I Am Cleopatra, Natasha Solomons (Review by Lara Ferguson)

Natasha Solomons’, I Am Cleopatra, is a lush and evocative reimagining of one of history’s most misunderstood and mysterious women. Told in Cleopatra’s own voice, the novel strips away centuries of myth and propaganda to reveal a ruler of extraordinary intellect, ambition, and emotional complexity. This isn’t the Cleopatra of Hollywood glamor or Roman scandal—it’s a woman navigating the brutal politics of empire, motherhood, and identity. Solomons’ prose is lyrical and immersive, painting vivid scenes from the opulence of Alexandria to the charged atmosphere of Roman power. Cleopatra’s relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony are explored not as romantic entanglements, but as strategic alliances forged in the crucible of survival. Cleopatra’s emotions, from joy to terror are clearly depicted as she faces the terror of sexual assault and the joys and fears of motherhood. Her voice is commanding yet intimate, allowing readers to witness her triumphs, doubts, and heartbreaks with startling clarity. What makes this novel truly compelling is its psychological depth. Cleopatra is constantly negotiating her place in the world—between goddess and mortal, ruler and mother, Egyptian and Greek. Solomons doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the era or Cleopatra’s own ruthlessness when necessary, but she also reveals moments of tenderness and vulnerability that make her story resonate far beyond the confines of history. The pacing is deliberate, allowing space for reflection and emotional nuance. Rather than rushing through events, Solomons invites readers to sit with Cleopatra’s thoughts, her fears, and her fierce determination to shape her own legacy. While it does not deeply develop many of the characters, leaving the reader wanting more, it’s strength lies in its reclamation of Cleopatra’s voice and agency, challenging us to reconsider how historical narratives are shaped—and who gets to tell them. I Am Cleopatra is more than historical fiction. It is designed to make the reader think. It’s a richly imagined portrait of a woman who refused to be forgotten, and a powerful meditation on what it means to lead, to love, and to endure.