The Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict. New York: St. Martins Press, 2026. 352 pages. ***** March 2026 publication date.
Marie Benedict offers an insight into the reign of Pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut, who was depicted as both male and female, father and mother to the Egyptians. She ruled as Regent to her stepson, Tutmmose III, who inherited the throne at the age of two and eventually assumed the role of Pharaoh. She ruled over Egypt during the 15th century B.C. In the late 1920s, over 3000 years later, Lady Evelyn Herbert's father finances Howard Carter's excavations in Egypt. Lady Evelyn obsesses over finding Hatshepsut's tomb and discovering her final resting place. Both women step out of their expected roles to pursue their passion and contribute to history.
Well-researched and written, a fascinating story of two strong women who hide their abilities and accomplishments to conform to societal norms. Women are not archeologists or Pharaohs. Benedict brings to life both women who have an obscure place in history. Twenty years after her death, all statues, plaques, anything relating to Hatshepsut's legacy is destroyed. Benedict has a unique view on why. A female on a dig is humored and any discoveries are discounted. Add a few mysteries and romance, Benedict has created a hard to put down read. Don't skip the additional information in the Afterword. I highly recommend The Daughter of Egypt and believe it's Benedict's best book to date.
For more information about Hatshepsut - https://www.history.com/articles/hatshepsut
Remains identified - https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna19454551
https://egypt-museum.com/mummy-of-hatshepsut/#google_vignette
I received a copy from Netgalley to review.
From her website - Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring to modern day issues. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies.
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