Royal Diaries: Cleopatra VII

About this book

It is the winter of the year 57BC in Alexandria, Egypt. Twelve-year-old Cleopatra is filled with dread for her father. He is King Ptolemy Auletes, Pharoah of Egypt. The people of Egypt are angry at the King's mismanagement of the government's money and the unfair taxes he's levied upon them. King Ptolemy is in danger of losing his throne. Worse, attempts have been made on his life. Cleopatra writes: It is most urgent that I record the troubling events of this week…Three nights ago while Father slept, a deadly puff adder was found curled at the foot of his bed, ready to strike. Father's old eunuch, Mento, who sleeps on the floor next to him, was awakened by a hiss. He threw himself on the snake and tried to strangle it, but was bitten on the wrist. He died in torment a few minutes later. Father watched the snake slide off the bed and across the marble floor. As I write this now, it has not been caught.
An accident? Perhaps, thought Father. Until today…
The King flees for his life. He is in hiding. Cleopatra fears what's become of him. But not all of the King's children share her concern. Eldest daughter, 22-year-old Tryphaena has always thought disdainfully of her father as a poor ruler. She has taken over his luxurious quarters, ready to grab the throne at the first news of his death. But the King is not yet dead. He has a plan to save himself from those who seek to harm him. His plan is to look to the Roman Empire, to Julius Caesar, for aid. Upon hearing this alarming news from her wise and trusted friend Olympus, Cleopatra responds, Has Father lost his mind? Because this is the very same Caesar the King and his people have forever feared would try to conquer Egypt. Nevertheless, in the spring, Cleopatra finds herself in the company of her father sailing the royal fleet to Rome for protection and military aid. During her time in Rome, of the people she meets, one is a dashing soldier named Marc Anthony with whom she becomes infatuated. At home, Tryphaena seizes the throne but is soon murdered by loyalists. Second eldest daughter, 20-year-old Berenice, then declares herself Queen of Egypt. The King is not pleased. Word is finally sent that it is safe to return to Egypt. Cleopatra and her father return to Alexandria with Roman troops. The King wastes no time in having Berenice executed. This is his way of warning his loyal daughter Cleopatra: Do not try to be queen before your time…

Reviews

The Book Report
January/February 2000

The Royal Diaries Series Gregory, Kristiana.
Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile. 1999. 224pp. $10.95 pbk. Scholastic,
Inc. (Books Division). 0-590-81975-5. Grades 6-9
This title, the first of The Royal Diaries Series, is a spin-off from the Dear America Series. Gregory fictionalizes Cleopatra's diaries during the transitional period between her childhood and her becoming Queen of Egypt. Palace intrigue, political alliances, and dangerous ambition threaten the security of the Egyptian throne. King Ptolemy Autletes, Pharaoh of Egypt, is a drunk who has fallen in disfavor with his subjects. Their loyalty to him is no longer guaranteed, so he flees his own country. Forced to grow up too soon because of her father's weaknesses, Cleopatra has to take on more responsibility each day. She is the stable force in the family. Her descriptions of Alexandria, the dangerous journey across the sea, the city of Rome, and the beauty of Herculaneum bring alive these ancient civilizations. Although Cleopatra's diaries seem too adult in style for one so young, the book combines history and literature to create a fascinating, historically accurate narrative. The reader learns not only about Cleopatra but also about ancient Egypt and ancient Rome. Recommended. Susie Nightingale, Library Media Specialist, Santa Fe Trail Junior High School, Olathe, Kansas