Child of the Morning (The Hera Series) (Paperback)

by Pauline Gedge (Author)

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.

Product Description

She ruled Egpyt not as Queen but as Pharaoh, 35 centuries ago. Yet her name-Hatshepsut-does not appear in dynastic scrolls, nor is her reign celebrated on monuments. This is the story of the young woman who assumed the throne of Egypt, mastered the arts of war and government, lived her life by her own design, and ruled an empire-the only woman Pharaoh in history.

"A rich pageant."-Wall Street Journal

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Soho Press (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939149850
• ISBN-13: 978-0939149858
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #405,173 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #7 in

  Books > Literature & Fiction > Authors, A-Z > ( G ) > Gedge, Pauline

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 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	Stephanie Smith "a98hoya" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

29 of 31 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!

17 of 18 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

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.