CLEOPATRA VIII Daughter of the Nile--57 B.C.

At the tender age of 12, Cleopatra's royal life teeters between privilege and political schemes. Her father, King Ptolemy, has fled the palace after a puff adder was found in his bed. Older sister Tryphaena may decide Cleopatra needs beheading so her own rule can be established. Gregory's Cleopatra is more than equal to the deadliest snake or sibling. Josephine Bailey's elegant narrative is a pleasure to hear. Whether she describes swimming in the turquoise sea or eating fried dormouse, her cool, musical delivery pulls in the listener. Bailey is sweetly convincing as an intelligent young woman on the cusp of assuming her role in history. This installment of The Royal Diaries series is written for children but is equally enjoyable for adults. E.B.A. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]