Helpful Score: 3
This was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The title is misleading because the book really is about the sister of Nefertiti and not herself, but she does have a good place in it. I remember learning things about Egypt and Mummies in elementary school, but not much since then and this book was a good little history lesson as well as a good novel. Mutny, the main character and narrator goes through so much and the way that this novel is written you (the reader) go right with her. You feel her pain, her anger, and her ignorance at times right with her. This is an incredible accomplishment for a first time author. I strongly suggest the read as worthwhile.
Helpful Score: 3
This was the second book by Michelle Moran that I read although it is her first novel. She's obviously become a more accomplished writer with time as I found Cleopatra's Daughter (her 3rd novel) a more enjoyable read. It could also be that there was more historical information available to the author for the characters in her newer work. Although I enjoyed Nefertiti, I found most of the characters' personalities to be fairly shallow. The book did send me to the internet on a regular basis to verify parts of the story and as is to be expected with such ancient history, there's a lot of controversy about what exactly happened with these people and if, indeed some of the main characters were even related as the author presents them. I realize this is a novel and not meant to be historical fact, but I've gotten used to authors such as Sharon Kay Penman who give the reader pages of references at the end of their books for further study. Again, I know Penman is writing about a more recent period in history and has more references at hand, but I really had to keep reminding myself that this was a novel and not really what I would call historical fiction. All that said, it was a good read and anything that pushes me to further study about times and places I'm not familiar with is certainly a good thing and worth spending time on. I will definitely read her next book, The Heretic Queen.
Helpful Score: 2
Not many, if any, fiction books have been written about one of Egypt's most well-known Queens, Nefertiti. This book was glimpse into what life might have been like during her reign. Written from her younger half-sister's perspective, Nefertiti will at the very least make you ponder the life of the early Egyptians and at most make you want to read everything Michelle Moran has written and maybe even make you search more through Egyptian history.
This book cast it's spell and I was transferred back to the reign of Nefertiti and her Pharaoh. It is clear that Michelle Moran has a great love for this time period. A very enchanting read, I do recommend it.
This book cast it's spell and I was transferred back to the reign of Nefertiti and her Pharaoh. It is clear that Michelle Moran has a great love for this time period. A very enchanting read, I do recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
Adding it to my collection. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful book -- I would put it on the shelf next to the works of Philippa Gregory for its intriguing portrayal of historical characters. Michelle Moran has true talent. I've always been fascinated by ancient Egypt and this book did not disappoint. She admits that she took certain liberties, but that's an author's right as long as they still stick to the historical facts where need be. I found this to be an immensely engaging and plausible look at history, and couldn't put it down -- I finished it in two days! Definitely worth the read, and I can't wait to get my hands on The Heretic Queen.