jayvall reviewed Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
Review of 'Nefertiti' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
Nefertiti: A Novel tells the tale of two sisters, one destined for greatness, one destined for happiness.
When Prince Amunhotep becomes heir apparent to Egypt’s throne at age 17, he needs to designate a chief wife. Although he is already married to Kira, with a child on the way, his wife’s bloodline is less than pure. Nefertiti, who is 15 and has a much more royal bloodline, believes she can marry Amunhotep and become chief wife. Unfortunately, Nefertiti is unable to give Amunhotep the sons he gets from Kira. What saves her, however, is that she is adored by the people. Together, Amunhotep and Nerfetiti fight to change the face of Egypt by ridding the land of the high priests. While their success is debatable, no one can argue the lasting impression this Pharoah couple made on Egypt and the rest of the world.
Told in the voice of Mutnodjmet, …
Nefertiti: A Novel tells the tale of two sisters, one destined for greatness, one destined for happiness.
When Prince Amunhotep becomes heir apparent to Egypt’s throne at age 17, he needs to designate a chief wife. Although he is already married to Kira, with a child on the way, his wife’s bloodline is less than pure. Nefertiti, who is 15 and has a much more royal bloodline, believes she can marry Amunhotep and become chief wife. Unfortunately, Nefertiti is unable to give Amunhotep the sons he gets from Kira. What saves her, however, is that she is adored by the people. Together, Amunhotep and Nerfetiti fight to change the face of Egypt by ridding the land of the high priests. While their success is debatable, no one can argue the lasting impression this Pharoah couple made on Egypt and the rest of the world.
Told in the voice of Mutnodjmet, Nefertiti’s younger sister, Moran explores Nefertiti’s rise to power, both as chief wife as then as a Pharoah in her own right. While Mutnodjmet is narrator of Nefertiti’s story, she also finds love on her own and struggles against Nefertiti’s demands that she marry not for love, but for politics.
Ms. Moran’s debut is richly drawn and lovers of historical fiction will likely devour Nefertiti despite its considerable length. Evidence of Moran’s detailed research is readily apparent, yet Nefertiti reads very much like the novel that it is. At times it is easy to forget that Nefertiti and company were real people.
Those who liked The Other Boleyn Girl for its “insider’s look” at an infamous story, will also enjoy Nefertiti as it offers the same type of experience.
