January 6, 2010

Nefertiti: A Novel by Michelle Moran

My Christmas holidays allowed me to dedicate a good amount of time to reading and one of the books I selected has been much talked about and praised. Really, I don't know that I can say anything more than has already been said about Michelle Moran's debut effort Nefertiti: A Novel.


I was captivated by a period in history that many of us would admit we are fascinated by.  Michelle Moran made Ancient Egypt come alive with such ingenuity and precision, creating strong, compelling characters and layered intrigues set in a region continually on the brink of turmoil. I am in awe of Moran's writing and the dedication to research I am sure was required. If you are a lover of historical fiction this story is a must read!

Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped that her strong personality will temper the young ruler's heretical desire to forsake Egypt's ancient gods.


From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people but fails to see that powerful priests are plotting against her husband's rule. The only person brave enough to warn the queen is her younger sister, yet remaining loyal to Nefertiti will force Mutnodjmet into a dangerous political game; one that could cost her everything she holds dear.

I'll definitely be picking up The Heretic Queen and Cleopatra's Daughter in the near future.  Currently Michelle is working on her next novel about the life of Madame Tussaud during the French Revolution to be released March 2011. I will miss her vision of Egypt but look forward to her recreation of the French Revolution in her next effort.

My Rating: 4.5

Chapters
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3 comments:

  1. I loved this book! While reading it I completely felt as if I was there in Ancient Egypt. You are going to love The Heretic Queen, I read it last November. It will be interesting to see how she does with the French Revolution period. I will really miss her stories of Egypt.

    http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/

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  2. I'm excited to read it! I noticed you are having a giveaway for The Queen's Dollmaker. Have you read it yet? Its good and coincidentally Trent's next book involves Madame Tussaud too.

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  3. I really enjoy Michelle's writing, and she is extremely approachable to book bloggers. Glad you enjoyed it!

    I am very much looking forward to her next book!

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