PHARAOH ACROSS TIME

In Stackpole-Cuellar’s historical novel, a female Egyptian pharaoh rules a mighty empire.

While on a dig in Egypt, young American archaeologist Mira Waterfield finds a well-preserved ancient vessel. It contains poetry written by the great pharaoh Hatshepsut, who reigned in the 15th century BCE. Succeeding rulers tried to erase the history of this powerful female leader, but Mira comes to know her intimately through the vivid dreams she has while she is near the vessel. In an alternate timeline, Hatshepsut ascends to power. Eager to be taken seriously as a woman king, she steps humbly yet confidently into her role. Hatshepsut makes voyages to the many parts of her realm, dazzling her subjects with her spectacular appearance, strengthening trade relations, and building magnificent temples. Apart from an attack by the Nubians, Hatshepsut enjoys a reign as the strong ruler of a prosperous kingdom. A challenge arises when Hapshepsut’s successor, Thutmose III, takes his responsibilities less seriously. Meanwhile, in the present day, Mira navigates her way through the archaeological community in Cairo, bumping up against male colleagues who downplay Hatshepsut’s historical significance. Hatshepsut’s appearances in Mira’s dreams make her rethink her scientific relationship to the past, and the archaeologist learns to approach the ancient world in more mystical and philosophical ways. (“Dreams are just dreams. But what about when there are such strong impressions? The divine smell of blue lotus, the luminous alabaster lamp, the small mud-brick homes, and the colorful secluded garden.”) The book is incredibly rich with historical detail, but the repetitive nature of Hatshepsut’s life (including her royal processions and visits to various cities) bogs down the narrative flow. Still, Hatshepsut emerges as a strong, intelligent, and extremely powerful historical figure. There are relatively few details about the pharaoh’s personal life (like her marriage and child) to satisfy modern audiences. In addition to the ancient and modern timelines, some chapters come are narrated from the point of view of other, secondary characters, which sometimes causes confusion. Overlong and plodding, the novel would have benefited from a sharper edit, but the ancient history is fascinating, as are the politics of modern-day archaeology.

Detailed, promising historical fiction bogged down by repetitive episodes.