Would you believe that Queen Kleopatra’s highest self-definition was that of mother? Many will be surprised, but it is true that once she had children, her every choice was made to safeguard them—a son, Caesarion, with Julius Caesar, and a daughter, Kleopatra Selene, and two sons, Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphus, with the love of her life, Mark Antony.
It’s been one of my life’s missions to present a multi-faceted portrait of this most powerful woman. Contrary to the popular trope that she was manipulative and power-hungry, in PHARAOH: Book II of my two-volume KLEOPATRA series, you’ll read of the deep love and devotion Kleopatra had for her children as well as for the country of Egypt. In fact, the Egyptian people referred to her as Mother Egypt, a fierce protector who would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of her children and her country, even if it meant putting herself in danger—indeed, losing her life.
I hope you will find her courageous acts as a mother-protector as inspiring and illuminating as I did. If you’d like to read the book, you can get a copy here.
Happy Mothers Day to all—people moms, pet moms, devoted aunties and honorary aunties—all who dedicate themselves to taking care of those we love.
