Official Review: Hatshepsut by Peter Taylor

[Spani]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hatshepsut" by Peter Taylor.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Hatshepsut by Peter Taylor is a retelling of one of history's most untold and underrated tales; the story of Egypt's one and only female Pharaoh. Born a pharaoh's daughter, a pharaoh's wife at fourteen, and later a pharaoh's step-mom, I would say there was no one better placed to be Pharaoh than her. Her story isn't sunshine and roses, as you would expect. She first coins a deceptive story, aimed at fooling everyone into allowing her access to Senmut, a boy she fancies. This deception falls perfectly in line with her predetermined destiny as decided by the gods; that she would be Pharaoh one day, with Senmut's aid.

Many times she sacrificed her desires in favor of Egypt's best interest. Her love for Senmut remained secret and even the children they bore together did not realize his true identity until later on. Though high-born, she was still female and had to prove her wits, mettle, and capability, in order to gain support from her male counterparts. She supported incompetent Pharaohs, content in being in their shadows, and only accepted the deserved title when Egypt required it of her. She handled every aspect of her life and succeeded in all areas.

This was my first time reading about Hatshepsut. Hers is a story that should be taught in schools, but instead, it is still a discovery for many. I now realize how many tales like this never see the light of day. I applaud the author for his efforts in doing thorough research on the subject and bringing to light this magnificent story. I enjoyed experiencing Hatshepsut's myriad roles as she evolved in power. It is an empowering story of a woman that stood as a testament to true leadership at a time when women's main role was to deliver male heirs.

I loved the element of over-dramatization that the author employed in his writing, which reminded me of plays conducted in theatre. The actions and reactions of some of the characters were so exaggerated at times, even bordering on unbelievable, which was very entertaining.

The number of errors I encountered was numerous: Grammatical, typographical errors, and typos. Another round of editing to edit out the errors would be ideal. I rate it 3 out of 4 stars because they deterred my enjoyment of the book. Other than that, the story was well-executed.

I recommend the book to history buffs. Though the author embellished the story with a twist to the romance, the content remains the same, and it would be a great addition to historical archives. The book would be great for teenagers because the sex scenes are mentioned generally and there was no presence of vulgar language.

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Hatshepsut
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[Raluca_Mihaila]

I am so sorry that you had to lower the rating due to the number of error. I love historical fiction books because you find do many interesting things about real events or people. It's a very entertaining way to educate yourself . Thank you for your great work, it's a very interesting review!

[sammpanther]

"Hers is a story that should be taught in schools, but instead, it is still a discovery for many." Back in school, I vaguely remember hearing the name Hatshepsut, but we did not learn very much about her. You would think, that her being the one and only female Pharaoh, she would have been covered more! Every time I think of Ancient Egypt, I think of the library of Alexandra, which was burned down and had caused the loss of so much history that we will never know about. I love good historical fiction, but does the Author describe which are facts and which are fantasy? Other than that, I would definitely love to read this book. Thanks for the awesome review with so much food for thought.

[Juliet+1]

Too bad about the typos. This sounds like a wonderful book. I enjoy historical fiction and know a little about Egypt, but I've never heard of Hatshepsut. Thanks for a great review!

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

Hatshepsut played a significant role in Egypt. I hope more people get to learn about this part of history. Thanks for the review.

[VVaishali]

It is an empowering story of a woman that stood as a testament to true leadership at a time when women's main role was to deliver male heirs.

Wow! I was sold at this. This truly seems to be an amazing book. I loved reading your review. Great job!

[HannahsReads]

When I was very young I discovered a book called Mara Daughter of the Nile, and ever since I have been fascinated by Hatshepsut It's too bad that this one needs editng--otehrwise I would be so excited to read it!

[Spani]

I am so sorry that you had to lower the rating due to the number of error. I love historical fiction books because you find do many interesting things about real events or people. It's a very entertainingg way to educate yourself . Thank you for your great work, it's a very interesting review!

I agree it is a fine way to learn. Thanks for leaving your comments. I appreciate it.

[Spani]

Don't worry it was my first time meeting Hatshepsut too. I am glad you enjoyed the review though

Too bad about the typos. This sounds like a wonderful book. I enjoy historical fiction and know a little about Egypt, but I've never heard of Hatshepsut. Thanks for a great review!

[Spani]

Hatshepsut played a significant role in Egypt. I hope more people get to learn about this part of history. Thanks for the review.

I hope so too. I think we all need to take a deeper at out history. Hatshepsut should have a place of honor among history makers surely

[Spani]

It is an empowering story of a woman that stood as a testament to true leadership at a time when women's main role was to deliver male heirs.

Wow! I was sold at this. This truly seems to be an amazing book. I loved reading your review. Great job!

It honestly is. I hope you get to read it as well. Hatshepsut is the real deal. She is the very embodiment of female empowerment.

[Spani]

"Hers is a story that should be taught in schools, but instead, it is still a discovery for many." Back in school, I vaguely remember hearing the name Hatshepsut, but we did not learn very much about her. You would think, that her being the one and only female Pharaoh, she would have been covered more! Every time I think of Ancient Egypt, I think of the library of Alexandra, which was burned down and had caused the loss of so much history that we will never know about. I love good historical fiction, but does the Author describe which are facts and which are fantasy? Other than that, I would definitely love to read this book. Thanks for the awesome review with so much food for thought.

Yes. Peter Taylor explains the parts he made up both in the description and a note within the book, at the end. Hatshepsut's story had a rather bland end, so the author diced it up a little. He also included the real events in the note.

[Thoto]

I agree Hatshepsut's story is one of the most untold stories ever. It is such a disservice to history. I wish more people wrote an d talked about it.

[Lilyflower-x2]

I love historical novels and cannot wait to read more on Egypt and its royal intrigues. Thank you for a well written review.

[MajestyBooky]

I would have loved to kearn more about this pharaoh. I have never heard of her. Such a shame her story got overshadowed by her male counterparts. Would love to read this