"Antony and Cleopatra" in the series "Masters of Rome" by Colleen McCullough is a historical fiction novel that delves into the power struggles and intrigues between key historical figures such as Mark Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian Augustus Caesar. The story is filled with detailed historical information, focusing on the post civil war triumvirate and the interactions between the characters. portrays Antony's downfall, his relationship with Cleopatra, and the political landscape of Ancient Rome.
The narrative style of the book is described as detailed and informative, providing insights into the characters' personalities and motivations. The writing captures the historical events of Rome and the struggle for dominance between Octavian and Antony, making the story engaging and captivating for readers interested in Roman history and political intrigue.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes of war, manipulation, heavy political content, and tragic outcomes, which may be distressing for some readers.
Has Romance?
The romance aspect is present but not the primary focus, characterized more by manipulation and political motives than by deep emotional connection.
From The Publisher:
A sweeping epic of ancient Rome from the #1 bestselling author of The Thorn Birds
In this breathtaking follow-up to The October Horse, Colleen McCullough turns her attention to the legendary romance of Antony and Cleopatra, and in this timeless tale of love, politics, and power, proves once again that she is the best historical novelist of our time.
Caesar is dead, and Rome is, again, divided. Lepidus has retreated to Africa, while Antony rules the opulent East, and Octavian claims the West, the heart of Rome, as his domain. Though this tense truce holds civil war at bay, Rome seems ripe for an emperor - a true Julian heir to lay claim to Caesar's legacy. With the bearing of a hero, and the riches of the East at his disposal, Antony seems poised to take the prize. Like a true warrior-king, he is a seasoned general whose lust for power burns alongside a passion for women, feasts, and Chian wine. His rival, Octavian, seems a less convincing candidate: the slight, golden-haired boy is as controlled as Antony is indulgent and as cool-headed and clear-eyed as Antony is impulsive. Indeed, the two are well matched only in ambition.
And though politics and war are decidedly the provinces of men in ancient Rome, women are adept at using their wits and charms to gain influence outside their traditional sphere. Cleopatra, the ruthless, golden-eyed queen, welcomes Antony to her court and her bed but keeps her heart well guarded. A ruler first and a woman second, Cleopatra has but one desire: to place her child on his father, Julius Caesar's, vacant throne. Octavian, too, has a strong woman by his side: his exquisite wife, raven-haired Livia Drusilla, who learns to wield quiet power to help her husband in his quest for ascendancy. As the plot races toward its inevitable conclusion - with battles on land and sea - conspiracy and murder, love and politics become irrevocably entwined.
McCullough's knowledge of Roman history is detailed and extensive. Her masterful and meticulously researched narrative is filled with a cast of historical characters whose motives, passions, flaws, and insecurities are vividly imagined and expertly drawn. The grandeur of ancient Rome comes to life as a timeless human drama plays out against the dramatic backdrop of the Republic's final days.
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1 comment(s)
4.5 stars maybe I'll change to five..
I loved this, she writes in such detail and its beautiful written. I feelt fully emersed in the story and didn't want it to end.
What can you read after
Antony and Cleopatra?
About the Author:
Colleen McCullough, a native of Australia, established the department of neurophysiology at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney before working as a researcher at Yale Medical School for ten years. She is the bestselling author of numerous novels, including The Thorn Birds, and lives with her husband on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific.
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