Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh Queen of Egypt – a #BookReview

Title: Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh Queen of Egypt

Genre: Currently #22 on Amazon Best Sellers Rank in Kindle eBooks, Biographies & Memoirs, Historical, Middle East (One hour, 58 pages)

Publisher: in60Learning

Publication Date: February 3, 2018

Source: Amazon Digital Services and Direct Request by Tyler of in60Learning

Title and Cover: Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh Queen of Egypt – Cover conveys non-fiction material

We were contacted by Tyler of in60Learning with an inquiry regarding reading and reviewing their new concept non-fiction short stories in a quick and easy read 60-minute format. On their “title listing” page, they appear to have twenty-four titles, three of which are audio, the balance in a mix of Kindle and paperbook format. The titles run from biographies to histories with titles releasing from the middle of January 2018 through March. Many more are expected.

Titles include Marilyn Monroe: The Defiant Broad Disguised as a Dumb Blond (BiographyIn60, six reviews at 4.5 average stars) to Alexander the Great: Student of Aristotle, Descendent of Heroes (BiographyIn60 nineteen reviews at 4.5 average stars). The C.E. chose this one as well as Illinois Native Americans: A 9,000 Year Civilization. See that review here.

In60Learning introduces themselves thusly:

“Get Smarter in just 60  minutes with in60Learning. Concise and elegantly written non-fiction books and audiobooks help you learn the core subject matter in 20% of the time that it takes to read a typical book. Life is short, so explore a multitude of fascinating historical, biographical, scientific, political, and financial topics in only an hour each.”

Book Blurb:

When Pharaoh Thutmose II died, he left an heir far too young to rule Egypt. His widow Hatshepsut stepped up to take his place. For at least the next 20 years, Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh King of Egypt in an era of prosperous growth and peace. When she died, her nephew Thutmose III attempted to smear her good name and wipe her memory from history. However, despite his efforts, his aunt Hatshepsut holds the title of most famous native Egyptian woman to ever rule as pharaoh; she also retains a legacy as one of the most successful female leaders in early history.

Review:

This book involves a time of conflict within Egypt. The land was divided into two parts at the beginning of her reign and she consolidated and expanded the imprint of Egypt and developed prosperity and a much more peaceful Egypt. She set the stage for the reunification of both upper and lower Egypt.

At her birth her father, Thutmose the First, held her on his lap and said, “Flower of Egypt, you will be ruler …”  It is not unusual to have women as rulers but Hatshepsut was among the most dynamic. Building and expanding Egyptian architecture was one of her primary goals. Prosperity for the people followed and she was beloved.  She was married to Thutmose the II as sibling marriage was a common practice among the Pharaohs in Egypt. Thutmose II died early and his son was too young to take over the kingdom, so Hatshepsut established herself as reigning Pharaoh. She did not relinquish that position when Thutmose III came of age. She ruled alone and then as a regent/co-pharaoh with her nephew, Thutmose III.  He was very irritated with his aunt and did all he could to destroy both her image and her accomplishments.

Thutmose III did everything he could to besmirch the name of Hatshepsut.  He changed many of the writings and histories of her reign as well as the inscriptions in her tomb to give the credit to himself.  Her tomb was elaborate and large and her nephew refused to have her buried in it. There are many examples of the Pharaohs and their children being offspring of the gods themselves. This was a ploy to cement their birthright as rulers of Egypt and heirs to the celestial kingdom as well as this earthly abode. She combined two of the gods, Amun and Re, and began a festival to Amun-Re. She gave him credit for all of her accomplishments. Destroying their writings in their tombs or hiding the bodies was one way to rob them of their celestial passage.

This account is an engaging narrative of life in the 18^th Dynasty of Egypt.  It reads well but I found it duplicitous in some of the earlier chapters and slow to connect.  The second half of the writing is much more engaging than the first. Had it not been for the rewording and repeating of much of the narrative, I would have given it four stars. I would suggest it for those who wish to follow the long reign of the Pharaohs of Egypt. We were given this download by in60Learning and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended fast and easy read for all ages.

Rosepoint Publishing:  Three of Five Stars 

©2018 C.E. Williams