Child of the Morning

Child of the Morning chronicles the life of Hatshepsut, Egypt's female pharaoh who ruled during the 18th dynasty. The story follows her path from young princess to her unprecedented rise as ruler of ancient Egypt. The narrative covers Hatshepsut's relationships with key figures in the royal court, including her half-brother Thutmose, her daughter Neferure, and the commoner Senmut who becomes central to her reign. Political intrigue and power struggles emerge as Hatshepsut navigates the complexities of leadership in a male-dominated society. Through detailed depictions of ancient Egyptian culture, religion, and daily palace life, the novel reconstructs an important but often overlooked period of history. The story examines themes of gender, power, and identity while portraying one woman's determination to secure her place among the great pharaohs of Egypt.

Readers describe this historical fiction account of Hatshepsut as detailed and well-researched. The book has maintained a steady following since its 1977 publication. Readers appreciate: - The rich descriptions of ancient Egyptian life and customs - Character development showing Hatshepsut's growth from youth to ruler - Historical accuracy balanced with storytelling - The portrayal of Egyptian politics and power dynamics Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Dense historical details that can overwhelm the narrative - Some find the romance elements melodramatic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (200+ ratings) Representative review: "Gedge brings ancient Egypt alive through sensory details and complex relationships, though it requires patience to get through the early chapters." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note they've reread the book multiple times, with one Amazon reviewer stating: "I've returned to this book every few years for two decades."

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🔸 Author Pauline Gedge spent three years meticulously researching ancient Egypt before writing this historical novel about Hatshepsut, including studying hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian customs. 🔸 Hatshepsut, the book's protagonist, was one of the most successful pharaohs in Egyptian history and the first confirmed female ruler to take the title of King rather than Queen. 🔸 The novel's title "Child of the Morning" refers to Hatshepsut's official royal name, which translates to "Foremost of Noble Women" and connects to her association with the sun god Ra. 🔸 Published in 1977, this was Pauline Gedge's debut novel and won the Alberta Search-for-a-New-Novelist Competition, launching her career as a historical fiction author. 🔸 While many of Hatshepsut's monuments and statues were destroyed after her death by her successor Thutmose III, her mummy was finally identified in 2007, thirty years after this novel was published.