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Book Review: Child Of The Morning by Pauline Gedge

 Child of the Morning 

By Pauline Gedge 


Published Year : 1976

Page Count  : 505 pages 

Medium Used: Kindle PW 

Genre : Ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut, Pharoahs, Speculative Fiction, 2024-read. 

Rating : 4/5 




I am sure a large part of this story is conjecture and based on contemplated fiction than facts. Nevertheless, I could find no loopholes or plot blunders here. The atmosphere didn't feel transportive to the Ancient Egyptian era under discussion and that is felt a major flaw for me. Somehow, the magic of Ancient Egypt is not there. It felt like I was reading any story of intrigue involving politics and passion. 


This book covers the story of life of queen Hatshepsut who named herself Pharoah despite being a woman. Since her birth, she has been ambitious and her father, Tuthmoses i, stoked her flame. He made her his crown prince despite having a son from a second wife. Upon her father's death, she marries her step brother,Tuthmoses ii, and becomes his Divine Consort, Queen. The story shows him dying prematurely of a plague and shortly after that, Hatshepsut, under questionable circumstances, assumes the crown for herself and becomes Pharoah. She dresses in costumes of men - like simple kilts and sandals. She has given higher preference to peace of her country over waging wars and acquiring more wealth for Egypt. 


Though she had numerous chances to get rid of a crown challenger, her step son, Tuthmoses iii, she spared his life. She wavers between desire to see him a successful ruler and also keeping the crown for herself and her progeny forever. I dont know .. I mean .. she didn't do anything and watched her enemy take shine infront of her eyes made her look weak to me. Weak and ineffective. Whatever her true intentions must have been, she should have found a way to wriggle out of her pity,taking some action!!


Character development is good. The three main characters of the plot are Hatshepsut, Senmut her lover and architect, Tuthmoses iii,her step son. The  atmosphere didn't feel like Ancient Egypt but was filled with intrigue and -  as I have gone blind into this novel - suspense. The writing style felt unique and defined a serious writer of fiction.  


Overall, my final rating is 4 over 5. Enjoyed this one! 



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