Chosen - Lucy Coats

The blurb and tagline on my edition of Chosen by Lucy Coats are rather misleading. They imply that the novel will tell the immortal tale of Anthony and Cleopatra. However, although Mark Anthony makes an appearance, Chosen is set years before all the drama and its focus is actually on Cleo’s amazing journey to the Egyptian throne. It is a journey the reader takes with her across deserts and seas, through underground chambers and among sphinxes and gods. If you came for love, however, you will not be disappointed; there are two romances weaved throughout the book, both slightly unconventional for the time and place and both fascinating to follow.

The novel is divided neatly into two halves of almost exact equal length. The first is based mainly in the Egyptian countryside; the second between the two great historic cities of Rome and Alexandria. It was pleasant to be able to explore Rome – a refreshingly cliché-free Rome – through Cleo’s eyes, and the Alexandria segment was dark but thrilling. However, there was something very raw and real about the first half and visiting the parts of Egypt that are often overlooked by books and films: the smaller towns, marshes, deserts and wildernesses. Particular praise should also be given to the Crocodilopolis section: it is almost cinematic in its imagery and ability to plug into the reader’s senses.

Fans of Ancient Egypt will enjoy the references to places, objects and ideas from everyday Egyptian life, whereas readers new to the era will find Chosen a fine introduction. There is a glossary of terms at the back but I found I didn’t really need it; there was enough context to work out what most words meant. As stated in the Author’s Note, very little is known about Cleopatra’s early life, so Coats had the chance to fill in the gaps with her imagination. The result is a mesmerising blend of history, religion and legend, with a strong horror element towards the end.

Gods and goddesses pull many strings in this world, but there is the idea that ultimately our big life choices are our own. This brings us to Cleo herself; she is at times a morally dubious character; however, there is the underlying feeling that she constantly tries to do what she believes is right. She is undeniably brave, and is loyal and generous to those close to her. I found her voice believable for both her age and position in society.

It being a well-known fact that Cleopatra survived to be Pharaoh of Egypt, I never feared for her life; however I did occasionally worry for some of her entourage. Death is a theme well explored here, with much blood and gore and some very real human grief.

Chosen is no Shakespearean tragedy. It is the powerful tale of a young woman fighting for what she sees as her birthright. It is also an insight into the mind of one of history’s most iconic figures. I will certainly be on the lookout for more from this excellent writer.


*This review was originally written for Cuckoo Review (New Writing North) and is reprinted with permission*