Who Gets To Be The Hero In History - Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi

Cleopatra has been turned into a symbol, a scandal, a punchline, and a warning story for centuries, so we wanted a version that finally lets her feel human. We talk about Cleopatra by Sarah L. Arifi and why it hits so hard when an Egyptian woman in the 2000s reimagines Cleopatra’s inner life, her voice, and her motives. Ya'll, the set up was nice, but part II is where it gets JUICY! We need to know: are you Team Caesar or Team Antonius?The perspective shift where we move through the story and then hear Cleopatra narrate from a later point in time, weighing what “allegedly” happened versus what she claims is true adds humor, bite, and tenderness, and it also keeps the book from flattening anyone into a villain. If you love historical fiction, feminist retellings, book club conversations, and honest friendship talk with plenty of TV recs sprinkled in, hit play. Subscribe, share this with your favorite reader, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Music by - Asher AhmahdEdited by - Donnie Moore  @dddonniemooreeeAuthor - @saaraelarifiReach [email protected] usInstagram - @brownpeoplereading