Jakkit Chaiparsert Chaiparsert من عند Hanapaaoa, بولينيزيا الفرنسية من عند Hanapaaoa, بولينيزيا الفرنسية

This book presented a real dichotomy to me. The history and the story are very well presented and told. Ms. Schiff has done a wonderful job researching a story from 2000 years ago. Imagine the layers of ages between then and now. And then she presents Cleopatra's life in a beautifully written story of politics, religion, family, sex and intrigue. The other side of the dichotomy, for me, is the history. Caesar, Marc Antony, Plutarch, et al. The names and location are of an ancient time yet the story seems so current and relevant. I think of gladiators when I see the name Octavian but again the story is more political than imperious. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history or politics. It presents Cleopatra in her rightful role as a political leader capable of intrigue and violence. More than the overtly sexual, maybe detached woman we know from Plutarch and Shakespeare. Five Stars!!!

Well-written and creative how the author wove in the Hansel and Gretel story into this WWII tale. However, it was also disturbing, horrible and graphic. It had a somewhat redeeming ending, and it was interesting to hear about Poland in WWII, but I really went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars on this one.