Saara El-Arifi
Author
SAARA EL-ARIFI is an internationally bestselling author of fantasy and historical fiction. El-Arifi knew she was a storyteller from the moment she told her first lie.
After a decade of working in marketing and communications, she returned to academia to complete a master's degree in African studies specialising in Cleopatra's myth and her impact on Black women.
She currently resides in London as a full-time procrastinator.
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Feb. 25, 2026
Saara El-Arifi - CLEOPATRA
In this interview, I chat with Saara El-Arifi about Cleopatra , researching Cleopatra and the time period, how daunting it was to write about Cleopatra and wanting to give her her dignity and her voice back, the stunning cover and her requests for it, deciding what to include and what to leave out, and much more. Saara's recommended read is The Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint. Looking for some great winter reads? Check out my printable 17-page Winter Reading Guide here...
Guest: Saara El-Arifi