Daughter of Egypt: A Novel

This protagonist in this novel is based on the historical figure Lady Evelyn Hebert who joined her father, Lord Carnarvon, and archeologist Howard Carter for the excavation of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. As a woman in the early twentieth century, Lady Evelyn’s story is exceptional in that she pursued her interests in archeology when her place was thought to be in the home. Hatshepsut was also a trailblazer in her day as the first female Pharaoh. This book is a fictional account of Eve’s story with forays to ancient Egypt to learn about Hatshepsut. It’s appreciated that Ms. Benedict doesn’t use a historical figure as a jumping off point, as is often the case, but, instead, recreates their world in fiction based on research. However, I struggle with the writing style, which seems stilted. This tends to effect the ability to bond with the characters and story. I suppose this a byproduct of legal training as is the need to be thorough in presenting evidence, or details as the case may be. A prime example is the opening paragraph of this book—critical hook territory. Sadly, this is the era of nanosecond attention spans. It takes saint-like perseverance (which I don’t have) to stay with an opening jumble of flickering candelabras; ornate wall sconces; dotting heraldic shields; high arched, peaked gallery; enlivened honey-color limestone; echoing crimson, sapphire, and emerald hues; bejeweled necks, ears, wrists; glorious spells; banished pall. (I’m only midway through the first paragraph, but I’ve lost you, haven’t I? Point proven). Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

I am a real Egypt buff so I loved this book. It talks about so many of the places I have visited that, for me, it was a reminder of great memories. If you like Marie Benedict this is a good one. I always lean toward historical fiction and Benedict adds so much reality to hers that history just comes alive right off the page.

Thank you to the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

There isn't a Marie Benedict book I haven't read, and I have loved her approach to history and the hidden women who have impacted it. This book was probably the one that reflected the most on the hidden women who have impacted the world in a way that I could understand it. I loved how you saw the similarities between Hatshepsut and Eve, and how Hatshepsut walked so that every woman who wants to go against the grain could run. Our society is better for it, as I know the Egyptian society is as well.

I loved the way this was written particularly when you find out that it doesn't exactly have a "happy" ending - we don't come to the goal for either woman portrayed here and there is so much we may never know, particularly about Hatshepsut. But if Eve hadn't tried, we wouldn't have this beautiful story and the lessons it teaches us.

Can't wait for her next novel!