A work of fiction using famous historical figures, Cleopatra's daughter brought the world of Augustus and Rome vividly to life. Cleopatra's Daughter is Selene, a Princess of Egypt who lived in the grand city Alexandria where she was taught languages, architect, philosophy and the arts. Her world is shattered when Octavian, the later Emperor of Rome, invades her country forcing parents to committ suicide. Of course, that story is famous. I liked how the author didn't dwell on it but quickly got to how Octavian takes Selene and her brother Alexander were taken to Rome as captives and made to live with his sister, Octavia.

The story is really about these years Selene is in Rome and what she observes. From slavery to the constant degregation of women, Selene continued to stay strong and focused on her goals of returning to her beloved Egypt.

What really struck me about the book was the writers amazing ability to make you feel like you were actually there in Rome with Selene as she was witnessing law trials, games and even the odd riot. I was both shocked and delighted to hear that most of these dramatic instances were based on actual fact. Indeed, her detailed descriptions and her meticulous reasearch really made this book was it was: A book you can get lost in