatra's POV was very interesting.

I’ve always been intrigued by Egypt and Egyptian mythology so I was excited to read this book. Although it took me a short while to get into I was soon totally engrossed in Cleopatra’s world. Told from dual POV’s, that of Cleopatra and of Servilia, Caesar’s mistress, this is a reimagining based on fact, and the authors own imagination. Covering the period until Caesars death it’s the story of a girl, then a woman, brought up to believe that they are a princess and a goddess and their wishes and desires are sacrosanct. The narrative is good and the descriptions made me feel like I was there in Alexandria, on the Nile and in Rome. How I would have loved to walk the library!

Briefly, after the death of her father Cleopatra was married to her brother Ptolemy and they ruled jointly, as her father decreed. However, Ptolemy wants the power and riches for himself and when Cleopatra leaves Alexandria to meet her people Ptolemy, with the support of Rome take over the palace. But Cleopatra has a plan. Aware of Caesar’s reputation with women she decides to find a way to get back into the palace and seduce him.

The character of Cleopatra is one that’s always fascinated me. This story shows her as a commanding figure who fights for what she believes is right, albeit it is her version of right. However, there is another side to her. She loves her younger siblings and is devastated when one turns against her, she loves her maid Charmain and she loves her children. Her feelings for Caesar are more complex, she admires him and comes to care for him but unlike Servilia is not in love with him. The two perspectives worked really well and I enjoyed learning about Servilia. A captivating and entertaining historical novel, there is violence and treachery in spades but there is also love and loyalty. Very enjoyable. 4,5⭐️

I really enjoyed the first third of the book, but I found the middle and ending of the book slow and if I’m honest a bit repetitive. Initially Cleopatra was this strong teenage queen who did what she must for her kingdom but towards the end I felt she lacked any sort of personality. I didn’t feel engaged with her outcome.

I have been so excited about this book - and just look at that cover, it's so beautiful.

I have read quite a lot of Egypt-related books recently and I am here for it. Like most people it seems, I was fascinated by Ancient Egypt and Egyptology as a kid and I'm starting to feel that again thanks to this influx of the genre.

The background, scene setting, historical points - they're all so beautiful. You can see how much research Natasha has had to carry out to make this so vivid and lifelike.

For the most part, it is heavy on the prose and light on dialogue, and I like that, that's how I write actually. For me, it leads you better into the story and only through that do you get to understand the characters.

The characters are so well created. The goodies, the baddies, and the in-betweens. Few of them are 100% villains, instead most are morally grey; they're violent because o the time they live in and that's what is expected from them in context. Cleopatra's story is not one I know well, but she is depicted as the fierce and powerful leader that we all know, but Natisha has also shown her as a loving, caring friend.

I don't really know much about Cleopatra, but having done a quick Google, from what I can tell, this is so accurate its like Natasha was there alongside Cleopatra. You can tell she has a passion for this subject, you don't get this level of passion into the story without having some sort of love for it.

I read this in less than 24 hours it was so addictive, it reads almost like a thriller, so engrossed I was in it. It's brutal and gory and violet and fierce and sad and bloody, but if you look between all of that, you'll also find love and friendship and hope.

I own a copy of Natasha's book Fair Rosaline, but it still remains on my TBR, but having read this I know it needs to go to the top of my list because her storytelling and writing is wonderful.

"I want you to see me as I am. You can dislike me, love me or abhor me, but know me first."

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I spent most of uni focussing on the literary rather than the historical side of Classics, Cleopatra has always intrigued me - I remember translating Plutarch's description of her death, and finding it one of the most poignant and emotional scenes in ancient literature. This book looks at an earlier point in the Egyptian Pharaoh's life, and doesn't shy away from the complexities of her character, and the historical debates that define her legacy.

Natasha Solomons' fictionalised Cleopatra is a vibrant character, dedicated to her responsibilities as queen, howevermuch they bring her pain. The narrative really captures the sense of strategy tied to not only her life, but to her relationship with Caesar, and while this occasionally gives the plot a slower pace, it reads as a fitting tribute to Rome and Egypt's complicated histories.

I'd love to read more about this version of the Egyptian queen, and hear the rest of her story!

Books with similar vibes - The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper, Ithaca by Claire North, and Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati.

This book is another masterpiece by Natasha Solomons. I thought I knew about Cleopatra, but after reading this retelling of the story, I realised I knew nothing. The detail transports the reader to Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt. The characters are compelling and vividly retell the relationship between Caesar and Cleopatra. However, the book portrays so much more about Cleopatra—her ability to survive on her wits, her role as a strategist and scholar. It's a masterful and really enjoyable read.

I was hooked by this as soon as I started reading, but felt like it lost its way a little in the middle.
I have grown up loving Ancient Egypt and Cleopatra in particular and possibly lost some of my enjoyment of the book because of this, by reading it and associating the history to the story rather than just enjoying it for what it was. Overall it was a good read and I would recommend to other lovers of Ancient Egypt - just with the advice of forget the accepted history a little first

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK | Manilla Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars

As someone who grew up absolutely obsessed with Ancient Egypt, this novel was right up my alley. Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons is a lush, lyrical, and carefully crafted reimagining of one of history’s most enigmatic women. Told through an unexpected narrator who lends the book a near-theatrical quality, this is Cleopatra as you’ve never seen her—intellectual, ruthless, strategic, and deeply human.

The novel starts slowly, but the pace picks up in just the right way as the stakes rise. The characterisation is exceptional: Cleopatra isn’t reduced to tired tropes of seductres. Instead, she’s portrayed as a calculating and commanding figure, choosing intellect & power over passivity. Her relationship with Caesar is complex—rooted in political necessity, but laced with glimpses of vulnerability.

Servilla’s point of view was an interesting and unexpected narrative choice. While her chapters didn’t grip me as much emotionally, they became essential as the story unfolded. The time jumps are well-handled, and the character voices are distinct throughout. That said, the middle section did drag more than I would have liked.

The ending was enjoyable, though also a little abrupt knowing how significant the second half of Cleopatra’s life is. Her political manoeuvres, and her ultimate downfall are powerful parts of her legacy. But perhaps that's intentional: to remind us her story is far too expansive for one telling.

Solomons has clearly done her research. This is a richly informed, thoughtful novel that doesn’t just retell a life—it reclaims it.

From the acclaimed author of *Fair Rosaline* comes a bold, compelling retelling of Cleopatra that delves into Shakespeare's Roman plays to reveal the beautiful and powerful woman beneath the legend. This gripping narrative explores themes of female strength and fragility, love and heartbreak, deep loyalty, and devastating betrayal. It’s time to discover the true Cleopatra.

Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons is a book I really wanted to love. It took me a good 25% of the book to really get invested into the story and even then I wasn't 100% convinced. The characters feel one dimensional and flat, I personally don't believe the book is emotionally developed enough. It is clear that the author has done a lot of research into Cleopatra which I loved, but perhaps made the book too facts-y and not emotional enough.

Saying this, I think this book will work for a lot of people once published! Unfortunately just not for me.

I wanted to love this, but it was unfortunately a DNF for me at around 30%.

I found the book very "dry" for a work of fiction. I appreciate this is based on history and so "facts" will of course be a huge part of the narrative, but I felt quite removed from it all some how. I very much felt I was reading a book about Cleopatra's life, not about Cleopatra as a living, breathing, person.

I also felt I didn't really warm to the characters. Cleopatra was not really very likeable to me, but I think this was to do with the "factual" feeling the book had.

The writing was also very tell not show. I wanted more dialogue, more relationship, more inner thoughts and feelings. It felt more like a re-enactment for a documentary than a deep work of fiction somehow.

I seem to be in the minority with this one, so perhaps this is a personal taste issue, but I just wanted more from this.

Cleopatra is an evocative and compelling reimagining of the life of Egypt’s most famous queen, Cleopatra VII. Through lyrical prose, Natasha Solomons gives Cleopatra a voice, portraying her as a scholar, a strategist, and a woman grappling with the consolidation of her power as Egypt’s queen and ruler. “I know that one day, power and Egypt will come to me and not to the others. It will come, or I'll take it.” More than a historical retelling, Cleopatra is an intimate exploration of identity, legacy, survival, and love. Unlike many historical fiction novels, its strength lies in weaving historical facts with a lyrical, personal narrative, prioritising atmosphere over meticulous detail. From the very opening, the novel establishes the weight of names and ownership.

“I gave her a name when my tongue was able to speak. Until then, she had none at all. For every part of her belonged to me—even her name. Charmian, giver of joy. She says the joy I saw in her was my own delight reflected back, pure and bright. She is my slave, and yet for a long time she never wished to be free. For when we love, are we not all slaves content in our subjugation? And so, in my own way, I belong to her too, chained by love.”

The characterisation is exceptional. Cleopatra’s portrayal as calculating and ruthless is particularly striking, with her voice commanding yet poetic, making every aspect of her character compelling. She does not ask to be remembered for her beauty, jewels, or titles but for her intellect. “I hope that you see me instead in the library seated on a low cushion, a scroll tucked in one hand, my finger twisting in my hair as I read, lips moving, a concentrated furrow on my brow.” The famous moment when Cleopatra enters the palace to meet Caesar for the first time is particularly exciting and brilliantly executed. The author is careful not to reduce her to a seductress or a weak, tragic figure—as she is often misrepresented in history—and does not romanticise her relationships but instead portrays them through the lens of political necessity. Her entanglement with Caesar is filled with both calculation and fleeting moments of tenderness and playful banter. “I realise that it is comfortable to lie in silence beside a man for whom, if I do not feel love, I harbour the tenderest of affection.”

At first, Servilia’s role in the novel is unclear, seemingly a distant antagonist to Cleopatra. However, as the story unfolds, her chapters become essential interludes, transforming the reading experience into something almost theatrical, as though it were being performed. The time jumps are well-executed, and each character’s voice is distinct, ensuring a clear separation between narratives.

One could argue that the absence of dates, technical minutiae, and minor alterations of historical events are weak points of the novel. However, these choices feel intentional and do not detract from the reading experience, nor do they affect the core story. On the other hand, Arsinoe’s story feels underdeveloped, and the changes made to her arc seem rushed and almost like an afterthought. Unexpectedly, only half of Cleopatra’s life is explored, perhaps suggesting a deliberate choice rather than a constraint. There is no mention of a duology, yet the novel feels complete and remains well-executed. That said, the occasional use of modern vernacular—such as party and joking—momentarily breaks immersion and pulls the reader out of the narrative.

Ultimately, Cleopatra is a beautiful portrayal of this fascinating historical figure. It is a reclamation of power, history, and legacy. Solomons does not merely present Cleopatra as a historical figure but as a woman whose presence still resonates centuries later. I recommend this novel to lovers of retellings and historical fiction—especially those not used to the genre—as well as readers drawn to powerful female figures.

Thank you, Bonnier Books UK | Manilla Press and Natasha Solomons for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Natasha Solomons, Bonnier Books UK | Manilla Press, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A quick and easy read weighed down with narration and pacing issues. The novel is named for Cleopatra but really should be ‘Caesar’. The chapters from Servilia’s POV could be boring at times, and really only served to build a picture of Caesar. Dual first-person POV doesn’t always work well.

I went into reading this assuming that it would include Antony and Cleopatra but it didn’t. I had the feeling the book couldn’t quite make up its mind on what it wanted to do. It felt like it could’ve been easily replaced with a textbook at times and I wouldn’t have minded never picking it up again. Some events were covered in painful detail and others were brushed over.

I enjoyed her friendship with Charmian and Apollodorus but felt it was a little ‘tell’ not ‘show’ sometimes. The characterisation felt a little flat and the overall pacing / plot of the book didn’t work as well as it could have. I don’t regret reading it though.

I received this book as an advance reader copy, and I eagerly anticipated reading it. This was my first introduction to the life of Cleopatra, and it exceeded my expectations. The story of the Queen of Ancient Egypt is filled with both struggle and loss, as well as love and friendship. Natasha Solomons has masterfully brought a version of Cleopatra's life to life. One cannot help but be captivated by the journey this story provides.