Journal Entry 1 by fantasy221 from Hackensack, New Jersey USA on Tuesday, January 01, 2008

received for review from Armchair Interviews 

Journal Entry 2 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Tuesday, January 01, 2008

This is a fascinating look at the reign of Nefertiti, as told through the eyes of her half sister Mutnodjmet. I initially had a lot of trouble getting into the story, as I didn't care for any of the characters. Nefertiti is vain and selfish. Her husband Amunhotep a witless and ruthless tyrant who cares nothing for his people. Even the heroine Mutnodjmet often came across as weak and self-absorbed. All the palace intrigue and the things these people are willing to do to hold on to the throne really turned my stomach.

As the story progresses, however, the characters became much more fleshed out. Mutnodjmet grew a backbone, and Nefertiti, while still flawed, was revealed to be a woman with considerable strength so that I actually felt sorry for her even though I spent the whole time I was reading the book wishing for her comeuppance. Amunhotep, later known as Akhenaten, was the only one who remained the true villain throughout.

This is the second historical fiction I have read in a row and I believe I'm becoming addicted. Before this book I had just finished reading a story about the biblical figure Queen Esther. I wonder who's fictionalized story I should read next?

2/18/08 Reserved for pbs.