THE LAST QUEEN; Book One

THE LAST QUEEN

Book One of the Chronicles

of Cleopatra

G. LAWRENCE

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This is the story of half-sisters Cleopatra and Arsinoe, princesses of Egypt, 58-57 BCA. Their conversations are recorded in a chronicle of their father's reign as Pharaoh, up to Cleopatra's accession.

The two twelve-year-olds grow up during a turbulent time of war, famine, and family disputes with their other half-sister, Berenice. The girl's words flow with flowery descriptions of Gods that determine the fate of life in general and the future.

Many events transpire that the Gods willed during their lives, according to family records. Cleo is a history buff and explains to Arsinoe what will be, after their separate mother's murder.

Love and hate drive the young ladies to take control of their own fate, leading to a somewhat peaceful existence in Alexandria on the Nile. The journey is well-chronicled.

Gemme Lawrence's prose is beautiful; however, it is hard to believe twelve-year-olds could speak so eloquently. But it is a Pharaoh's verbal history of Egypt.

Excellent read: https://amzn.to/4sNerZY

Where the Crawdads Sing

WHERE THE

CRAWDADS SING

DELA OWENS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Kya, a six-year-old, is homeless in the marshes of North Carolina. Where her family went is described in a heartbreaking way that lingers throughout the novel.

In a descriptive, colorful prose, Ms. Owens gives the reader a journey through Kya's survival and growth in the marsh. The young girl's connection to the world around her and her ingenuity develop her into a loving, beautiful, self-educated hermit.

When the opposite sex becomes an issue, her feelings of abandonment come into play, and a relationship begins and ends. She is left again, rebounds sexually with another man, Chase, who promises the world.

This last involvement ends with his death, Kya on trial for the crime, and an unresolved situation where the town is divided. Her first love, Tate, returns.

Years pass, she dies, and, as in other parts of Kya's journey, her lover, Tate, reads a poem Kya wrote. She did what nature would have her do: protect herself.

CRAWDADS SINGS is a lovely, enjoyable, well-written novel you should not miss.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4sywRNN

Brave Companions

Brave Companions: Portraits In History

David McCullough

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This storybook is about people who bravely went where no one had gone before them. Mr. McCullough's descriptions of people and events, some of which you know, are woven into a read you will enjoy.

You do not need to be a 'History Buff' to enjoy learning how the Brooklyn Bridge's structure was devised and built by a person you may not know. Or the enormous effort of that endeavor and the construction of the Panama Canal come to life in a people profile.

Those events and others will keep the reader wanting to know the next person the author delves into and explains their position in history. This will include Theodore Roosevelt and his Badlands adventures, as well as those who brought those western experiences to life.

Whether you enjoy reading about history or not, this book is well worth the price.

 Purchase: https://amzn.to/49csdO9