Do you have a runaway book?
A runaway book is a book that we loved so much we wanted to pass it on to other people to enjoy it as much as we did.
When you find a runaway book, leave your feedback, when you have finished reading it, pass it on to someone you think would enjoy it, or leave it somewhere for someone else to find: on a train, at a bus stop, in a coffee shop - wherever you think it may find a new reader.
If it's intrigue and romance in an historical setting that gets you in then Her Majesty the King is a compelling read for you.
This novel is an education in the history, culture, social mores, religion and politics of the time around 1484 BCE in Egypt. Together with this aspect and the romantic story within, it works. After all, what better way to understand a period of very complicated history than in a novel full of intrigue, violence and sex.
Having said that, the novel for me is one of contradictions: The pace is racy and slow; racy in the "romantic" story.. will she get the love of her life, survive childbirth, rape etc,and slow in the historical sense.: There is an abundance of historical detail, that has been well researched, and which of itself is fascinating, but it tends to slow down the reading and brings the reader back to consideration of all things of the time. Perhaps the author intends this.
The basic story line of Hapshepsut coming to rule is one of interest. She is certainly portrayed as a very intelligent, capable, competent, skilled young woman The author has succeeded in portraying Hapshepsut with the qualities listed above, as well as having feminine qualities . That she endured the religious rites, and sexual conques
When I first started reading the book I found the language very modern, but as the book progressed that was all forgotten. One of the other girls at bookclub had made a similar comment, but when we thought about it, we realised that we wouldn't know what the language would have been as obviously it wasn't our language.!
I found it took me a while to get into the book, but by the end I wanted to start the second book.
It is fascinating to read a book about the culture, customs, and traditions of another time, but to have a ripping good yarn interspersed makes it all the more enjoyable. I liked the character of Hapshepsut, and in fact I thought all the characters were quite well fleshed out, except perhaps Senenmut who remained a bit of an enigma, but perhaps that was part of the charm and intended.
I enjoyed reading about the building of the tombs, and was fascinated about the custom of removing all hair. I also enjoyed reading about the horses. It always strikes me when I read these types of books that people have been doing the same things to each other forever.
I did think the opening line of the book is one of the best I have ever read. The book is obviously brilliantly researched which adds to its appeal. Overall, I thought it was a really good read, and would recommend it to others. I especially like reading historical fiction, as I learn so much whilst reading.
Overall it was an ok read. I appreciated the obvious research into ancient Egypt and the insight into their culture and class structure, but found the novel itself, a bit " Mills and Boon"ish . I thought at times "that's a bit like it is here" or musing that "I know someone like that"
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, and as I have been to the Valley of the Kings, I was able to identifiy with aspects of the novel. The characters were all well portrayed, and Hatshepsut presented as a very powerful woman.
From my little knowledge of Egyptian history, the author appears to have researched her topic thoroughly.
This was a highly entertaining read that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The story seemed to have verything: a wonderful heroine, romance, violence and intrigue and characters that one either loathed or loved.
I found it interesting that the characters portrayed in the book could be so easily transported to any era in history and that good versus evil is a continual struggle for mankind.
I was fascinated by the rituals and protocols of the Egyptian era, and in particular the Egyptian royalty. Who would have thought that it was ever the correct thing to marry one's brother or father! I know this is not unique to Egyptian history but today it is still mind boggling! The map, appendices explaining the main characters and the locations, and the glossary were all very helpful, and were referred to often when reading the text.
The story was told from Hatshepsut's point of view or first person narrative, and the narrative was today's language. At first this bothered me, but then I realised that we probably don't know what the ancient Egyptian spoken language would have sounded like or even how it would have translated into English. The story of this remarkable woman has inspired me to learn more of her interesting life.
While I found the historical research excellent and the details of the period interesting, I did not like the modern language in the dialogue of the characters. To me, while it made the narrative accessible, it did not ring true in the mouths of the characters. The dialogue of the characters made them appear too "modern" If the genre could be classified as historical fiction ( though based on factual research), the style of the book was a departure from any other historical fiction I have read. That in itself may be "groundbreaking, but this style did not work for me as a reader
Did not know what to expect, but thoroughly delightful read - informative combining fact and fiction along with a thrust of a very modern female. My friend had a copy given her in Port Macquarie and another in Taree!!
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Every page brought a new adventure. If only ancient history was this interesting at school! Thank you for the great experience being part of the Runaway Books program.
Very enjoyable read... gave me a deeper, historical perspective of the Egypt I've seen... definately a book worth passing on, couldn't put it down as I always wanted to know what was happening next.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm not usually a huge fan of historical fiction, but I found myself drawn into the story and the characters. I also learnt a lot about this period in history which was surprising when so much is written about Ancient Egypt already.
It's also great to have an Australian writer promoted like this and I can’t wait for the second book.
I enjoyed the book - especially the storyline and the characters.
The book could have beed enjoyed by teenagers as well as adults.
However, while I am not easily offended I would however hesitate to pass on the book to a friend as I found some of passages to be unnecessarily explict and crude and out of keeping with the tone of the rest of the book.
Absolutely loved this book! I couldnt put it down. I really enjoyed the history but most importantly how it was portrayed quite modernly. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a great read for a raining afternoon.
Great read it's like living in the past with each page read and you don't want to be anyone but the King. Talk about your first "Glass Ceiling" woman.