'Nefertiti' by Michelle Moran is a historical novel that tells the story of Queen Nefertiti through the perspective of her sister, Mutnodjmet. The plot follows Nefertiti's rise to power as the Queen of Egypt and Pharaoh, co-reigning with her husband Amunhotep IV. The writing style is described as flowing and descriptive, immersing the reader in the ancient Egyptian setting. blends historical facts with fictional elements to bring characters like Nefertiti and Mutnodjmet to life.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Nefertiti include themes of betrayal, death, political intrigue, and elements of familial turmoil, which may not be suitable for all readers.
Has Romance?
Romantic elements are present in Nefertiti, particularly through the relationships between Nefertiti, her husband Amunhotep, and Mutnodjmet's romantic interests.
From The Publisher:
Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped by all that her strong personality will temper the young Amunhotep's heretical desire to forsake Egypt's ancient gods, overthrow the priests of Amun, and introduce a new sun god for all to worship.
From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people. Her charisma is matched only by her husband's perceived generosity: Amunhotep showers his subjects with lofty promises. The love of the commoners will not be enough, however, if the royal couple is not able to conceive an heir, and as Nefertiti turns her attention to producing a son, she fails to see that the powerful priests, along with the military, are plotting against her husband's rule. The only person wise enough to recognize the shift in political winds-and brave enough to tell the queen-is her younger sister, Mutnodjmet.
Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sister's desire for power. She yearns for a quiet existence away from family duty and the intrigues of court. Her greatest hope is to share her life with the general who has won her heart. But as Nefertiti learns of the precariousness of her reign, she declares that her sister must remain at court and marry for political gain, not love. To achieve her independence, Mutnodjmet must defy her sister, the most powerful woman in Egypt-while also remaining loyal to the needs of her family.
Love, betrayal, political unrest, plague, and religious conflict-Nefertiti brings ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail. Fast-paced and historically accurate, it is the dramatic story of two unforgettable women living through a remarkable period in history.
Ratings (8)
Incredible (5) | |
Liked It (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (15):
Read It (9) | |
Want To Read (4) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
I ADORED this novel by Moran. It sucked me into ancient world historical fiction and engaged me in a way I hadn't been before. The vivid depiction of Egypt more than 1300 years BC was astounding as well as historically accurate. And the sisters at the heart of the story humanize the very ancient past.
What can you read after
Nefertiti?
About the Author:
MICHELLE MORAN has a degree in English literature. She lives in California with her husband and cat, Anubis.
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