Narrative Bookshop Presents: Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi

in conversation with R. F. Kuang

Join us in celebration of author Saara El-Arifi for the U.S. launch of her new novel, CLEOPATRA. El-Arifi will be joined in conversation by author R. F. Kuang.

About Cleopatra
Everyone knows the name Cleopatra. To historians, she was the ruler of Egypt; to the Romans, a villainess; and to Hollywood, a glamorous and romantic superstar… but who was she, truly? In the stunning new novel, CLEOPATRA (Ballantine; on sale 2/24/26), bestselling author Saara El-Arifi brings the iconic Egyptian queen to life as we’ve never known her before: richly reimagined, deeply human, and speaking in Cleopatra’s own voice. This is not simply a retelling; it is a resurrection.

The novel opens with 19-year-old Cleopatra being thrust upon the throne after her father’s death, unaware of what the next 20 years will bring. Though blessed by the Goddess Isis, even divine favor cannot shield her from what lies ahead: the upheaval of a Roman civil war, the wrath of the gods, and most of all the lure of love.

El-Arifi, best known for her fantasy novels—including bestseller and BookTok favorite Faebound—also holds a master’s degree in African studies with a dissertation focused on Cleopatra, making her the perfect voice to bring to life the story of the last Egyptian pharaoh as both a historical figure and a mythological one. She infuses CLEOPATRA with historical depth from years of research, the feminist heart of Madeline Miller’s Circe, and the magical spark of Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne to explore the myths that made Cleopatra’s followers believe she was a living goddess. The result is a novel that is epic, transportive, enchanting, and completely fresh.

Doors for this event open at 6:30PM.