Child of the Morning [Hardcover]

Pauline Gedge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1986

Thirty-five centuries ago the sun had a daughter: Hatshepsut. Youngest daughter of the Pharaoh, she was a lithe and magical child. But when her older sister died, it became her duty to purify the dynasty’s bloodline. She was to wed Thothmes, her father’s illegitimate son, who was heir to the throne. But fearing his son’s incompetence, Hatshepsut’s father came to her with startling news. She was to be Pharaoh, ruler of the greatest empire the world had ever known--provided, of course, that the unprecedented ascension by a woman did not inspire the priests to treason or instill in her half-brother and future consort sufficient hatred to have her put to death.

            This is the premise for Child of the Morning, based closely on the historical facts. Hatshepsut assumed the throne at the age of fifteen and ruled brilliantly for more than two decades. Her achievements were immortalized on the walls of her magnificent temple at Deir el-Bahri, built by her architect and lover, Senmut.

            Sensuous and evocative, Child of the Morning is the story of one of history’s most remarkable women.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While Hatshepsut, Egypt's only woman Pharoah, was considered a god, Gedge portrays her as very much a human being in this fine historical tale.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Gedge sets her living, breathing Queen against a beautifully detailed Egypt that we see as it must have been so long ago.”  —Publishers Weekly

"The author’s strong sense of time and place is evident in every scene. A superb portrait of a powerful but very human queen."  —Library Journal

"Splendor, splendor everywhere."  —Kirkus Reviews

"A rich pageant, satisfying on more levels than simply that of narrative."  —Wall Street Journal

"Combines ancient artifacts, timeless psychology and sure pacing.”  —Globe and Mail

“This is as fine a novel as anyone would want to read.”  —Columbus Ohio Dispatch

"A compelling and human story without a single dramatic lapse."  —San Francisco Examiner

“Epic accounts of feasts and festivals, and a steady flow of details related to life in ancient Thebes . . . the sunny, sweating world of [Egypt] in filmic splendour.”  — Vancouver Sun

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Amereon Ltd (April 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0848813359
• ISBN-13: 978-0848813352
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,271,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of my favorite books ever written..., March 21, 2001

By 

S. Smith "a98hoya" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Child of the Morning (Hera) (Paperback)

Child of the Morning is Pauline Gedge's historical fiction account of the life of Pharoah (or Queen depending on your source) Hatshepsut. In this work, Pauline Gedge recreates the world of Pharoah Thothmoses I, specifically the court where his two children a son, Thothmoses II, and a daughter, Hatshepsut, grow up. As we watch these children grow, it becomes clear that Hatshepsut is suited to rule while her brother is not. There is however a problem. Egypt has never had a female Pharoah. Can she be accepted by the military? The People? The Priesthood? and the Nobility? Or would Egypt prefer a male Pharoah who is not fit to be called a god? How will Thothmoses I deal with the issue of succession and how can he assure that his wishes are carried out?

Child of the Morning is a wonderful book of politics, social commentary and wisdom. It is truly an incredible piece of literature as well as an outstanding character study of the main female character, Hatshepsut. I cannot give this book a higher recommendation and I thank Ms. Gedge each day for writing such an amazing work.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most illusive and illustrious women in history..., November 23, 1999

By 

Rebecca Douglas (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Child of the Morning (Hardcover)

I first read this book almost twenty years ago and have re-read it more times than I count. It is by far my favorite Gedge book. Ms. Gedge brings to stunning life the multi-faceted persona of Hatshepsut, a female monarch who ruled in a man's world with all of the passion and convictions of womankind. The sacrifices this woman endured to bring safety and prosperity to her land are both believable and heartwrenching. If you enjoy reading about ancient Egypt, this book is an absolute must. Ms.Gedge, I have enjoyed all of your writings but this is beyond superb. My interest in this period of history, and subsequentially writing about it, has only intensified over the years because of your own novels...thank you!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If Only It Could Be, October 24, 1999

By 

Nefret, Egyptologist (Table Rock, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Child of the Morning (Hera) (Paperback)

Child of the Morning is my "second" Pauline Gedge book. Although it does not compare to Lady of the Reeds, one of her best written books ever, Child of the Morning is excellent. It's written about "what could happen in a woman's wildest dreams when she strives to become "Pharaoh of Egypt". The Hatshepsut character itself is somewhat weak, not portraying to her reader all the intricacies & thoughts of a woman. It does, however, show her undeniable strength as a young girl, woman & warrior pharaoh. The chapter where she actually engages in battle with her generals and army of Egypt against the Nubians is the best chapter of the book. Although some of the novel is likely based on some historical fact relative to her and the priest Senmut, no one will ever know the real truth of the relationship. I would have liked to have seen the 2 characters developed more fully. I highly recommend reading this interesting, historical, book.