Antony and Cleopatra
By: Colleen McCullough
McArthur and Company 2007
Antony and Cleopatra is about so much more than just the relationship between the infamous doomed lovers. McCullough weaves a story that follows the decline of the Roman Republic, in fact I think that would have been a better title for this novel, Marc Antony’s military failures against Octavian, Cleopatra’s role in that and Octavian’s rise to become the first Emperor of Rome following the assassination of Julius Ceasar.
All set to the back drop of the bustling city streets of Rome and the exotic beauty of the struggling remnants of Egypt, Antony and Cleopatra is a well researched novel that allows us to see such a powerful and infamous historical figure as Cleopatra in a very human realistic way. The way she was able to use her sexuality to influence Marc Antony to her own end.
It’s also a study in the way of life at the time. The hardships that many had to endure, whether you were a pleb or a patrician. Going to war meant many month sometimes years traveling by foot, away from family.
I really liked the portrayal of Octavian. So many things have been written about him and so many actors have portrayed him over the years, many times not showing a flattering portrait of him. But something has to be said about a young man who can overcome ill health and the shadow of a very successful uncle and rise to defeat one of the most successful military leaders in Roman history.
For those who love history and love to read this novel is the best of both worlds.
Story ****
Characters ****
Readability ***
Overall rating ****http://www.colleenmccullough.com
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