Book Reviews:
The Last Queen of India AND Nefertiti
Historical fiction is not a genre that would interest me. Or so
I thought, till a friend introduced me to Michelle Moran’s books. I was
reluctant to start reading the first book but when I did start I couldn’t put it down!
The reason I am reviewing 2 books together is because, I read them back
to back and all that I may have to say and share about one could be said for
the other too. So here goes!
Jhansi ki Rani or Rani Laxmibai and Nefertiti are not names you
may have not have heard of. Both were Queens who were known to have been adored by
their people.
Strong women who took decisions that changed the course of
history, and their lives. But what were they behind closed doors? What made them take the
decisions they did? How did their decisions affect their family and loved ones? What were their insecurities and strengths, what kept them up at
night and who did they trust, or not?
Rani Laxmibai had 6 personal, female bodyguards protecting her
day and night. These guards had to go through various tests before they were
chosen, sever all ties with their past, friends and family and promise a
lifetime of loyalty to the Queen and crown. The guards were skilled in
handling and using weapons, martial arts and some also went on to become confidants
of the Queen. Sita was one of the Queens Guards and also her confidant, and is
the narrator of The Last Queen of India.
Nefertiti was born to royalty and promised to it too. When the
crown prince she was supposed to have been betrothed to dies under mysterious
circumstances, Nefrititi sees to it that she is married to his successor, his
younger brother. And as his Queen, she comes into her own, to the extent of
shocking her countrymen and creating history by crowning herself a Pharaoh, a
title akin to that of a King and only the privilege of men. Mutnodjmet,
Nefertiti's younger sister, who was always regaled to the shadows of her elder
sister’s powerful aura narrates the tale of Nefertiti.
Michelle Moran loves history. And her writing assures that you
will love it too.
Detailed research and painstaking attention to details weave
stories that pull you in and transport your imagination to the places and
people you are reading about. You become part of the cast of characters and
feel the emotions they are going through, empathizing, sympathizing and even
cheering them on!
Moran also seems to be pro-women, as the male protagonists in
both the books I’ve read seem to come across as flawed.
But Historical Fiction is a genre you can take liberties with, and
Moran seems to have taken the right ones, which enhance the story and leave a
long lasting impact much after you’ve turned the last page.
This is my 2nd post for Week 1 for the Blogging Challenge #MyFriendAlexa by Blogchatter
I am taking my Alexa Rank to the next level with Blogchatter .
Current Rank (as on 1st September 2016)
2,828,055 - Alexa Traffic Rank
132,802 - Traffic Rank in India
This is my 2nd post for Week 1 for the Blogging Challenge #MyFriendAlexa by Blogchatter
I am taking my Alexa Rank to the next level with Blogchatter .
Current Rank (as on 1st September 2016)
2,828,055 - Alexa Traffic Rank
132,802 - Traffic Rank in India