If a book can leave its imprint on your mind, your thoughts, your being, this is it. Haunting characters of Hermachis, Cleopatra, Charmion, Mark Antony, terrific. If a book can leave you agonized of sorts, this is it. I must have read it a dozen times, perhaps, read it a dozen more; fantastic score! Oh yeah it is fantastic score as in music. This book is music. Delectable. Leaves you crazy, yearning for more!