Jo Graham lives in Maryland with her family, and has worked in politics for many years. Black Ships is her debut novel. Find out more about the author at http: //jo-graham.livejournal.com/
Historical fantasist Graham (Black Ships) heads to Egypt with this elegant, engaging memoir of Charmian, half-sister and handmaiden to Cleopatra. The two young women and their other sister, Iras, are inseparable from childhood, getting one another into and out of numerous mishaps. As teenagers, they vow to Isis that they will protect Egypt from the covetous Romans, and in return for their devotion, the goddess rewards Cleopatra with the throne. Graham never resorts to melodrama even at the murder of Julius Caesar or to cliche when Charmian recalls her past lives, and she supplies plenty of superb historical detail, but doesn't let it overwhelm the narrative. Charmian's shy hopes, failures and devotion to Cleopatra and Isis make her one of the most memorable "witnesses to history" to emerge from fantasy in quite some time. (Apr.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
Three half sisters, each fathered by the Pharaoh Ptolemy Auletes, grow up in an Egypt on the verge of catastrophic change. Iras and Charmian are companions to their middle sister, the legitimate daughter, named Cleopatra. The author of Black Ships brings to life the courts of Ptolemy and Cleopatra in a way that illuminates the lives of women and their effect on history. A stand-out addition to most libraries, with strong appeal to fans of ancient history and mythology. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
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