DAUGHTER OF EGYPT

DAUGHTER OF EGYPT by Marie Benedict

GREEN LIGHT WITH CAUTION

AGE: UPPER HIGH SCHOOL - ADULT

The Daughter of Egypt is an absolutely fantastic read. Intertwined in this amazing historical fiction account are the lives of Hatshepsut and Lady Evelyn Herbert (daughter of Lord Carnarvon). Set in two different time periods, the lives of these two ambitious women speak volumes in times when women were more articles of beauty and arm ornaments than ones of knowledge and authority.

The story begins in 1919 at Highclere Castle (yes, the home featured in the well known Downtown Abbey series). If you are not familiar with the fact that Lord Carnarvon was an avid amateur Egyptologist who funded many archeological expeditions to the Valley of the Kings with Howard Carter, you will be by the end of this story. Lady Evelyn, "Eve" as she was known, developed a love and passion for the mysterious Egypt as a result of her father's involvement, and this shines through the story from the beginning!

The book alternates sections of Eve's life with those of the little known Hatshepsut. Benedict pulls us into the hot, desert region of Thebes, Egypt 1486 BC, and I'll tell you, we don't want to leave! Unfolding for us is an unbelievable tale of power, riches, and family dynasties. I'm going to leave it at that, so the wonder and mystery are not spoiled.

There are a couple of items to be aware of.

HEADS UP- This book refers to the Egyptian gods Hatshepsut is considered the God Wife of Amun. Marriage to close family members is very common to keep the royal blood lines pure. There are no details given, but the story makes it clear that the sexual union between Hatshepsut and her husband is watched by priests to guarantee the purity. Later, Hatshepsut takes a lover after her husband dies. She is not allowed to marry again. There are no details to their intimate life.