Ivana Books Are Magic's Reviews > Antony and Cleopatra

Antony and Cleopatra is one of my personal favourites when it comes to Shakespeare's tragedies. With its mix of politics, statesmanship and romance, this play is wonderfully complex and intellectually stimulating. As a love story, I find it a lot more interesting that the better known Romeo and Juliet. Antony and Cleopatra are royal and larger than life personalities but also very human. I greatly enjoyed their psychological portrayal and their dynamics as a couple. Both are cunning and intelligent in their own way, both terribly proud and power hungry. Nevertheless, there is good in them and there is passion in their love. For all their differences, these two are perhaps kindred spirits. The portrayal of Cleopatra continues to fascinate me. There are so many ways to read her character, isn't there? It is one of the reasons why I enjoy coming back to this play. If you enjoy Roman history, you should definitely have a look at this classic and see what Shakespeare made of the legendary queen. This is a beautifully written play. Its verse is potent and memorable. Moreover, it is so well constructed. I'm always amazed by the way this play holds the reader's attention. There is never a dull moment. You're made to think, ponder, suspect and FEEL every step of the way. I first read Antony and Cleopatra years ago and I always remembered it fondly. I think I reread it once or twice since then. Tonight I reread it again. My final verdict: five stars.