When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra (Paperback)

~ (Author) "HER FATHER, PTOLEMY XII, the Piper, the Bastard..." (more)
Key Phrases: royal harbor, western harbor, four legions, Marcus Antonius, Queen of Egypt, Quintus Dellius (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Falconer's (Rough Justice) swift-moving historical novel adds new twists and modern dialogue to an oft-told tragic tale. Fifty-one years before the birth of Jesus Christ, in the fertile Nile valley, 18-year-old Cleopatra ascends to the throne of Egypt upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII. Inheriting a palace that more closely resembles a snake pit than a home, crowded with family and advisers, Cleopatra must come to terms with the heavy burden of royalty and its inevitable loneliness. Her only trusted friend is Mardian, the giant eunuch who has been her tutor since childhood. From an Egypt desperately attempting to retain its hold on ancient religions and traditions in a rapidly changing world, to the hypocritical halls of the Roman Republic, the young queen weaves her web of seduction, ensnaring not only the cold, driven Julius Caesar but also a playful Marcus Antonius. Falconer's Cleopatra is vulnerable, intelligent and liberated, defined by her wit as much as by her beauty. This fresh take on one of history's leading ladies is smoothly written, slickly couching ancient history in the contemporary rhetoric of female empowerment. (Dec.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Falconer paints an enthralling fictional portrait of one of the most powerful and beguiling women of all ages. Fiercely independent, politically astute, and exotically beautiful, Cleopatra is threatened by both domestic and international enemies from the moment she inherits the throne of Egypt until the time of her premature death. To protect both her public and her private interests, she engages in passionate affairs with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Motivated by both ambition and love, Cleopatra forges diplomatic and personal bonds with Rome that inevitably result in deception and warfare. The author interweaves the fast-paced narrative with authentic period details that vivify the exotic splendor of ancient Egypt. Spectacular historical fiction blazing with intrigue, romance, and dramatic action. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (March 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609808893
• ISBN-13: 978-0609808894
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #671,302 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest romances the world has ever known, March 23, 2001

By	Sharon Galligar Chance (Wichita Falls, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra (Hardcover)

Keeping in mind that "When We Were Gods" is a fictional account of the life of Cleopatra, I found Falconer's story utterly fascinating. He mixes in just the right amount of historical fact to keep the story line plausible, but also adds enough drama and action to keep it moving along as well. In another light, this book could be considered the tale of one of the greatest romances the world has ever known. If you enjoy reading about strong women, I highly recommend this book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Yet another dimension, June 1, 2001

By	rcusanelli "[e-mail]" (Naperville, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra (Hardcover)

Having read a multitude of books on Cleopatra (some fictional and others factual) this book left me with mixed emotions. While it was refreshing to read yet another perspective on this fascinating woman's character, I was ultimately disappointed. Falconer clearly depicts her political acuity and that aspect I found far more realistic than the self-serving seductress Rome portrayed her as, but his book did not show her as the multi-faceted woman she truly was. Nowhere did I find the wit, the charm or the graciousness this woman would have posessed. Her romances (if you could call them that) with Caesar and Anthony were without depth or passion. While I do not require sexually graphic writing to hold my interest, there was little to elude to the level of intimacy she must have enjoyed with these men. Cleopatra's and Caesarion's relationship was stilted, and treated almost as an after thought. The ending was abrupt, cold and unbelievable. Can anyone really believe that after all of his years of service and loyalty, Cleopatra's most trusted advisor would turn traitor simply because the winds of fortune had shifted? Hard to believe a woman so perceptive would have confided in such a person. The few things I did like about this book were the characters of Apollodorus, the scenery depictions, and the different spin on Octavian after he had control of Egypt. Most books depict him as wanting Cleopatra preserved at all costs for his Triumph in Rome, but here he actually wanted her to commit suicide. It was an interesting twist,and quite possibly, the most interesting part of the entire book. I recommend reading The Alexandrian by Martha Rolfhart, or even That Egyptian Woman by Noel Gerson, both of which give interesting theories on this marvelous woman.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart, sexy and incredibly entertaining!, September 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra (Hardcover)

I've read several fictional works about Cleopatra so I wasn't sure I really wanted to read another. But the beautiful jacket pulled me in and the writing didn't disappoint either! Colin Falconer writes with a modern flair that doesn't detract from the rich historical setting (his detail, by the way, is well-researched and beautifully rendered). I actually found the characters to be marvellously believable and touching, which is not easy for a male writer writing about a female character.

I read a lot of historical fiction and this is one of the best new retellings of the ancient Egypt and Rome saga to come along in many years. I will recommend it to my friends.