HERstory: Meet the Author of a New Book About Cleopatra’s Daughter

As the last Pharaoh of Egypt and one of the most famous women in history, Cleopatra’s fascinating reign is synonymous with female empowerment.

And so it is no wonder that most people want to know about Cleopatra’ life. Me included.

But how much do we know about Cleopatra’s daughter? Or did you know she even had one?

Well she did. And her name was Cleopatra Selene.

I am so excited to help spread the news that Vicky Alvear Shecter has done a splendid job writing Cleopatra’s Moon, a recently published young adult novel described by its publisher (Scholastic, Inc.) as a “stunning novel [that] brings to life the personalities and passions of one of the greatest dramas in history and offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene.”

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

There are few thing as admirable as being able to introduce history (ancient at that) to young people in such an accessible, alluring, and exciting way.

The author of two nonfiction books about the ancient world: Alexander the Great Rocks the World (a VOYA Honor Pick for Nonfiction) and Cleopatra Rules!, Vicky Alvear Shecter is a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University (in Georgia).

Cleopatra Rules! by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Today, we welcome Vicky to “The LOVE Spot” to discuss her newest book, Cleopatra’s Moon.

Philana Marie Boles (PMB): Welcome to “The LOVE Spot”, Vicky! As you know, I am very excited about your newest novel, Cleopatra’s Moon!

Not only is Cleopatra’s Moon very well written and exciting, it is also quite informative. I happen to love any opportunity to learn without feeling like I’m being taught. Such is the case when I read your work.

Before we discuss your newest novel, first please tell us what inspires you to care about ancient history in the first place?

Vicky Alvear Shecter (VAS): Everybody’s got their “thing,” you know? That one area of life that seems endlessly fascinating.

For some it’s science or music or bugs or baking or whatever. For me, it’s always been ancient history.

I just happen to be one of those history nerds whose heart starts to race with joy and excitement when I stand in the presence of ancient artifacts, whether it be a mummy or a chipped bowl someone once ate out of.

I think these things move me because they evoke a sense of “one-ness,” of a shared humanity that crosses all barriers—time, sex, race, religion, etc.

In the end, the study of history brings me to a place of compassion—thousands of years later, we’re all still seeking the same thing: connection, community and meaning.

Vicky Alvear Shecter, author of Cleopatra's Moon

PMB: Interesting… And so true!

I know you studied at Florida State University. Was history your area of focus? Actually, what all did you study in college?

VAS: I got a degree in English though I wanted to get one in Humanities. They had those then! However, I didn’t pursue a Humanities degree because I didn’t know how I would make a living with it. As if English was any better, right?

My minor was comparative religions which, in a way, combined history, art, politics and religion.

PMB: Ah, Humanities… Interesting point. I suppose though that as English scholars we are some of the deepest and most passionate thinkers, yet we are not always the most practical.

Your minor sounds like it was the perfect preparation for the career path you chose.

Before we talk about Cleopatra’s Moon, let’s discuss Cleopatra’s Rules—The Amazing Life of the Original Teen Queen—which is your mid-grade biography of Cleopatra. Which, by the way, I found to be impossibly cool.

There are so many impressive elements to complement the book such as notes and time-lines and such. How do you approach your research?

VAS: I start with the primary sources and then read the latest works from the most respected scholars to see how they interpret the primary sources.

Some people say, the primary sources should speak for themselves, but if, for example, several scholars point out a mistake or a bias, then it’s important to know that!

For example, Roman enemies–who were clearly trying to make Cleopatra look bad–wrote most all of the historical resources discussing her life …

It is vital to understand the biases and prejudices and motivations of the sources for a fuller understanding of what really happened.