I chose to find multiple viewpoints for the reign of Cleopatra. She lived from 69 B.C. to 30 B.C. Cleopatra became the last queen, or pharaoh, of Egypt at the age of eighteen and ruled for twenty-one years before dying at her own hand at thirty-nine (Schiff, 2010). She lived in a tumultuous time, and interacted with famous historical figures such as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, King Herod, and many others. Much has been written on Cleopatra, especially in the scholarly and adult realm, but YA books featuring different viewpoints are more difficult to find. Scholars, both ancient and contemporary, have expressed different views on Cleopatra, portraying her as a “capable, popular Egyptian leader,” a “tragic heroine” or, especially from the ancient Roman view, as “a dangerous harlot who employed sex, witchcraft and cunning as she grasped for power beyond what was proper for a woman” (Crawford, 2007). These varying opinions are interesting to read, and perhaps the real Cleopatra fell somewhere between the extremes.
Cleopatra is an enduring figure, and one that has appeal for children, young adults, and adults, as is evidenced from the many titles and popular culture representations for all ages, with differing degrees of historical accuracy. For this exercise, I have presented a mixture of non-fiction and fiction titles, in an attempt to offer a multidimensional understanding of Cleopatra and the time she lived in. Several biographical or historical non-fiction titles are included, in order to provide a wide variety of viewpoints from historians to allow the reader the tools to make his or her own conclusion about the character of Cleopatra. Additionally, I have included historical fiction titles told from the viewpoint of the young Cleopatra, her sisters, her children, and Egyptian and Roman citizens.
~Amanda dos Santos
Viewpoint: Historians
There are several biographies written about Cleopatra intended for the YA audience. They are intended to be comprehensive texts about Cleopatra’s life, including information about her contemporaries and the events in neighboring countries that affected both her and Egypt. Historians have consistently presented Cleopatra in different lights, as discussed previously, and the three selections chosen continue this trend, although historians today tend to be more sympathetic of the Egyptian queen. The first choice, by Schoyer, emphasizes the differing viewpoints she will portray right in the title, “Goddess of Egypt, Enemy of Rome,” although she strongly tends to fall on the “goddess” side of the scale in her viewpoint. The second title, by Blackaby, presents a more neutral view, allowing the reader to come to his or her own conclusion based on the historical facts. The third title presents a collection of essays on the various periods of Cleopatra’s life, therefore offering multiple viewpoints in one book.
· Schoyer, P. (1995). Cleopatra: Goddess of Egypt, enemy of Rome. HarperTeen.
Description: “Brooks [...] argues eloquently, and with a dash of feminist zeal, that Cleopatra's long-standing image as seductress and ‘wicked, lustful manipulator’ springs from the volumes of vituperative Roman propaganda written during her lifetime and ignores the few extant records of the queen's ‘true accomplishments.’ Accordingly, the rich, action-filled portrait that emerges here of the last Ptolomeic ruler of Egypt is an admiring one: she is charming and erudite, multilingual, a brave warrior, a savvy politician and, above all, a beloved queen dedicated to maintaining Egypt's independence from Rome. Her relationship with Julius Caesar is portrayed as motivated by personal attraction, not political expediency; with Mark Antony, mutual need is said to have led to affection. Avoiding the temptation to tell too much, Brooks demonstrates a keen eye for recognizing the essential components of a compelling narrative. Maps and photographs of statues, paintings and ancient artifacts are included.” Ann W. Moore, Publisher’s Weekly
· Blackaby, S. (2009). Cleopatra: Egypt’s last and greatest queen. Sterling Pub Co Inc.
Description: “Villainess or goddess, a great queen or a selfish and overly ambitious woman—readers get to decide. They will be drawn into this biography by a description of a legendary magnificent banquet given by Mark Antony for Cleopatra. The lively narrative maintains interest from her birth in 69 BCE to her death in 31 BCE. Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII became rulers of Egypt in 51 BCE. Her reign, however, was characterized by conspiracy and intrigue. Her alliance with Julius Caesar solidified her position as queen but brought ill feelings toward her from the Romans. The birth of their son, Caesarion, angered the Romans further. Again, either for expediency or love, Cleopatra found her next ally in Mark Antony. As before, this union had disastrous results. Embroiled in a civil war, Mark Antony faced opposition from his own people and from Rome's allies. The struggle ended with his suicide and Cleopatra's in 31 BCE. Sidebars, color photographs, and reproductions appear throughout. As the author states, ‘A record of Cleopatra's reign written during her lifetime does not exist…. If her role had not been so important to Rome…we would not know anything about her at all.’ This book leaves readers fascinated and eager to learn more about her time in history” Lana Miles, School Library Journal
· Nardo, D. (2001). Cleopatra. Greenhaven Pr.
Description: “A collection of essays that focuses on specific aspects in the life of an intriguing woman. Introductory biographical information is followed by excerpts from the writings of noted contemporary and ancient historians and biographers and literary critics. In three sections, the book discusses the relationships of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar; Cleopatra and Mark Antony; and the queen's portrayal in the works of various playwrights and novelists, poets, and dramatists. The selections provide readers with enough detailed information to give them insight into Cleopatra's personality and reign. An annotated table of contents and appendix of ancient and medieval documents facilitate research. This useful resource has a wealth of information and will be fascinating reading for students interested in this ‘most queenly queen” Lana Miles, School Library Journal
Viewpoint: The Young Cleopatra
The authors feature a teenage Cleopatra in historical fiction format, which should appeal to YA audiences, especially girls. The two titles can be considered different viewpoints, even in this narrow category. The first, by Gregory, features a sympathetically portrayed Cleopatra, as developed through her fictionalized journal entries. The second, by Alvear, which refers to Cleopatra as “the original teen queen” is a more casual, slangy version, specifically designed to appeal to the “pop” generation, although no less well researched and historically accurate.
· Gregory, K. (1999). Cleopatra VII, daughter of the Nile. Scholastic Inc.
Description: “Princess Cleopatra narrates major episodes from her life in a diary she keeps from age 12 to 14. She is sympathetically depicted as a delightful mixture of adolescent uncertainty and as a young woman with great maturity and insight. Born into a royal household full of intrigue and fears of assassination, she desperately wants to survive to become a responsible and just queen. She describes everyday life in the Egyptian court and her frantic flight to Rome with her father, Ptolemy XII, to seek refuge and alliance with the Romans against their enemies and her sisters, who both seek the throne. Characters are well drawn, Cleopatra's relationships with others are realistically portrayed, and historical background is well integrated into the text. This is an enjoyable story, followed by a synopsis of the queen's later years, a time line, family tree, and black-and-white reproductions of old engravings and paintings” by Cynthia M. Sturgis, School Library Journal
· Alvear, V. (2010). Cleopatra rules!: The amazing life of the original teen queen. Boyds Mills Pr.
Description: “Julius Caesar was ‘a player,’ Marc Antony a ‘good ol' boy.’ Caesar Augustus, once a ‘snot-nosed, knobby-kneed, pimply-faced peon,’ presents himself as a ‘stud’ after defeating Antony at Actium. Cleopatra started life as a ‘bookish nerd.’ Readers are either going to love or hate the popped-up tone of this well-documented history of ‘the original teen queen.’ Shecter packs it full of irreverent metaphors (‘Egyptians believed that a soul without a body was like a hotdog without a bun’) and up-to-date recontextualizations (referring to the Donations of Alexandria: ‘Imagine the outrage if the vice president of the United States suddenly gave away parts of Alaska’). Short chapters with banner headlines every few paragraphs organize Cleopatra's action-packed life into easily processed pieces, and the slangy style may mitigate the effect of the unfamiliar proper nouns. Medium-size photographs of objects and images such as movie posters, book illustrations, and paintings proliferate, one per page. A modicum of pronunciation assistance is offered, but there is an unfortunate shortage of maps. However, sidebars with sometimes-silly factoids (games, cosmetics) help round out this view of Cleopatra's life. Respectably lengthy endnotes refer to an even-more-respectable biography–readers are pointed to Suetonius, Tacitus, and Herodotus as well as excellent modern works on the subject. Most importantly, Shecter addresses and questions preconceptions about Cleopatra that have proliferated throughout Western culture since Plutarch. Whatever one thinks of the style, the scholarship is sound: in this case, a spoonful of Pop-Rocks may help the Ptolemies go down” by Paula Willey, School Library Journal
Viewpoint: Cleopatra’s Sisters and Servants
The authors presenting this viewpoint look at Cleopatra through the eyes of her sisters, who are also sometimes servants or handmaids as well. The first title, by Kerry, features the fictional youngest sister of Cleopatra, through whose eyes the reader is able to experience in the middle years of Cleopatra’s reign. The second title is not classified as a YA book, but it follows the teen years of Cleopatra’s half sisters (and hand maidens) Charmian and Iras, who also committed suicide with the queen. The book also provides the reader with an understanding of the religious beliefs of the Egyptians of the time.
· Kerry, M. (2004). Saving the scrolls. Absey & Company.
Description: “Twelve-year-old Basdinya, princess of Egypt, was the youngest sister of Cleopatra. Her name means "Beacon of Eternal Knowledge". [...] As the book opens, Cleopatra had already rolled herself up in carpet and was delivered to Caesar. Basdinya was in the desert of Thebes, awaiting word from "Patra" to return to Alexandria. Through the eyes of young Basdinya we witness Queen Cleopatra and Julius Caesar take back the throne from Cleopatra's brother, Ptolemy XIII, and his wicked minister, Pothinus. We continue to watch as Basdinya, before our eyes, quickly matures and learns to rule the people of Egypt with kindness and wisdom instead of greed and spite. When the Alexandrian War begins, Basdinya proves her honor and the worthiness of her name to all when she puts her life on the line to save the very scrolls and words she once claimed to hate” Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
· Graham, J. (2009). Hand of Isis. Orbit.
Description: “Historical fantasist Graham [...] heads to Egypt with this elegant, engaging memoir of Charmian, half-sister and handmaiden to Cleopatra. The two young women and their other sister, Iras, are inseparable from childhood, getting one another into and out of numerous mishaps. As teenagers, they vow to Isis that they will protect Egypt from the covetous Romans, and in return for their devotion, the goddess rewards Cleopatra with the throne. Graham never resorts to melodrama even at the murder of Julius Caesar or to cliché when Charmian recalls her past lives, and she supplies plenty of superb historical detail, but doesn't let it overwhelm the narrative. Charmian's shy hopes, failures and devotion to Cleopatra and Isis make her one of the most memorable witnesses to history to emerge from fantasy in quite some time” Publisher’s Weekly
Viewpoint: Cleopatra’s Children
The authors of the following titles chose to portray Cleopatra’s children, after the death of their mother. These are interesting for the reader, as they provide a look at the repercussions of Cleopatra’s life and death. Cleopatra’s children were fathered by Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, two important historical figures. The oldest, Caesar’s son, Caesarion, ruled for approximately eighteen days after the death of his mother before being killed by Octavian, Caesar’s legally declared heir. In her book, Bradshaw imagines that Caesarion survived the execution and follows the young man as he struggles to find his way. Although not labeled YA, this title was featured as a Book for the Teen Age by New York Public Library.
Cleopatra’s other children, by Mark Antony, were the twins Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios, and the youngest Ptolemy Philadelphus. After their mother’s death, they were taken by Octavian to Rome, where he paraded them in his Triumph and then gave them to his sister to raise. Moran’s title, Cleopatra’s Daughter, follows the life of Selene, starting at ten years old. Again, the reader will be able to experience the time period and the repercussions of Cleopatra’s life and entanglements. This is also not a YA book, but it is classified as being appropriate for and appealing to teens, especially because the book focuses on the character’s youth and teenage years.
· Bradshaw, G. (2003). Cleopatra's heir. Forge Books.
Description: “What if the son of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar had lived past his 18th year? This is the question British author Bradshaw (The Wolf Hunt) poses in her latest historical novel. History says that Caesarion, who was perceived as a threat to Octavius's throne, was killed soon after his mother's suicide in 30 B.C.E. A more gripping story, perhaps, is Bradshaw's version, in which Caesarion, suffering from the sacred illness (epilepsy), is attacked by Roman forces and left for dead. Wounded, he flees the battle scene and is rescued by a kindhearted caravan master. His life forfeited, his mother's cause lost, Caesarion must decide what to do. Should he give up and surrender to his enemies, or can he create a new life for himself from the ashes of the old? Mixing truth and fiction, Bradshaw creates a compelling and imaginative story. She draws the reader in through deft characterization; we feel Caesarion's pain as he struggles with his destiny. Highly recommended for all public libraries and large academic institutions” Laurel Bliss, Library Journal
· Moran, M. (2009). Cleopatra's daughter. Crown.
Description: “Moran's latest foray into the world of classical history (after The Heretic Queen) centers upon the children of Marc Antony and Cleopatra . After the death of their parents, twins Alexander and Selene and younger brother Ptolemy are in a dangerous position, left to the mercy of their father's greatest rival, Octavian Caesar. However, Caesar does not kill them as expected, but takes the trio to Rome to be paraded as part of his triumphant return and to demonstrate his solidified power. As the twins adapt to life in Rome in the inner circle of Caesar's family, they grow into adulthood ensconced in a web of secrecy, intrigue and constant danger. Told from Selene's perspective, the tale draws readers into the fascinating world of ancient Rome and into the court of Rome's first and most famous emperor. Deftly encompassing enough political history to provide context, Moran never clutters her narrative with extraneous facts. Readers may be frustrated that Selene is more observer than actor, despite the action taking place around her, but historical fiction enthusiasts will delight in this solid installment from a talented name in the genre” Publisher’s Weekly
Viewpoint: Egyptian and Roman Citizens
The titles in this viewpoint feature people living during the rule of Cleopatra in Egypt and Julius Caesar in Rome, and influenced by the main events in an indirect way. The first title, by Rubalcaba, follows the character of Damon in 45 B.C., who has an Egyptian mother and a Roman father. After this mother dies, he must search for his father, who is a soldier fighting with Caesar. This book offers an interesting glimpse at how the interactions of the famous affect the lives of the common people, as well as offering readers many details of the culture and experiences of a person living in that time and place. The second title, by Mitchell, offers a similar benefit, but from the point of view of a Roman boy living in 63 B.C. This was before the rule of Cleopatra, but during her lifetime, and it sets up the atmosphere in Rome, which she will need to contend with as she comes into power. The third book is unique in its point of view. Reid’s Tiger, Tiger follows two tiger cubs that are taken to Rome, one to be raised to fight in the Colosseum, and the other to be a pet for Caesar’s daughter Aurelia. Once again, Cleopatra is not explicitly featured, but the book offers an intriguing look at Roman life during this period, and Caesar was an integral part of Cleopatra’s life.
· Rubalcaba, J. (2006). The Wadjet eye. Sandpiper.
Description: “A story set in Alexandria, Egypt, in 45 B.C. Damon's mother has just died, and because the priests believe she had the plague, they refuse to touch her. It is then up to Damon, who studied at the medical school, to embalm her. After his friend Artemas convinces him that he must deliver the news of his mother's death to his Roman-soldier father, who is off fighting with Caesar, the two young men set off for the battlefields of Spain. They set sail on a merchant ship that sinks in a vortex, jump ship just in time, suffer extreme hardships, and are rescued by Cleopatra. She persuades them to spy for her in return for safe passage to Spain, and Damon is eventually reunited with his long-lost father. There are many references to Egyptian gods, architecture, and daily life that leave readers needing some background to understand the context. While the story is slow to get going, the action picks up quickly after the teens are attacked by sharks. There are several gruesome scenes that may appeal to certain readers, including a detailed depiction of the embalming process, a gory day at the Circus Maximus, and the medical tent on the battlefield. While the plot coincidences are entirely too perfect, the story does work as an action adventure for reluctant readers, and there is enough historical minutiae to encourage further reading” Angela J. Reynolds, School Library Journal
· Mitchell, J. (2005). The Roman conspiracy. Tundra Books (NY)
Description: [...] Raised by his aunt and uncle, Aulus Spurinna wants more than anything to see the great city of Rome. This wish comes true under tragic circumstances when his uncle mysteriously dies. The family's land and tenants are being plagued by pillaging soldiers, and, as the sole male heir, he must speak to their Protector in Rome to stop the carnage. Once there, Aulus teams up with Tullia, his protector's daughter, and they set out to find his uncle's murderer. Fast-paced action, an authentic setting, and realistic characterization all work together to make this an exciting journey to the ancient world” Karen T. Bilton, School Library Journal
· Reid, L. (2007). Tiger, tiger. Laurel Leaf.
Description: “The story of the fate of two captured tiger cubs in ancient Roman times is a successful and clever ploy used in Lynne Reid Banks's novel [...]. The focus of the actual story is on power, compassion, and martyrdom. After the two tiger cubs are brought to Rome, they are separated and lead entirely different lives. Brute, the larger and stronger cub, is taunted and trained to be a man-killer for the circus in the Colosseum. The smaller cub, Boots, is given to Caesar's 12-year-old daughter, Aurelia, for a pet. Boots' fangs are removed and his paws covered with leather pouches. Boots visits Aurelia frequently accompanied by his keeper, Julius, who worships Aurelia from afar. When Aurelia's jealous cousin suggests playing a trick on Julius, she reluctantly agrees to hide Boots. When Boots escapes from the royal compound, Julius must pay the price: he's sentenced by Caesar to fight both Boots and Brute in the Colosseum before thousands of Roman citizens. Aurelia pleads for Julius's life, but her father is unyielding. Jan Francis's narration is strong yet tender, projecting just the right amount of fondness and adoration in Aurelia's relationship with Julius and Boots, and anxiety and compassion when Julius and Boots are condemned to fight for their lives. The long, slow days of playing with Boots in the palace are expertly balanced against the cold, cruel days of imprisonment that Brute experiences. Listeners should be aware that scenes of the martyrdom of Christians, slaves, and animals in the Colosseum are described in the story. A bittersweet tale” Wendy Woodfill, School Library Journal
Viewpoint: Overview
Finally, the following selection provides an overview for readers wishing to know about the myriad events surrounding Cleopatra’s reign. This non-fiction work by Foster puts her life into context, and provides information for historical occurrences both before and after. The focus is on Caesar, perhaps the most influential figure of that time, but readers will learn about Egypt, Cleopatra, and Mark Antony as well.
· Foster, G. (1995). Augustus Caesar’s world: A story of ideas and events from B.C. 44 to 14 A.D. Beautiful Feet Books, Inc.
Description: “Considered the innovator of "horizontal history," Genevieve Foster became frustrated when her two school-aged children complained about the boring presentation of history in their school texts. [...] In her unique approach, Foster weaves a story of the world around her central character; rather than focusing exclusively on geo-political events, as most textbooks do; she includes stories of scientific discovery and invention, music, literature, art, and religion. She has a keen intuition for stories that will especially delight and amuse her youthful audience. In Augustus Caesar's World, Foster traces the seven major civilizations Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia from 4500 B.C. to the time of Augustus Caesar in 44 B.C. and culminating in 14 A.D. Within this timeframe readers will learn not only the stories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, but also the historian Livy and how Virgil came to write the Aeneid. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Foster's detailed pen and ink drawings are fresh and appealing, and her illustrated timelines give a clear sense of chronology, enriching the engaging text. An all-time customer favorite!” Amazon.com
References
Crawford, A. (2007, April 1). Who was Cleopatra?: Mythology, propaganda, Liz Taylor and the real queen of the Nile. Smithsonian.com, Retrieved from http://www.smithsonianmag.com /history-archaeology/biography/cleopatra.html?c=y&page=1
Schiff, S. (2010, December). Rehabilitating Cleopatra: Egypt's ruler was more than the sum of the seductions that loom so large in history - and in Hollywood. Smithsonian.com, Retrieved from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Rehabilitating-Cleopatra.html?onsite_source=relatedarticles&onsite_medium=internallink&onsite_campaign=SmithMag&onsite_content=Rehabilitating%20Cleopatra
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