Dear Diary,

Our esteemed royal commentator, Amanda Matta (aka Matta_of_Fact), is back for another fascinating conversation! This time, we're discussing Cleopatra and her portrayal as a young girl.

How does an author do justice to a historical figure who has often been reduced to a trope? Not to mention a trope that is not always kid-friendly. We chat about walking this literary tight-rope, as well as the very real historical drama that was the court of the Ptolemys. Tune in, and afterwards, check out the episode of Amanda's podcast, The Art of History, where she discusses a famous sculpture of the Egyptian queen.

Yours truly,

Cate and Jen

Want to hear more from Amanda? Check out her podcasts Off With Their Headlines and The Art of History, or read her Substack, The Fascinator.

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RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry @_likethefruit

Dear Diary,

This week, we are finishing our recap of Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile! Will Cleopatra gain the respect of the Romans? Will she see her beloved home and friends again? Will she get a Disney Channel-worthy montage of her summer by the sea?

Get the answers to these questions and more when you tune in!

Yours Truly,

Cate and Jen

Join our Discord!

RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry @_likethefruit

Dear Diary,

Calling all ancient Egypt girlies! This week, we are recapping the first half of Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile. First published in 1999, Kristiana Gregory explores what the Egyptian queen was like as a precocious 12-year-old.

Turns out, the court of the Ptolemaic Pharaohs was full of schemes and deadly plots! Tune in to see if Cleopatra can navigate through the court intrigue and help her father keep his throne.

Yours Truly,

Cate and Jen

Join our Discord!

RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry @_likethefruit