Synopses & Reviews
Thirty-five centuries ago the sun had a daughter: Hatshepsut. Youngest daughter of the Pharaoh, she was a lithe and magical child. But when her older sister died, it became her duty to purify the dynastys bloodline. She was to wed Thothmes, her fathers illegitimate son, who was heir to the throne. But fearing his sons incompetence, Hatshepsuts father came to her with startling news. She was to be Pharaoh, ruler of the greatest empire the world had ever known--provided, of course, that the unprecedented ascension by a woman did not inspire the priests to treason or instill in her half-brother and future consort sufficient hatred to have her put to death.
This is the premise for Child of the Morning, based closely on the historical facts. Hatshepsut assumed the throne at the age of fifteen and ruled brilliantly for more than two decades. Her achievements were immortalized on the walls of her magnificent temple at Deir el-Bahri, built by her architect and lover, Senmut.
Sensuous and evocative, Child of the Morning is the story of one of historys most remarkable women.
Review
"Combines ancient artifacts, timeless psychology and sure pacing.” Globe and Mail
Review
"A compelling and human story without a single dramatic lapse." San Francisco Examiner
Review
"Splendor, splendor everywhere." Kirkus Reviews
Review
Epic accounts of feasts and festivals, and a steady flow of details related to life in ancient Thebes . . . the sunny, sweating world of [Egypt] in filmic splendour.” Vancouver Sun
Review
This is as fine a novel as anyone would want to read.” Columbus Ohio Dispatch
Review
Gedge sets her living, breathing Queen against a beautifully detailed Egypt that we see as it must have been so long ago.” Publishers Weekly
Review
"The authors strong sense of time and place is evident in every scene. A superb portrait of a powerful but very human queen." Library Journal
Review
"A rich pageant, satisfying on more levels than simply that of narrative." Wall Street Journal
Synopsis
Based closely on historical events, this sensuously beautiful, astonishingly evocative novel tells the story of one of history's most remarkable women--the first female Pharaoh of Egypt. Thirty-five centuries ago, Hatshepsut, the youngest daughter of the Pharaoh, was to marry her father's illegitimate son and heir to the throne, Thothmes, in order to cleanse the bloodline in accordance with Egypt's supreme law. Fearing his son's incompetence, Hatshepsut's father chose her as the heir--provided that the unprecedented ascension by a woman did not inspire the priests to commit treason or instill enough hatred in the envious heart of her half-brother and future consort to have her put to death. Rich in historical detail, this account recalls the rule of one of Egypt's greatest queens who, under her father's guidance, assumed the throne at the age of 15 and ruled brilliantly for more than two decades.
About the Author
Pauline Gedge is the author of more than 10 novels, including The Eagle and the Raven, The Hippopotamus Marsh, and The Oasis. Michelle Moran is author of several books, including Cleopatra's Daughter, The Heretic Queen, and Nefertiti.