The Wife of Tutankhamen - an Editorial Review of "Quest for Ma'at"

Book Blurb:

After her mother, the Queen of Egypt, is murdered, Ankhesenamun finds herself alone. Her husband, Tutankhamun, is disabled and very young so she must focus all of her statecraft on securing his claim to the throne. While powerful officials attempt to exert their influence on her. With guile and courage, she thwarts them and assumes control herself. Rather than alienating Tutankhamun, as she had expected, her actions win his admiration and support.

As she and her teenaged husband gain in maturity and grow in their role as a ruling couple, they must constantly negotiate a balance between securing the throne and growing closer together as husband and wife. At the same time, Egypt’s northern provinces waver between loyalty to these young regents and the looming threat of the powerful Hittite empire. The Egyptian army must deter the threat and Tutankhamun longs to perform his duty to fight alongside the army as is customary, but Ankhesenamun begs him to stay home because his disability would mean certain death in battle. Reluctantly, he respects her request. The Egyptians go on to win the battle, but the enemy is victorious in conquering their allies and it does not seem long until Egypt will be forced to fight them alone.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/tpRL2

Author Bio:

I was born in Toronto, Ontario and have lived my entire life in the surrounding area. During my brief university career, I studied languages at York U. At various times, I have been an actor, professional belly dancer, holistic nutritionist and entrepreneur. I retired from my day job in early 2023 to pursue my passion for writing, languages, investing and travel. I currently live north of Toronto with my family.

Editorial Review:

“Quest for Ma’at” by Lisa Llamrei is an atmospheric, riveting novel set in the time of Tutankhaten, in Ancient Egypt. The story is told from the first person viewpoint of Tutankhaten’s wife Ankhesenamun [I have used the spelling of Tutankhaten in this review as this is his original name, although the spelling changes to Tutankhamun later in the book (and on Amazon) and this is explained in the author’s note] and already she is facing more challenges than many. The demands of royal life intersect with personal loss, and then, the unexpected and suspicious death of her mother. As a narrator, Ankhesenamun is a powerful and compelling figure, although her circumstances deserve considerable sympathy. Her grandfather’s visit brings news of tragedy and yet her dignity is inherent in her response.

“Ay’s feet stop in mid-pace and his head snaps around as I enter the long entrance to my reception room, passing by the guards stationed at the doors. My braided extensions, still streaming water, soak the linen of my dress. I tie my sash as I step to where he stands, moving over the blue floor tiles, and past the alternating bundles of papyrus and lotus flowers painted on the walls. I keep my voice level, careful to betray no disquiet at his unexpected presence here. “I am told there is a matter important enough to interrupt me in my bath chamber,” I say.”

Readers of Ancient Egyptian historical fiction will surely agree that it the mythology and intrigue that puts this genre into a league of its own, and “Quest for Ma’at” does not disappoint. There is symbolism throughout the novel, and the extent of the author’s research is obvious. Political, military and personal machinations are an integral part of the storyline (as they should be!). The military influences demonstrate the ceaseless battles for power and the betrayals that mark this unsettled era in time. Spirituality is also a key feature of this narrative, leading to a deeply emotional ending that some readers may find confronting.

“Before following him, I glance behind me. The entire court has gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the House and its sentries. Almost as one, they fall in line behind us to view the foundations, the half-risen pylons and the rows of columns. Tutankhamun indicates where the walls will be. “Here, will be the story of my own divine birth, in which Amun took my father’s form and visited my mother.”

It is his way of distancing himself from the crimes of our father, while simultaneously aligning himself with the traditional gods of Kemet. It is a move not without precedent, for Hatshepsut made the same claim in her own House of Millions of Years. More than a century later, there is none left alive to say her claim was untrue. It shall be the same for Tutankhamun and those years of chaos shall be forever erased from history.”

For those readers who have only recently begun their reading journey in this era (warning: it will consume you) there is an Author’s Note which lists the central characters and summarizes the background. Regardless of that, the book itself subtly explains the relationships and enough of the history in a way that is natural rather than forced, and will also appeal to those readers for whom this genre is their lifeblood.

The dialogue between the characters is written in a relatable way but still has an historical feel to it, with a focus on deities, on customs, and on titles and etiquette. The personality of each historical figure is clear (although there are some twists and turns!). Because the novel’s narrator is a royal, the focus is on the life of the royal family, its servants and immediate court but the author has created a rich sense of community with well thought out secondary characters and subsidiary plots.

““Highness.”

The sound pulls me from sleep. I open my eyes to see Kawit’s face mere handspans from my own. She carries a rushlight to keep the darkness at bay. The flame flickers, casting shadows on her face, making her dark eyes seem even larger than usual. I sit straight up. “What is it?” I feel a lump in my throat, as I have not since hearing of our army’s victory. “Is it the King?” “Yes, Highness.”

My hands start to shake.

Kawit continues. “The army has arrived two days earlier than expected. They are camped outside the city.”

“Why should they have arrived early? Did they have cause to hurry? “The King is healthy and whole?” I ask.

”Quest for Ma’at” by Lisa Llamrei is a gripping escape into Ancient Egypt with all of the intrigue, betrayal and personal drama that make a great historical novel. The first-person narration of Tutankhaten’s wife Ankhesenamun draws the reader in immediately, with an emotional opening paragraph that sets the scene for what is to come. A fantastic mix of history, conflict, and spirituality. Llamrei’s writing has ensured that some of Ancient Egypt’s most pivotal figures live on in present-day literature in this memorable rendition of a time long gone.

*****

“Quest for Ma’at” by Lisa Llamrei receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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