Cleopatra by Jacob Abbot

"Cleopatra" by Jacob Abbot - Informative.

This Audiobook was a Librivox recording. 

Cleopatra was Egyptian by birth and Greek by ancestry and origin. Alexander annexed Egypt to Greek empire. After his death,  the empire was divided between his generals. Ptolemi took over Egypt. The line of Ptolemi ruled  Egypt for many years. Cleopatra was 11th in the line. 

What was she like? What were the circumstances then? What was her relationship with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony? What role did she play in world politics? What kind of a person was she?

The book takes us through the story starting from the time of Alexander. Establishment of the line of Ptolemi. Savagery, viciousness,  violence and warring in the line of Ptolemi. Incest in the line of Ptolemi for generations. Birth, marriage to brother, ascendance to throne of Cleopatra. Her banishment. Murder of Pompei and arrival of Caesar. Caesars mediation. Cleopatra- Caesar liaison. Fickle alliances. Alexandrian war of 3000 Vs 30000. Assassination of Caesar. Battle of Philippi, two years after Caesar's assassination. It happened between the triumvirate of Antony, Octavian and Lepidus leading the Caesar camp and Brutus & Cassius leading the other resulting in victory of triumvirate. It led to ascendance of Mark Anthony. This culminated in Cleopatra-Anthony liaison, final war and deaths. 

In later part of the book, author paints Cleopatra in shades of dark grey and black. He singles her out for making Mark Anthony her figurative slave and diverting him from his ambition, making him kick his wife and children out of his home. He accuses her of leading Antony into naval fight against Octavian instead of land war and then making him abandon the war and run. She then took to studying poisons and experimented the effects, suffering, time to death on captured soldiers or slaves. Although she lived royally,  she died miserably. 

Author describes the Valley of Nile and explains why there are no forests or animals on the banks of Nile that one can find on the banks of Amazon.

Author writes about the great efforts and expenditure undertaken by Ptolemi Philadelphus to build and stock the famous Alexandria library.

Caesar was charismatic, brave and ambitious. Caesars over indulgence and arranging navy and military wars between captured soldiers for entertainment leading to enormous loss of life divided Rome in two camps. One led by Caesar and another by Brutus and Cassius. This led to Caesar's assassination. 

Mark Antony was very generous and magnanimous. He was recklessly generous. He indulged in excesses when alone and then with Cleopatra. He went completely under her control and made tactical blunders.

Timid, shy, child like & beautiful young Cleopatra becomes vivacious, beautiful and bold lady used to extravagance. Then she transforms into insensitive & heartless queen and then wicked, brutal woman. 

I did not know that Cleopatra was of Greek ancestry, that she was married to her brother, that she had one son from Caesar and three children from Mark Anthony. 

This book is written more like history than story. It could have been made more interesting. 

Why did I read this book? Cleopatra    

What I didn't like? Narration is more like history than story. 

What did I like? Information.

 Not a must read. 

The mystery of three quarters by Sophie Hannah

"The mystery of three quarters" by Sophie Hannah -  Hercule Poiroit resurrected. 

This book is published by  HarperCollins in 2018 and has 400 pages. This is 44th Hercule Poiroit mystery and 3rd by the author.

Four different people come to Hercule Poiroit accusing him of writing a letter (that he did not write) alleging each one separately of murdering Barnabas Pandi. 

Who wrote the letter? Why was Poiroit's name used? Was Barnabas Pandi murdered? What is the mystery of three quarters?

There was no complaint of murder. The death was recorded as natural. Poiroit could have just ignored it as a prank. But Poiroit's vanity and curiosity does not allow him to do that and the investigation begins. 

Author has used the analogy of church window cake with four quadrants with the four accused. Out of the 4, inclusion of one does not make sense. Accusing other three quarters of the cake (3 persons) is understood as they had some sort of connection to the deceased. Hence the title of the book. 

This novel has all the hall marks of Agatha Christie. A large house, a rich man, murder,  many suspects, slow story, Poiroit's vanity & grand revelation at the end. However,  Hanna has given her touch too, to the story. For the first time Poiroit has declared the day and time when he will reveal the murderer without having solved the mystery. Usually Agatha mysteries end with revelation or apprehension of murderer. Here the story ends when murderer is sentenced. 

The story is narrated by Inspector Catchpool including the scenes in which he is absent.

The end (revelation of the mystery) is, however, stretched. Author takes long time to tie the loose ends. 

Why did I read this book? Hercule Poiroit. 

What I didn't like? Dragged end.

What did I like? Agatha's inheritance.

Read if you like Hercule Poiroit mysteries. 

The Stranger by Albert Camus

"The Stranger" by Albert Camus - Strange!

This book is published by Vintage in 1989 and has 144 pages. This edition is translated by Matthew Ward. 

Mersault, a young man loses his mother, who was in an old age home, in Algeria. His behaviour at the funeral, his detached response, his refusal to open casket and see his mother one last time, his watching comedy movie and making out with his girlfriend the next day perplexes the readers. Then one day he commits a murder. 

Why is Mersault behaving strangely? Is he mentally alright? Why did he kill? What will be the outcome of trial?

First half of the story raises a number of questions in the mind of reader about the protagonist. It appears that his behaviour is the main theme when the story suddenly veers to a different track with the murder and trial. However,  Mersault remains the enigma throughout. 

Author depicts the relationship between Salamano and his dog in a very interesting manner. They can't stand each other but can't live without each other, much like old husband and wife. His friendship with restaurant owner & Roland and his relationship with his girlfriend is also interesting. 

Mersault is strange, absurd, detached & withdrawn. There is no apparent reason for what he does and think, or at least there is no reason reader can see. Even the verdict of the trial is like the protagonist. Strange. 

This entire book ranges between strange and absurd. Mersault is a peculiar character. His behaviour is perplexing and weird at the same time. At times reader wonder if this man inhibits the same world that we do. To be like this he has to be either completely devoid of emotions or he must be an enlightened soul and has gone beyond emotions and material world. This book,  thus,  is not for everyone to like. 

Some of the interesting statements in this book are: 'She wanted to know if I loved her, I answered the same way I had the last time, that it didn't mean anything but that I probably didn't' or 'Condemned man is forced to morally  collaborate, that guillotine will work perfectly the first time.'

It's a very different writing style. He writes only what is essential, doing away with necessity of fillers, descriptiveness and background text. Direct cut to chase. Separating wheat from the chaff!

Albert Camus was born in Algeria and worked in France. He was part of  resistance to German occupation of France. He is winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. 

Albert Camus once said 'Novel is nothing but philosophy put into images'. How apt!

Why did I read this book?  Author.

What I didn't like? Strangeness unexplained. 

What did I like? Directness

 Read if you liked this review.

As a man thinketh by James Allen

"As a man thinketh" by James Allen -  Timeless!

This audiobook was by Librivox.

This book that was published in 1903, more than a century ago. It talks about the power of thought and how to apply thoughts. In essence, the book says that you shape your own destiny and your thoughts are instrument, stimulus, impetus and cause of your actions and destiny. Don't underestimate the power of thought.

In the foreword author clarifies that its not a treatese. It's suggestive rather than explanatory. 

The book is divided into 7 chapters and the essence of each chapter is as follows:

Thought and character: Man's character is sum of all his thoughts. Act is blossom of thought.

Effect of thought on circumstances: If man doesn't cultivate pure,  good thoughts in his mind,  all kind of unwanted thoughts will be sowed and they will produce it's kind blossoming into acton. Circumstance does not make a man, it only reveals him.

Effect of thought on health and body: Body is servant of thoughts. Sickly thoughts leads to sickly body. Thought is fountain of life.

Thought and purpose: Thinking with purpose makes one strong. He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.

The thought factor in achievement: All that man achieves or does not achieve is because of his thoughts. Oppressors and slaves are collaborators.

Visions and ideals: He who cherishes beautiful vision will realize it. To desire is to obtain,  to aspire is to achieve.

Serenity: Calmness of mind is beautiful jewl of wisdom. Calm man knows how to adapt to others. Strong calm man is always revered. Serenity is last lesson of culture.

Title of the book is inspired by a verse in bible 'As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he'.

Author has written this book more than a hundred years ago. His writing rings true even today. It's timeless wisdom. 

It's a small book with a lot of information packed into it. As a result at times author appears to be preaching. It's a bullet. Small but powerful.

Why did I read this book? Heard a lot about it. 

What I didn't like? Bit heavy. 

What did I like? Concise

Recommend reading

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar

"Thief of Corinth" by Tessa Afshar - Biblical fiction!

This book is published by Tyndale House Pub in 2018 and has 379 pages. 

Areadne, a young beautiful girl, escapes (with her foster brother Theo) from the house of her tyrant maternal grandfather,  to escape unwanted forced marriage, and goes to her father, Galenos, in Corinth. Here she discovers a secret of her father. She meets a young man Justus in Corinth. Years after,  Areadne's brother Diyonisus brings a Jew, Paul, to the house. This Jew preaches love. His thoughts are very different from Greek religion of that time. When everything seems to be coming together, an unwelcome person comes to know about the secret.

What is the secret of Galenos? Does Areadne have feelings for Justus? Who is the thief of Corinth? What ground breaking ideas does Paul preach? Can Areadne's family survive the unwelcome person?

It's a story set in 1st century Greece when Greek Gods and Greek religion were prevalent. Author creates the atmosphere of old times. She brings the world of bible to life. Every household had slaves. Some treated them well, some didn't. The thief of Corinth operates in those times. He robs the corrupt officials and distributes a portion of stolen wealth to the needy and poor. Sort of ancient Robin Hood. Here he is also called Honourable Thief. 

The society has become decadent and materialistic. Lives of family of Areadne too are on the same path. Areadne lives a life of defiance and rebellion. She is on a moral decline. Time is right for a saviour. The saviour comes in the form of the Jew and his religion. He preaches the message of love and peace. Unconditional love and unconditional forgiveness. Sequence of events lead Areadne towards confession and realization. But the test doesn't end here. With the entry of unwelcome person, resolve and faith of Areadne and her family are put to test.  It's a riveting story of adventure, bravery and self realization. 

Characters are interesting. Areadne is an athlete. She is winner of the sprint race. Yet she does not get the deserved recognition because of her sex. This makes her rebellious and makes her do the unthinkable. Theo is berated as foundling by others but is loved by his foster family. He craves for legitimacy. He accuses his father of sacrificing him for the rest of his family but wants to be claimed legally by him. Justus is ideal, virtuous young man. Diyonisus loves his father but one secret alienates him from his father and as collateral damage,  his sister. Galenos is alienated from his wife but loves his children fiercely. He is ready to protect them at the cost of his reputation. The character of Areadne appears towards deficient towards the end. For most of the book,  she is portrayed for her virtues but suddenly she sees herself full of flaws. If the same flaws were also shown subtly in the book earlier, it would have justified the character. 

Although it's 1st century Greece,  author has avoided falling into trap of over specifying the times and lifestyle. She has described the surroundings and lifestyle only as much as the story demanded. 

The Jew in this book is not the Jew that we know today. He is follower of Jesus Christ, today's Christian. Jesus Christ was a Jew. His followers named the religion Christian. Until then they too were referred as Jew.  

Tessa Afshar is born in Iran,  educated in England and settled in USA. She is award winning author of historical and biblical fiction. However, surprisingly, I could not find her on Wikipedia. 

Why did I read this book? 1st century tale. Highly rated by Goodreads. 

What I didn't like? Deficiency in the character of Areadne. 

What did I like? Story.   

If you are interested in biblical fiction,  read it.