Mara, Daughter of the Nile - Eloise Jarvis McGraw

****1/2 - an amazing story, and one that captures a lovely sense of ancient Egypt - the court life, the lives of the less fortunate, politics and danger. I love anything to do with ancient Egypt, and this was no exception. I love that Mara is smart and infinitely competent, and Sheftu is pretty darned cool himself. The whole thing is nigh-perfect - and yes, I just used 'nigh'.

Mara is a teenaged slave girl in ancient Egypt, but she yearns to spend her days doing something more interesting than ironing and often slips out to explore the town - regardless of the consequences. On one such escapade, the beautiful and quick-witted Mara catches the attention of two rival spymasters, and she soon finds herself under the employ of both.

Clever Mara determines to earn her freedom, and extend her current life of luxury, by playing both sides against the middle until she can determine who will be the ultimate winner in the struggle between Queen Hatshepsut and her half-brother Thutmose III. But she finds herself more and more drawn to the rebellious aristocrat Sheftu who is using her as the very messenger she is employed to discover and thwart. With the growing impatience of her master goading her to action, she soon finds herself in the middle of dangerous betrayals and distrust - but which side can she choose? And will either side let her live?

Personally, I didn't much care for the portrayal of Hatshepsut - she's always been a figure I rather admired, and the situation with her half-brother doesn't quite accord with my memories of Egyptian history [ETA: turns out this was the accepted historical interpretation when this was written. Only later did evidence of Hatshepsut's beneficial rule come out]. My main quibble, however - which is easily explained by not wanting to bog the story down - is that there didn't seem to be enough detail about the intrigue within the palace walls. Too much time seemed to be spent sitting in the inn rather than outwitting those who might find her out.

Other than that, this was a highly entertaining story. Mara relies on herself - her own bravery, and her own intelligence rather than waiting around to be rescued. Her strength is beautifully juxtaposed with the clinging insecurity of the Canaanite princess; but Mara also learns about the Canaanites different culture and grows to appreciate their differences - and to bring out the strengths of the princess as well.

A wonderful spy and romance story set in ancient Egypt that is sure to entrance young adults - with the romance, danger, and Mara's cleverness this should appeal to girls and boys alike. The author presents an interesting view of life at court, glimpses into both Egyptian and Syrian customs, and compelling portrayals of one of the more controversial eras of Egyptian history. This is certain to spark greater interest in a fascinating civilization.

Interested in other opinions?

The Book Smugglers (a great review!)