Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi - A Review from Anwar Library

Introduction

From the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Faebound and The Final Strife comes Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi. Released in February 2026, this evocative and sensuous historical epic is a masterpiece that raises the iconic queen from the sands of time. In Cleopatra, Saara El-Arifi liberates her from the judgment of men, granting her a voice that has been silenced for centuries. This is not just another retelling; it is a groundbreaking story that shows us the real woman behind the myth—strategic, powerful, and fiercely loving. Whether you are a fan of historical drama or lyrical prose, Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi is destined to be the most talked-about book of the year.

Detailed Plot Summary

The story of Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi begins by dismantling the propaganda of historians. Cleopatra VII, a Ptolemy and heir to the throne of Egypt, narrates her own life from adolescence to her eventual end. Unlike traditional accounts that focus solely on her tragic demise, this novel celebrates her life. It follows her journey through the cutthroat politics of the Alexandrian court, where she must outmaneuver her siblings, Arsinoe and Theos, to claim her divine right to rule.

As she rises to power, Saara El-Arifi portrays Cleopatra not as a mere seductress, but as a brilliant scholar, a healer, and a strategic leader. Her famous relationships with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius are explored, but they are viewed through the lens of her ultimate goal: the survival and prosperity of Egypt and her children. The narrative is rich with sensory detail, from the gem-laden robes of the Pharaoh to the intimate banquets of the royal palace, creating a vivid portrait of a woman who leaves nothing to chance.

The final chapters of Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi deal with the encroaching shadow of Rome. Yet, even in the face of defeat, the focus remains on Cleopatra’s agency. She is a woman of Africa who owes nothing to future mythologizing. The novel concludes with a powerful reclamation of her legacy, suggesting that while death may silence the body, a voice as powerful as hers can never truly be extinguished. Saara El-Arifi has crafted a conclusion that is as dignified as it is heart-wrenching, leaving readers with a profound sense of the woman who lived beneath the crown.

Character Analysis

The characters in Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi are multifaceted and humanized in ways rarely seen in historical fiction:

Cleopatra VII: The narrator and protagonist. A scholar, mother, and queen who is fiercely protective of her people and her children.
Charmion: Cleopatra’s life-long companion and confidante, providing a grounded perspective on the queen’s private life.
Julius Caesar: The Roman leader whose alliance with Cleopatra is depicted as a complex mixture of political strategy and genuine connection.
Marcus Antonius: A man of passion and military might, whose love for Cleopatra becomes both a strength and a fatal vulnerability.
Arsinoe: Cleopatra’s sister and rival, whose diverging path highlights the brutal realities of Ptolemaic power struggles.

Thematic Analysis

In Cleopatra, Saara El-Arifi explores the theme of Reclaiming Narrative. The book is a direct challenge to the “seducer” and “witch” archetypes imposed on her by men. Another central theme is The Burden of Power, illustrating the care and cruelty required to rule a kingdom under threat. El-Arifi also delves into Motherhood and Legacy, showing that Cleopatra’s primary motivation was often the safety of her heirs. Finally, the novel serves as a study of Cultural Legacy, emphasizing her identity as a woman of Africa and a divine ruler blessed by the gods.

Reader Reactions & Cultural Impact

Since its release, Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi has been hailed as a “vivid, fierce, and magical reimagining” by readers and critics. It has quickly become a staple of BookTok and Bookstagram, with fans praising the lyrical prose and the psychological depth given to the Queen of the Nile. Many have compared its impact to modern classics like Circe or The Song of Achilles, noting that Saara El-Arifi has successfully liberated a historical titan from the judgment of male historians. The book is widely considered her masterpiece and a voice-of-a-generation achievement.

About Saara El-Arifi

Saara El-Arifi is a #1 Sunday Times bestselling author known for her epic fantasy and historical fiction. She holds a master’s degree in African studies, specializing in the myth of Cleopatra and its impact on Black women. This academic background informs the deep research and cultural nuance found in Cleopatra. Having lived in many countries, Saara El-Arifi brings a global perspective to her storytelling, cementing her status as one of the most prolific and important writers of the modern era.

Where to Buy Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi

You can preorder or purchase your copy of Cleopatra from these retailers: