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When We Were Gods
Caesar, Antony, Cleopatra, Augustus. Only one can rule. Only one can live.
Alexandria, 51 BC: When Cleopatra VII assumes the throne of Egypt, the Roman empire rules the Mediterranean with an iron fist. But Cleopatra has an audacious plan to change the course of history. Allied first with Caesar and then with his protégé Marc Antony, she dares to challenge the might of Rome.
What follows is a bloody game of thrones, in the palaces and on the battlefields of Greece, Syria and Egypt.
Alexandria, 51 BC: When Cleopatra VII assumes the throne of Egypt, the Roman empire rules the Mediterranean with an iron fist. But Cleopatra has an audacious plan to change the course of history. Allied first with Caesar and then with his protégé Marc Antony, she dares to challenge the might of Rome.
What follows is a bloody game of thrones, in the palaces and on the battlefields of Greece, Syria and Egypt.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Colin Falconer
68 books612 followersPart thriller. Part history. All adventure.
Colin Falconer’s popular Epic Adventure series of standalone historical thrillers includes the bestselling SILK ROAD.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N92GHK4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColinFalcone...
Colin Falconer’s popular Epic Adventure series of standalone historical thrillers includes the bestselling SILK ROAD.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N92GHK4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColinFalcone...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 8, 2017
When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra, Colin Falconer
In When We Were Gods, Colin Falconer's bold, sensuous prose brings to life the mysterious, glamorous Cleopatra as she really was: strong, ambitious, complicated, and a women well ahead of her time, wielding great power in a man's world. From her early ascent to the throne of Egypt to her passionate, politically tangled relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony and her tireless battle to preserve her nation at all costs, we meet a fierce and vulnerable woman caught in a deadly world of imperial intrigue and warfare -- a world she would mesmerize and dominate.
عنوانها: کلئوپاترا؛ کلئوپاترا ملکه رود نیل؛ نویسنده: کالین فالکنر؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: نهم ماه ژوئیه سال 2005 میلادی
عنوان: کلئوپاترا؛ نویسنده: کالین فالکنر؛ منرجم: جواد سیداشرف؛ تهران، زرین، 1382؛ در 924 ص؛ چاپ دوم 1383؛ شابک: 9644072979؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، نگارستان کتاب، 1386؛ چاپ پنجم 1387؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان انگلیسی - کلئوپاترا ملکه ی مصر از سال 69 تا سال 30 پیش از میلاد، نخستین نشر قرن 20 م
عنوان: کلئوپاترا ملکه رود نیل؛ مترجم: آزاده میرشاهی، تهران، سمیر، 1391؛ در 568 ص؛ شابک: 9789642201990؛
کتاب داستان و زندگی‌نامه ی آخرین فرعون مصر، کلئوپاترا ست. این بانوی نخست مصر که در فرمان‌روایی، قدرت، و زیبایی زبان‌زد در طول تاریخ بود، شرح جنگاوری‌ها، فتوحات و همین‌طور زندگی خصوصی او به عنوان: مادر و همسر، خواندنی و شنیدنی ست. نقل از متن: «صبر کرد تا درد کارگر شود و اشک‌هایش جاری گردند، اما فقط فشرده شدن قلبش و خراش‌های ترس بر بدنش را احساس می‌کرد. اکنون دیگر به خودش متکی بود. در ماه‌های آخر، به عنوان ولیعهد در امور همکاری می‌کرد، اما اکنون، بعد از مرگ او، زندگی ای که پدر برایش آماده کرده بود آغاز شد. از این روز به بعد او برای جهان، کلئوپاترای هفتم بود. فیلوپاتور، ملکه ی دو سرزمین مصر بالایی و پایینی.». ا. شربیانی
In When We Were Gods, Colin Falconer's bold, sensuous prose brings to life the mysterious, glamorous Cleopatra as she really was: strong, ambitious, complicated, and a women well ahead of her time, wielding great power in a man's world. From her early ascent to the throne of Egypt to her passionate, politically tangled relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony and her tireless battle to preserve her nation at all costs, we meet a fierce and vulnerable woman caught in a deadly world of imperial intrigue and warfare -- a world she would mesmerize and dominate.
عنوانها: کلئوپاترا؛ کلئوپاترا ملکه رود نیل؛ نویسنده: کالین فالکنر؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: نهم ماه ژوئیه سال 2005 میلادی
عنوان: کلئوپاترا؛ نویسنده: کالین فالکنر؛ منرجم: جواد سیداشرف؛ تهران، زرین، 1382؛ در 924 ص؛ چاپ دوم 1383؛ شابک: 9644072979؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، نگارستان کتاب، 1386؛ چاپ پنجم 1387؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان انگلیسی - کلئوپاترا ملکه ی مصر از سال 69 تا سال 30 پیش از میلاد، نخستین نشر قرن 20 م
عنوان: کلئوپاترا ملکه رود نیل؛ مترجم: آزاده میرشاهی، تهران، سمیر، 1391؛ در 568 ص؛ شابک: 9789642201990؛
کتاب داستان و زندگی‌نامه ی آخرین فرعون مصر، کلئوپاترا ست. این بانوی نخست مصر که در فرمان‌روایی، قدرت، و زیبایی زبان‌زد در طول تاریخ بود، شرح جنگاوری‌ها، فتوحات و همین‌طور زندگی خصوصی او به عنوان: مادر و همسر، خواندنی و شنیدنی ست. نقل از متن: «صبر کرد تا درد کارگر شود و اشک‌هایش جاری گردند، اما فقط فشرده شدن قلبش و خراش‌های ترس بر بدنش را احساس می‌کرد. اکنون دیگر به خودش متکی بود. در ماه‌های آخر، به عنوان ولیعهد در امور همکاری می‌کرد، اما اکنون، بعد از مرگ او، زندگی ای که پدر برایش آماده کرده بود آغاز شد. از این روز به بعد او برای جهان، کلئوپاترای هفتم بود. فیلوپاتور، ملکه ی دو سرزمین مصر بالایی و پایینی.». ا. شربیانی
February 5, 2008
This question has long plagued me about historical novels: why, pray tell, WHY are women always 'cursing their weak hearts' for craving love? In every book where the main character happens to be female (Cleo, Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth, JEZEBEL for heaven's sake) this line inevitably appears in some form or another. Can't there be one woman who is utterly ruthless, supremely disciplined and seeks nothing more than gratification and the odd opened jar from men? The stereotype of the eternally longing feminine heart is slightly revolting and entirely untrue.
Needless to say, after the fifth time that Cleopatra whined 'why doesn't he love me?', I hurled this "historical novel" away in disgust. Where is the hardened cruelty? Where is the reptilian ambition? Where is the SPINE, woman?
A clumsy and irritating book.
Needless to say, after the fifth time that Cleopatra whined 'why doesn't he love me?', I hurled this "historical novel" away in disgust. Where is the hardened cruelty? Where is the reptilian ambition? Where is the SPINE, woman?
A clumsy and irritating book.
February 23, 2020
"This is the world you have inherited," he whispered. "Every palace is filled with snakes, twice as deadly as these. You will live among vipers all your life so you must learn to use your venom as wisely but strike without hesitation when you must."
Cleopatra: Daughter of the Nile by Colin Falconer
I had a tough time with this one. Not because I do not like the subject matter. I have read so many books about Cleopatra. And I've read this author's work before and enjoyed it. So why didn't I like this?
Two reasons. One is that one of my all time favorite books is "I Cleopatra" which is..you guessed it..a bio about Cleopatra. It is the gold standard against which I judge all Cleopatra books and I think that book ruined me for all other Cleopatra bios as I have never read one that can compare. Also the second reason is:
This version if Cleopatra just did not do it for me. I mean, she came off as weak and sort of..for lack of a better word..CRINGING. I didn't believe it. If there is one thing Cleopatra is known for, it's her strength. There is also a scene where she is schooled in the art of love making that left me speechless. It was simply impossible for me to accept this version of her, so different then any I have read before.
I think the writing is quite good but the book I read before this, 'The Sultan's Harem" I found I liked much better though at the end of the day different people like different books. To any other Cleopatra readers out there, I am a strong believer in reading them all so if you have not read this, read it and form your own opinion.
Cleopatra: Daughter of the Nile by Colin Falconer
I had a tough time with this one. Not because I do not like the subject matter. I have read so many books about Cleopatra. And I've read this author's work before and enjoyed it. So why didn't I like this?
Two reasons. One is that one of my all time favorite books is "I Cleopatra" which is..you guessed it..a bio about Cleopatra. It is the gold standard against which I judge all Cleopatra books and I think that book ruined me for all other Cleopatra bios as I have never read one that can compare. Also the second reason is:
This version if Cleopatra just did not do it for me. I mean, she came off as weak and sort of..for lack of a better word..CRINGING. I didn't believe it. If there is one thing Cleopatra is known for, it's her strength. There is also a scene where she is schooled in the art of love making that left me speechless. It was simply impossible for me to accept this version of her, so different then any I have read before.
I think the writing is quite good but the book I read before this, 'The Sultan's Harem" I found I liked much better though at the end of the day different people like different books. To any other Cleopatra readers out there, I am a strong believer in reading them all so if you have not read this, read it and form your own opinion.
August 28, 2016
For a book entitled When We Were Gods, Falconer spends a ton of time creating disagreeable human characters. His Cleopatra is a simpering, ineffectual, fragile, weeping creature with Victorian values. Marc Antony is an oversexed lush and the great Caesar is not involved in the plot long enough to have the same impact that he assuredly had on history.
Once Cleopatra stops whining "hold me", "he doesn't love me", we finally get a glimpse at her intelligence and courage. Antony continues to have zero redeeming qualities and refuses to face the truth up to the very end.
The high note of this novel was the great naval battle against Octavian's commander, Agrippa. That was very well written, easily pictured in one's mind.
Three stars is generous. My advice: if you're looking for a well researched Cleopatra historical fiction novel, go with Margaret George.
Once Cleopatra stops whining "hold me", "he doesn't love me", we finally get a glimpse at her intelligence and courage. Antony continues to have zero redeeming qualities and refuses to face the truth up to the very end.
The high note of this novel was the great naval battle against Octavian's commander, Agrippa. That was very well written, easily pictured in one's mind.
Three stars is generous. My advice: if you're looking for a well researched Cleopatra historical fiction novel, go with Margaret George.
March 26, 2016
I have just found this at the newspaper stand for only 7.7 Ron (they had quite a few of Colin Falconer's books at the same price).
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I am fascinated with Cleopatra. I like reading books/watching movies about her. I am aware the historical truth must be lost, yet she will always be remembered.
I appreciate that Cleopatra is portrayed as having only two lovers during her lifetime. Yet she is not perfect. She is cunning and has to be in order to keep her throne. And I'm happy she's not some delicate flower because the two men in her life use her as best as it suits them.
When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra is an entertaining read.
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I am fascinated with Cleopatra. I like reading books/watching movies about her. I am aware the historical truth must be lost, yet she will always be remembered.
I appreciate that Cleopatra is portrayed as having only two lovers during her lifetime. Yet she is not perfect. She is cunning and has to be in order to keep her throne. And I'm happy she's not some delicate flower because the two men in her life use her as best as it suits them.
When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra is an entertaining read.
September 2, 2010
Finished this monsterous historical romance while I was getting eight hour micro braids and must say I was completely content to read and lose myself in ancient Egypt again with my favorite woman ruler, Cleopatra..I am so intrigued by this beautiful ambitious woman that had not only men at her disposal but gods on earth reincarnated through Julius Caesar and Marc Antony..This book takes us from Cleopatra's childhood to her untimely demise highlighting her quest for power and security for herself, her family and her beautiful black land of Egypt. I loved to read of how she seduced and plotted her way to what she wanted and even in death left herself powerful and unforgettable. The only thing that made this book lose a star is its attention to detail.I didnt feel like I knew this Cleopatra like I did in Margaret George's masterpiece Memoirs of Cleopatra, or enough about her feelings for her men as I did with Jo Graham's Hand of Isis...I do however feel like I finally understand Octavian the merciless and the politics of Rome. I adored the descriptions of the vulgarities and barbaric nature of the Roman and would love Mr Falconer to write more about that as I dont think his forte is drawing an accurate portrayal of such a wise and powerful woman ruled by her heart and of course her beloved Egypt..
March 31, 2012
While the story itself is a great one, the writing is shaky and I found myself frequently bored with repetitive statements or thoughts from characters.
May 5, 2018
Singurul lucru care a stat in calea Cleopatrei a fost faptul ca s-a nascut femeie, intr-o lume si perioada in care barbatii nu concepeau ca noi putem sa stam pe aceeasi treapta ca ei...
June 26, 2020
When one thinks of Antony and Cleopatra, one thinks of the Greatest Love Story of All Time - Even without a whole lot of pre-knowledge. And make no mistake, she loved him, and he her. But this particular book wasn't about their love - it was about politics and the dicey situation of Alexandria at that time. The events that got Julius Cesar, her first lover killed. Its about the forming of who Cleopatra was and what she had to do to be and remain Queen. And about the power grabbing vying that was occurring, and being a woman at that time. The book was fascinating, but it did not convey the love story as much as it did the story of her and the warring factions and political alliances of the time. So it was the perfect #1. Cleopatra is my remarkable person of the year, and I plan to read six books about her. The next up is Cleopatra's Shadows, followed by Egypt's Sister.
For those of you who are following a particular PBT challenge, the book is not tagged politics, but it sure should have been. If ever there was one that deserved that tag... So sorry Purple Sages, good thing we are pretty chill about the whole thing. But it does go squarely on my personal list of 'should have been.' Which ultimately matters to no one but me.
For those of you who are following a particular PBT challenge, the book is not tagged politics, but it sure should have been. If ever there was one that deserved that tag... So sorry Purple Sages, good thing we are pretty chill about the whole thing. But it does go squarely on my personal list of 'should have been.' Which ultimately matters to no one but me.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
January 1, 2022DNF. Didn't care, too long, dry.
January 13, 2018
The detail and emotion throughout was riveting. I felt like I was there throughout the entire book, which isn't necessarily a good thing, given all the lopping off of heads and whatnot. Falconer does an amazing job at writing several years' worth of history into a single book, and making all the names and battles memorable and significant. This is my first Falconer book, and I fully intend to immerse myself in the rest of his stories.
July 30, 2011
This was an OK book. It was interesting in that it covered Cleopatra's early life, as much as it could. What her life in the royal house was like with a mousy brother who was supposed to rule. We also got a quick tour of what it was like being with Celius Juser. Um. Sulius Jeezer. Oh, heck. Whatever his name is!
The best part is that we got an idea of what kind of queen she might have been, and why Egypt was so rich. And I do mean RICH. She knew something of national management, if anything in this book, and history, are accurate.
We also got to know a likable woman with a few hopes and dreams and a desire to keep her family line going. An ambitious dream for a woman back then.
It did have a few flaws in it, but if you're up for an easy read with some interesting tidbits of history thrown in, go for it.
The best part is that we got an idea of what kind of queen she might have been, and why Egypt was so rich. And I do mean RICH. She knew something of national management, if anything in this book, and history, are accurate.
We also got to know a likable woman with a few hopes and dreams and a desire to keep her family line going. An ambitious dream for a woman back then.
It did have a few flaws in it, but if you're up for an easy read with some interesting tidbits of history thrown in, go for it.
May 10, 2022
Perhaps I've just been spoiled by all the feminist retellings of myths out there these days but this one fell flat for me. Cleopatra never really developed in this story. She spent her entire life being in love and trying to get people to respect her politics...but those politics were just "seduce powerful Romans" and it wasn't very compelling. There were so many rabbit holes the author could have followed that would have added intrigue, passion, or intelligence but he just didn't and the book was kinda boring.
June 14, 2020
It was ok but I didn't enjoy it as much as I, Cleopatra by William Bostock or The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George.
October 22, 2021
Cleopatra comes alive!
History comes alive in this book, a hallmark of Colin Falconer. I wish I'd had him to teach me history!
History comes alive in this book, a hallmark of Colin Falconer. I wish I'd had him to teach me history!
March 31, 2011
When We Were Gods / 0-609-80889-3
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpent", as Malinali maneuvers the Spaniards to destroy her captors and their empire. You see this in "The Sultan's Harem", as the vicious Hurrem manipulates her husband and owner into demolishing his own kingdom. And now we see this in When We Were Gods, as Cleopatra struggles to survive and prosper as more than just a Roman fiefdom.
Falconer woman are emotionally strong, and Cleopatra is no exception. Her romances with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius are initially motivated out of a fierce instinct for survival and a calculated gamble at something more - prosperity, greatness, lineage. Yet Cleopatra is not made of marble - she comes, over time and in spite of herself, to deeply and passionately love her two Roman "husbands" despite their betrayals. She comes to welcome their embraces, to continue to be shocked and hurt by their betrayals, and to cry at their deaths.
Rome was, Falconer correctly notes, a deeply racist culture in many ways, with laws against marrying foreigners or giving property to children of foreigners, and Falconer notes this in the treatment Cleopatra receives at the hands of her two Roman lovers. They will give her illegitimate children, but not their oaths of marriage. They will take her money and her army, yet they will not share their victories with her. Yet, despite all this, both men choose to overcome that tradition and upbringing and prove their faithfulness at the end - Julius, with an illegal will acknowledging his child; Antony, with refusal to save his own life by turning Cleopatra over to Octavian, even though he fears death. These men are truly strong, overcoming prejudices that have been ingrained in them from childhood, and Falconer praises them subtly for this feat, even through the veil of Cleopatra's fears and angers, the veil that makes her a compelling, yet unreliable narrator and forces us to weigh the actions of those around her against her interpretation of those actions and judge for ourselves.
I love this because Falconer specializes in unreliable narrators, and we see this in Cleopatra. She is wise, intelligent, and cunning, but we cannot believe everything she tells us. She is not the goddess that she believes herself to be, and she is not always the wonderful mother that she has decided she is. Her intense frustration and hatred of men is understandable - she has been betrayed countless times - but she comes to realize that she has been unfair to men - and to Romans - late in the novel, when the man she thought was most faithless of all has instead been pining for his leprous wife for decades. It is then that Cleopatra realizes that male, female, Egyptian, or Roman are all tags and names that are meaningless - one either is or isn't faithful, depending on one's character and choices. This is, I think, the crux of Cleopatra - the realization that dynasties come and go, but humanity thrives on.
~ Ana Mardoll
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpent", as Malinali maneuvers the Spaniards to destroy her captors and their empire. You see this in "The Sultan's Harem", as the vicious Hurrem manipulates her husband and owner into demolishing his own kingdom. And now we see this in When We Were Gods, as Cleopatra struggles to survive and prosper as more than just a Roman fiefdom.
Falconer woman are emotionally strong, and Cleopatra is no exception. Her romances with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius are initially motivated out of a fierce instinct for survival and a calculated gamble at something more - prosperity, greatness, lineage. Yet Cleopatra is not made of marble - she comes, over time and in spite of herself, to deeply and passionately love her two Roman "husbands" despite their betrayals. She comes to welcome their embraces, to continue to be shocked and hurt by their betrayals, and to cry at their deaths.
Rome was, Falconer correctly notes, a deeply racist culture in many ways, with laws against marrying foreigners or giving property to children of foreigners, and Falconer notes this in the treatment Cleopatra receives at the hands of her two Roman lovers. They will give her illegitimate children, but not their oaths of marriage. They will take her money and her army, yet they will not share their victories with her. Yet, despite all this, both men choose to overcome that tradition and upbringing and prove their faithfulness at the end - Julius, with an illegal will acknowledging his child; Antony, with refusal to save his own life by turning Cleopatra over to Octavian, even though he fears death. These men are truly strong, overcoming prejudices that have been ingrained in them from childhood, and Falconer praises them subtly for this feat, even through the veil of Cleopatra's fears and angers, the veil that makes her a compelling, yet unreliable narrator and forces us to weigh the actions of those around her against her interpretation of those actions and judge for ourselves.
I love this because Falconer specializes in unreliable narrators, and we see this in Cleopatra. She is wise, intelligent, and cunning, but we cannot believe everything she tells us. She is not the goddess that she believes herself to be, and she is not always the wonderful mother that she has decided she is. Her intense frustration and hatred of men is understandable - she has been betrayed countless times - but she comes to realize that she has been unfair to men - and to Romans - late in the novel, when the man she thought was most faithless of all has instead been pining for his leprous wife for decades. It is then that Cleopatra realizes that male, female, Egyptian, or Roman are all tags and names that are meaningless - one either is or isn't faithful, depending on one's character and choices. This is, I think, the crux of Cleopatra - the realization that dynasties come and go, but humanity thrives on.
~ Ana Mardoll
October 13, 2019
همه جا رو زير و رو كردم، اما نويسنده اي به اسم "كريستينا گرگوري" نيافتم. متن كتاب خيلي راحت و خودموني بود. يك داستان تاريخي. خوشحال تر بودم اگر طولاني تر مي بود كتاب.
November 25, 2021
There were some editing problems, but this was a wonderful read. The contrasts between Julius Caesar and Marc Antony were brilliantly drawn. Of the great love stories throughout history, I have wondered why Antony, rather than Julius, is coupled with Cleopatra. Maybe Shakespeare deemed it so. Cleopatra proves that it is difficult to be a god, a ruler, a mother and a woman. She never realized the depth of Caesar's devotion. She understood Antony's devotion too late. He had to look upon her face one last time before he surrendered his soul to death. That scene was poignantly written. Her male children were killed, Antony was dead, she considered her long time goal of ruling Egypt and Rome together with Octavian, but could not do it. In that decision, she was true to Marc Antony. She took care of her kingdom with more wisdom than any man could do. Her kingdom flourished, they had granaries, the great library, methods of irrigation, and every necessity and luxury of life. She understood what had to be done to make certain her people persevered. She clung to hope always finding a way to meet any situation. She loved two Romans, and they loved her. She asked too much of both in seeking to be co-rulers of a country where she was a foreigner. I will never be a queen or important, but what better epitaph could be said about me that I loved my husband with all my being, and he me.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for writing this book.
November 25, 2021
Reread the book and found things I did not notice previously. Cleopatra had a sack of charms which she offered to Julius and Marc Antony, but love was not her motive. She wanted to be a God, but Rome resisted her ambitions. Twice.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for writing this book.
November 25, 2021
Reread the book and found things I did not notice previously. Cleopatra had a sack of charms which she offered to Julius and Marc Antony, but love was not her motive. She wanted to be a God, but Rome resisted her ambitions. Twice.
March 15, 2016
(review March 2016)
I remembered about this book as I've come across a book of the author that interests me since it takes place in Romania during WW2 ;
I read When We Were Gods a while ago - cannot say when for sure but it was in a period i was fascinated with Cleopatra's story and reading a few of the many novels dedicated to her (there is one I really enjoyed by Margaret George, there is another by Gillian Bradshaw which is an what if her son with Caesar survived, and many others) and I still remember that this was of the "easy, rolling, adventure" type without too much subtlety but where the reader is compelled to turn the pages and see what happens next even when said reader kind of knows how it will turn out
I remembered about this book as I've come across a book of the author that interests me since it takes place in Romania during WW2 ;
I read When We Were Gods a while ago - cannot say when for sure but it was in a period i was fascinated with Cleopatra's story and reading a few of the many novels dedicated to her (there is one I really enjoyed by Margaret George, there is another by Gillian Bradshaw which is an what if her son with Caesar survived, and many others) and I still remember that this was of the "easy, rolling, adventure" type without too much subtlety but where the reader is compelled to turn the pages and see what happens next even when said reader kind of knows how it will turn out
January 22, 2016
I did not finish this book. Not because it was poorly written or because it lacked comprehension or realism; to put it bluntly, I got bored. Margaret George's Cleopatra novel was so vivid in my memory's comparison, while this book just seemed to be going on interminably. That may be due to my familiarity (somewhat) with the Cleopatra story, or perhaps it's due to some other factor. I just found myself, instead of being absorbed into the text, anxious to move on to other books and didn't seem to ever become involved with this one. So, in that sense, I didn't "hate" this novel, per se, but I just could not complete it.
February 2, 2020
I really enjoyed the beginning of this novel. I loved learning more about Cleopatra and the Roman world. However 3/4ths in I just got a little bored with the tedious recountings of the different conflicts and battles. The end picked up a little but I was disappointed because I wanted to really like this book. I found the book very well researched though.
Read
June 2, 2021this felt like watching a season of game thrones.. really surprised there hasn’t been a prestige tv style adaptation of this insane moment in history
I do feel like I would have preferred this if it was only cleopatra (maybe antony’s point of view, but honestly just her) however the supporting cast did make the picture fuller
a lot of dick jokes
I do feel like I would have preferred this if it was only cleopatra (maybe antony’s point of view, but honestly just her) however the supporting cast did make the picture fuller
a lot of dick jokes
February 13, 2019
An engrossing historical fiction for people fascinated by Egypt. The strong characters take the tale forward
Shelved as 'books-i-gave-up-on'
September 1, 2021I wanted to like this! It was just quite boring
May 11, 2020
Absolutely amazing story of Cleopatra-this presented the Egyptian queen as a shrewd, intelligent, practical woman who became enamored of Caesar and Antony despite her prejudice against Romans. I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters spent on her time with Antony; they did a great job in depicting how it all went wrong for the doomed pair.
October 25, 2022
My review is on Amazon and Facebook.
Cleopatra was a complicated character. She was going to keep her people fed no matter their station. She used Caesar and Marc Antony for the advantage of Egypt. She loved them both, but she loved Egypt more. She had a desire to rule the world as she knew it, but she had need of Caesar or a man to do so. She had a child with Caesar believing that he would divorce his wife and marry her. She tried to protect that child believing that through him her dreams would be realized. In the end, the words 'when we were gods' become the saddest words I have ever read.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for an excellent read.
Cleopatra was a complicated character. She was going to keep her people fed no matter their station. She used Caesar and Marc Antony for the advantage of Egypt. She loved them both, but she loved Egypt more. She had a desire to rule the world as she knew it, but she had need of Caesar or a man to do so. She had a child with Caesar believing that he would divorce his wife and marry her. She tried to protect that child believing that through him her dreams would be realized. In the end, the words 'when we were gods' become the saddest words I have ever read.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for an excellent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2011
When We Were Gods / 0-609-80889-3
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpent", as Malinali maneuvers the Spaniards to destroy her captors and their empire. You see this in "The Sultan's Harem", as the vicious Hurrem manipulates her husband and owner into demolishing his own kingdom. And now we see this in When We Were Gods, as Cleopatra struggles to survive and prosper as more than just a Roman fiefdom.
Falconer woman are emotionally strong, and Cleopatra is no exception. Her romances with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius are initially motivated out of a fierce instinct for survival and a calculated gamble at something more - prosperity, greatness, lineage. Yet Cleopatra is not made of marble - she comes, over time and in spite of herself, to deeply and passionately love her two Roman "husbands" despite their betrayals. She comes to welcome their embraces, to continue to be shocked and hurt by their betrayals, and to cry at their deaths.
Rome was, Falconer correctly notes, a deeply racist culture in many ways, with laws against marrying foreigners or giving property to children of foreigners, and Falconer notes this in the treatment Cleopatra receives at the hands of her two Roman lovers. They will give her illegitimate children, but not their oaths of marriage. They will take her money and her army, yet they will not share their victories with her. Yet, despite all this, both men choose to overcome that tradition and upbringing and prove their faithfulness at the end - Julius, with an illegal will acknowledging his child; Antony, with refusal to save his own life by turning Cleopatra over to Octavian, even though he fears death. These men are truly strong, overcoming prejudices that have been ingrained in them from childhood, and Falconer praises them subtly for this feat, even through the veil of Cleopatra's fears and angers, the veil that makes her a compelling, yet unreliable narrator and forces us to weigh the actions of those around her against her interpretation of those actions and judge for ourselves.
I love this because Falconer specializes in unreliable narrators, and we see this in Cleopatra. She is wise, intelligent, and cunning, but we cannot believe everything she tells us. She is not the goddess that she believes herself to be, and she is not always the wonderful mother that she has decided she is. Her intense frustration and hatred of men is understandable - she has been betrayed countless times - but she comes to realize that she has been unfair to men - and to Romans - late in the novel, when the man she thought was most faithless of all has instead been pining for his leprous wife for decades. It is then that Cleopatra realizes that male, female, Egyptian, or Roman are all tags and names that are meaningless - one either is or isn't faithful, depending on one's character and choices. This is, I think, the crux of Cleopatra - the realization that dynasties come and go, but humanity thrives on.
~ Ana Mardoll
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpent", as Malinali maneuvers the Spaniards to destroy her captors and their empire. You see this in "The Sultan's Harem", as the vicious Hurrem manipulates her husband and owner into demolishing his own kingdom. And now we see this in When We Were Gods, as Cleopatra struggles to survive and prosper as more than just a Roman fiefdom.
Falconer woman are emotionally strong, and Cleopatra is no exception. Her romances with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius are initially motivated out of a fierce instinct for survival and a calculated gamble at something more - prosperity, greatness, lineage. Yet Cleopatra is not made of marble - she comes, over time and in spite of herself, to deeply and passionately love her two Roman "husbands" despite their betrayals. She comes to welcome their embraces, to continue to be shocked and hurt by their betrayals, and to cry at their deaths.
Rome was, Falconer correctly notes, a deeply racist culture in many ways, with laws against marrying foreigners or giving property to children of foreigners, and Falconer notes this in the treatment Cleopatra receives at the hands of her two Roman lovers. They will give her illegitimate children, but not their oaths of marriage. They will take her money and her army, yet they will not share their victories with her. Yet, despite all this, both men choose to overcome that tradition and upbringing and prove their faithfulness at the end - Julius, with an illegal will acknowledging his child; Antony, with refusal to save his own life by turning Cleopatra over to Octavian, even though he fears death. These men are truly strong, overcoming prejudices that have been ingrained in them from childhood, and Falconer praises them subtly for this feat, even through the veil of Cleopatra's fears and angers, the veil that makes her a compelling, yet unreliable narrator and forces us to weigh the actions of those around her against her interpretation of those actions and judge for ourselves.
I love this because Falconer specializes in unreliable narrators, and we see this in Cleopatra. She is wise, intelligent, and cunning, but we cannot believe everything she tells us. She is not the goddess that she believes herself to be, and she is not always the wonderful mother that she has decided she is. Her intense frustration and hatred of men is understandable - she has been betrayed countless times - but she comes to realize that she has been unfair to men - and to Romans - late in the novel, when the man she thought was most faithless of all has instead been pining for his leprous wife for decades. It is then that Cleopatra realizes that male, female, Egyptian, or Roman are all tags and names that are meaningless - one either is or isn't faithful, depending on one's character and choices. This is, I think, the crux of Cleopatra - the realization that dynasties come and go, but humanity thrives on.
~ Ana Mardoll
February 9, 2015
A curious, thought-provoking treatment of some of history's most famous characters. Cleopatra begins as a teenage girl contending with ruthless Ptolemy family intrigues, soon escaping to save her life sequestered in the desert. She alternately appears confident and magnetic, then insecure and immature. It seems doubtful even that young she would ever be as vulnerable and self-doubting as Falconer portrays her. Watching her character arc develop is quite fascinating, and despite some setbacks in self-confidence she reaches supreme expression of a Pharaoh heading a wealthy empire. Her assertive and provocative personality both attracts and repels her Roman lovers, first Caesar and later Marc Antony. Always her dedication is to keeping her hold on the Egyptian throne, even when that means murdering her brothers and sisters. As the Ptolemys said, a good dinner was one where no one got poisoned. Her relationship with Caesar is edgy, he keeps his intentions guarded and she always doubts his love while yearning for it. After Caesar is assassinated while she is in Rome, she returns to Egypt to contend with disgruntled subjects and power plays. Enter Marc Antony, her second chance to use Rome's power to bolster her hold on the throne. Antony is painted as such a lecher and boozer that its a wonder he ever won a battle. Apparently he sobered up and slept alone during campaigns, at first winning but later losing in critical battles against Octavian and Agrippa. His character was hard to reconcile with history, but the passionate relationship with Cleopatra made for some exciting reading. The story ends badly for them and their children. Overall, an entertaining romp through historic times without excessive violence.
February 21, 2011
I would give this 3 1/2 stars. This is not (as many have asked me) the new non-fiction book on Cleopatra. It's also not (as I had expected) a trashy romance novel about Cleopatra. Much to my delight, it's historical fiction a la Philippa Gregory and I actually got to learn some presumably real things about Cleopatra and her life. To be honest, I really only vaguely new the story of Cleopatra from grade-school stories, and it was interesting to read an account of her as a strong, savvy and strategic leader (along with some romance that probably isn't in the non-fiction account...)
All of the main characters (Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony) are three-dimensional - winning in their own way though tragically flawed. The story lagged a bit towards the end with a lot of detail but I really felt for these leaders and the bad luck (and bad mistakes) they had to face and live with.
All of the main characters (Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony) are three-dimensional - winning in their own way though tragically flawed. The story lagged a bit towards the end with a lot of detail but I really felt for these leaders and the bad luck (and bad mistakes) they had to face and live with.
November 2, 2007
Okay, so you've got Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Marc Antony. Rich material, right? Should be an awesome story, right? Wrong. Way wrong. At least in this book, it's wrong.
None of the characters ever felt remotely real. It felt like the author had a Barbie doll in one hand and a Ken doll in the other hand, and he just moved them around and told a somewhat disjointed story.
Also, there were 127 chapters in a book that is 462 pages long. And within those short little chapters, there was generally a break every three or four paragraphs. Now, I hate long chapters, but this went way too far in the other direction. It was like the author had no idea how to smoothly transition from one scene to the next, so he just threw in a page break instead.
I don't really recommend this book to anyone. I'm sure there are much better books about Cleopatra out there.
None of the characters ever felt remotely real. It felt like the author had a Barbie doll in one hand and a Ken doll in the other hand, and he just moved them around and told a somewhat disjointed story.
Also, there were 127 chapters in a book that is 462 pages long. And within those short little chapters, there was generally a break every three or four paragraphs. Now, I hate long chapters, but this went way too far in the other direction. It was like the author had no idea how to smoothly transition from one scene to the next, so he just threw in a page break instead.
I don't really recommend this book to anyone. I'm sure there are much better books about Cleopatra out there.
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