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The death of Cleopatra was only the beginning...
Random House
September 2009
On Sale: September 15, 2009
Featuring: Livia; Tiberius; Octavia; Marcellus; Juba
400 pages ISBN: 0307409120 EAN: 9780307409126 Hardcover
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Romance Historical
The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the
greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled
passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared
and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die
by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s
vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three
orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only
two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive
the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s
sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope
that they will return one day to their rightful place on
the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are
buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family
and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion,
and by the longings and desires deep within their own
hearts.
More InformationThe fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters:
Octavia: the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra
Livia: Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife
Marcellus: Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir-apparent
Tiberius: Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power
Juba: Octavian’s ever-watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals
Selene’s narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place —the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of the time. She dines with the empire’s most illustrious poets and politicians, witnesses the creation of the Pantheon, and navigates the colorful, crowded marketplaces of the city where Roman-style justice is meted out with merciless authority. Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of Imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of history, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.
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Comments
14 comments posted.
Re: Cleopatra's Daughter
Excellent promo video (Sp Matchett 10:17am September 3, 2009)
Dear Michelle Moran:
Thank you for your article. Scuba diving in Alexandria Harbor---talk about surreal! No wonder an experience like this inspired you to write your new novel.
Like you, I'm an ancient history buff. I've studied quite a bit about classical antiquity, have quite a few of my favorite spear-and-sandal movies on DVD, and never miss a doc about the era on The History Channel. I've even named my cats after famous people from ancient times. As I type this, one of then, Lucretia, is sitting in my lap, purring away.
However, I've been told that I shouldn't try to write a novel in that setting. It would be hard for readers to relate to a period so long ago and far away. It's especially risky if, like me, the author doesn't have an impressive track record.
Yet you seem to be doing all right. Any advice?
Uh-oh; Spartacus just started to play with my mouse. Hope there aren't any typos!
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Landers www.facebook.com/maryannelanders (Mary Anne Landers 3:01am September 14, 2009)
Hi Michelle, This is such a fantastic idea for a book, and I can't wait to read it. I didn't even realize that Cleopatra had a daughter! (Carrie Divine 7:14am September 14, 2009)
Have been seeing this book on a lot of sites, now it have my interest. Best Wishes! (JoAnn White 9:59am September 14, 2009)
Hi Mary Anne Landers,
I think quite a few novels set in the ancient world have succeeded. I say go for it! It's not about the setting, imo, but about how the story is told. People said the same thing before I began writing Nefertiti, and I'm still here as an author and publishing!
Good luck :] (Michelle Moran 11:03am September 14, 2009)
Thank you Carrie and Jo! (Michelle Moran 11:03am September 14, 2009)
I am ready to put on a wet suit! Thanks for the trip. (Karin Tillotson 11:12am September 14, 2009)
Scuba diving in Egypt. How awe inspiring and I can only wonder how richly detailed your book will be. Congratulations on its release. (Armenia Fox 11:41am September 14, 2009)
What a wonderful experience for you, something I would like to try. I would of worried about the sharks and jellyfish also. Good thing you never ran into something like that. The book definitely sounds like a good read. (Theresa Buckholtz 12:12pm September 14, 2009)
Sounds exciting, and very interesting. (Shannon Scott 12:14pm September 14, 2009)
We just had a documentary on jellyfish on TV otherwise I wouldn't have known what a problem they are. Anyway, how fascinating a dive to these ruins must have been.
BTW, I wrote you an e-mail about 2 weeks ago outlining a problem I have. I'll send it again today. (Sigrun Schulz 2:54pm September 14, 2009)
The news has had a lot lately on the underwater city and bringing up a carved sphinx face. What an intriguing line you go after, descendants who's characters need to be explored and exposed to the light. I like how you keep the thread going. (Alyson Widen 8:15pm September 14, 2009)
Michelle, the story of Cleopatra has always ended with her death. Your book tells the rest of the story. Michelle, I am anxious to read your new release. The story of your underwater adventure was fascinating. Congratulations on 'Cleopatra's Daughter'! (Rosemary Krejsa 8:49pm September 14, 2009)
Thanks for being here today Michelle I enjoyed the blog your book sounds so good I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks Penney luvhistoricalromance at gmail.com (Penney Wilfort 11:52am September 16, 2009)
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