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A review by fandom4ever
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ancient Egypt is one of my favorite times in history to learn about, so much occurred back then. Michelle Moran took a fascinating time in history that could have nearly been lost to time, as Akhenaten was branded a heretic after his death and much from his reign and those associated with him was destroyed, and filled in many of the uncertainties or complete unknowns with solid story.
Even today much is a mystery or cannot be agreed on, with many hotly debated theories the more they search Egypt. Akhenaten’s first wife’s name is lost to time, though a tomb gives the possibility of 'Kiya'. No one truly knows if Ay and Nefertiti were related or even where Mutnodjmet fits amongst them. There's even an intro, afterword, and Q&A in the novel (the audiobook just has the afterword) that discusses this. With all that in mind, I think Moran did a fabulous job trying to fill in the blanks and fit pieces together to make a cohesive history for the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
This story is told over 16 years, through the eyes of Nefertiti’s younger sister, Mutnodjmet. It starts with them as 15 and 13 year old girls, just as the Crown Prince Tuthmosis has died. All that remains is his younger brother Amenhotep IV, who has far reaching dreams that could destroy Egypt itself.
I absolutely loved this story. In fact, it was my second time reading it. Moran really was able to bring these historical figures back to life, showing how difficult and demanding life at court was; with political machinations and court intrigue aplenty. It was fascinating to see the life of the great Queen Nefertiti and the fine line she walked between what was best for Egypt and Pharaoh Akhenaten’s wishes; she held tremendous power.
I definitely recommend this book. No one will ever truly know exactly what happened back then but I think this is a wonderful historical interpretation based on what has been uncovered. You will learn so much about an important time in Egypt’s history, about how important it was to be remembered, along with gaining a greater knowledge of their gods and culture.
Even today much is a mystery or cannot be agreed on, with many hotly debated theories the more they search Egypt. Akhenaten’s first wife’s name is lost to time, though a tomb gives the possibility of 'Kiya'. No one truly knows if Ay and Nefertiti were related or even where Mutnodjmet fits amongst them. There's even an intro, afterword, and Q&A in the novel (the audiobook just has the afterword) that discusses this. With all that in mind, I think Moran did a fabulous job trying to fill in the blanks and fit pieces together to make a cohesive history for the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
This story is told over 16 years, through the eyes of Nefertiti’s younger sister, Mutnodjmet. It starts with them as 15 and 13 year old girls, just as the Crown Prince Tuthmosis has died. All that remains is his younger brother Amenhotep IV, who has far reaching dreams that could destroy Egypt itself.
I absolutely loved this story. In fact, it was my second time reading it. Moran really was able to bring these historical figures back to life, showing how difficult and demanding life at court was; with political machinations and court intrigue aplenty. It was fascinating to see the life of the great Queen Nefertiti and the fine line she walked between what was best for Egypt and Pharaoh Akhenaten’s wishes; she held tremendous power.
I definitely recommend this book. No one will ever truly know exactly what happened back then but I think this is a wonderful historical interpretation based on what has been uncovered. You will learn so much about an important time in Egypt’s history, about how important it was to be remembered, along with gaining a greater knowledge of their gods and culture.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Miscarriage