One of the decisions I had to make prior to my trip to Thailand was which book to bring. I know, not the top of everyone’s priority list, but as someone who reads every day it was one of the first things I thought about.
Normally I’d bring my e-book reader so I would have a selection, however I knew that the battery would require recharging shortly after my arrival and since I didn’t want to have to bring a voltage converter with me (US voltage) I decided that a paperback would be more practical. But that led to another consideration: did I bring multiple books with me or one really long one? I didn’t expect to be doing much reading once the tour really got going (and I didn’t) but I did have a nearly 12 hour flight each way and the long train ride to consider, and I don’t like to assume I’ll be able to find a book store when I need one.
Ironically, I ended up spending my holiday in Thailand reading about ancient Egypt. In the end, I chose a really long book – nearly 1000 pages – The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George.
I started this book only knowing bits and pieces of world history during that time period – I knew that Cleopatra had been involved with both Caesar and Mark Antony for instance, but wasn’t sure how all that came about. Reading this fictionalized account written from Cleopatra’s perspective was a wonderful way to learn more about those tumultuous times – with more than a dash of romance thrown in. I read a third of the book on my way to Thailand and dove back into the story every time I had a chance.
Cleopatra was a brilliant politician and even though I knew the story would not have the ending I really wanted – total destruction of Octavian – I eagerly read to the end. I admired the strength of will it took for Cleopatra to leave her children and end her own life rather than be a pawn for Octavian in Rome.
I had thought that if I finished the book during my travels, I could always abandon it and find something slightly less bulky to read. Halfway through there was no question this book had earned a spot on my keeper shelf. It will be a while before I tackle it again (!) but it’s also one of those rare books I think my husband will appreciate as much as I did. He likes to take long books on vacation too!
One unexpected effects of reading this book is that having read about the elaborate jewelry and clothes that Cleopatra wore, I find myself wanting to larger, bolder jewelry. Think I’ll start a trend?
That does sound like an interesting book, Jenyfer. I’ll have to check it out at our local library. I do like the heavy Egyptian-style jewelry, especially if it’s gold
by Shelley Munro January 30th, 2010 at 3:28 amIt sounds wonderful.
by anny cook January 30th, 2010 at 11:28 pmIt was very good – and makes me want to look into the miniseries “Rome”.
by Jenyfer January 31st, 2010 at 2:29 am