Book Review: “Nefertiti" by Michelle Moran

Hello Fellow Historical Fictionettes,

Today I am reviewing best-selling author Michelle Moran's first novel.

Book Title: Nefertiti

Author: Michelle Moran
Year Published: 2007
Rating: 5 Crowns - Amazing.

Synopsis: "The sweeping story of a powerful Egyptian family, Nefertiti: A Novel tells the tale of two sisters, the first of whom is destined to rule as one of history’s most fascinating queens.

Beautiful Nefertiti and her sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised far from the court of their aunt, the Queen of Egypt. But when the Pharaoh of Egypt dies, their father’s power play makes Nefertiti wife to the new and impetuous king. It is hoped she will temper King Amunhotep’s desire to overturn Egypt’s religion, but the ambitious Nefertiti encourages Amunhotep’s outrageous plans instead, winning the adoration of the people while making powerful enemies at court. Younger yet more prudent, Mutnodjmet is her sister’s sole confidant, and only she knows to what lengths Nefertiti will go for a child to replace the son of Amunhotep’s first wife.

As King Amunhotep’s commands become more extravagant, he and Nefertiti ostracize the army, clergy, and Egypt’s most powerful allies. Then, when Mutnodjmet begins a dangerous affair with a general, she sees how tenuous her situation is at her own sister’s court. An epic story that resurrects ancient Egypt in vivid detail, Nefertiti: A Novel."

Review: 

And so you embark on a fascinating journey where the narrator is none other than Mutnodjmet, the sister of Queen Nefertiti.

Daughters of Vizier Ay, Mutnodjmet and Nefertiti grew up away from court in the city of Akhmim. But after the death of Pharaoh Amunhotep III, fifteen year old Nefertiti is thrust into court life as the royal wife of the new Pharaoh Amunhotep IV.

One of Ancient Egypt's most controversial rulers is known to be Amunhotep IV (later known as Akenaten). The Pharaoh who would rid Egypt of the gods they worshiped and provide them with one new god was not a popular man in his day. But, his wife is the one who has been remembered throughout history. The great Nefertiti.

Many have heard the basics of this story. Pharaoh Akenaten and Queen Nefertiti destroy Egypt as it was known and build an entirely new empire based on one god. But so few no any more than that.

Few know the struggle, the hardships, and what was given up to build the kingdom of Amarna. 

But Mutnodjmet knows and that is why she is the ideal person to tell the story of her sister.

Moran's sheer genius in using Mutnodjmet has been noted by many. Who better to tell the story of one of Egypt's greatest queens than her own sister? The one person who was with her for everything. Who better to know the truth that lay beyond the throne of Egypt? 

The thing I enjoyed the most about this book is that even though it is centered around the reign of Akenaten and Nefertiti, Mutny is clearly a main character as well.

Sometimes when a story is being told about one character from another, the one telling the story is lost among  their words. But we never forget that we are seeing this all through Mutny's eyes.

I cannot think of a better character to choose from to tell this story because Mutny knows Nefertiti so well that she can see through the facade. She knows what is really happening, despite the display that is put before the people of Egypt.

When I first read this book I immediately noticed similarities between it and "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory. For example: both Mutny and Mary are sisters of famous queen's, both are often forgotten by history because their sisters outshine them, they are both kept at court to help their sisters keep their husbands interests, they both have a desire for a more common, less hectic life, and they both fall in love with someone who is considered "beneath them".

This shows that history does in fact repeat itself.

I rated this book Five Crowns because:

Excellent character choice. I will say it again, No one could have told Nefertiti's story better than Mutny. I don't even think that if Moran chose to write it through Akenaten's eyes it could have been better. Because who knows you better than a sister who you've spent your whole life around?

Because Mutny is such an inspiring female lead. She helps all those she meets from giving away her healing solutions to those in need to even helping her sister's enemy Kiya. She knows what is right in her heart and chooses to follow it, despite how hard it is.

Such wonderful details. Upon reading this book you just might find yourself actually in Egypt. Moran is fantastic with descriptions.

You will learn more about Ancient Egypt's culture and it's people than in any other historical novel. I have yet to read any other work of fiction about Ancient Egypt that has been so meticulously researched. Though Moran takes you on a wonderful journey through time, she also stays true to history. And that is where the worlds of history and fiction seamlessly meet.

Have fun on your journey Fictionettes,