Pharaoh’s Daughter: A Novel of Ancient Egypt by Julius Lester

This historical novel is a retelling of the events in the early life of Moses from the Bible and Torah. The book does not approach the characters from a biblical standpoint but from a historical point of view. Most of the book is narrated by Moses’ sister, Almah. She is a young Habiru (Hebrew) girl who saves the life of her brother Yekutiel (later named Tuthmosis or Mosis (Moses) by the Egyptian princess.) Almah and her mother are brought to the palace to help care for Mosis while he is a child. After the death of Queen Nefertari, Almah is adopted by Pharaoh due to her likeness to the queen. Throughout the first part of the book, Almah discusses her life in the palace, her aversion to the worship of Ya (God), and her devotion to the many gods of the Egyptians.

The second part of the book takes place 15 years after the first and is narrated by Mosis (Moses). The reader learns of his struggle with finding his place in life and his inner turmoil as he wrestles with the fact that he is Habiru (Hebrew) yet was raised and continues to live with the Khemetians (Egyptians). Mosis’ narration also informs the reader about Almah and her current activities. Almah has continued to live in the palace and has become a priestess in the Khemetian religion. Mosis and Almah have a very strong connection in the story. She aids him in escaping after killing Kakemour, a high-powered Khemetian. The story ends at a point in time when Mosis has fled to the land of Midian and Almah is continuing in her life in the palace.
The novel is filled with details about the Ancient Egyptian culture and important historical information and facts about the time period. The author uses the original Egyptian words for place names, months, and deities and also uses the original Hebrew names for the members of Moses’ family and historical figures throughout Jewish history. For example, Moses’ brother Aaron’s name is spelled Aharon and Father is replaced with Abba. The integration of the original terms and spellings is very informative and allows the reader to delve into the time period and events that are being portrayed. A glossary is also included at the back of the book to aid the reader.

The book addresses a number of issues that I had never really explored when thinking about the story of Moses. For example, I had never given much thought to the fact that Moses was raised by individuals who worshipped very differently than his biological family. The difference between the culture, language, and religion of the Khemetians (Egyptians) and the language, culture, and beliefs of the Habiru (Hebrew) is a constant factor throughout the book. In the novel, Mosis struggles with his decision to worship Ya (God) like his biological family or to worship the gods that are revered by his sister Almah and Egyptians who raised him. In the end, Mosis chooses to follow the Habiru beliefs. Throughout all of my years of studying the story of Moses, I had always imagined that he was completely devoted to monotheism. This book, however, has allowed me to consider how choosing to worship God must have been a decision that he must have had to very carefully consider.

I really enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed studying the Ancient Egyptians and this particular time period. In addition, I really appreciate the strength, courage, and caring that is represented through Almah. She is a very strong female character who is not afraid to explore unknown ideas and to engage others. The character demonstrates many characteristics that I value and admire.

This book would be an excellent addition to a social studies unit on Egypt. Due to some of the content in the book, I would not recommend that young elementary children read the book. The discussions of dancing nude before the gods, the physical changes that are happening with Almah’s body, and a brief discussion of the possibility of an incestuous relationship between Moses and Almah are details that may be difficult for young children to comprehend. The book is more suited for 12 years of age and up. I would recommend this book to my eighth grade students.

Lester, J. (2000). Pharaoh's daughter: A novel of ancient Egypt. San Diego, CA: Silver Whistle.

Additional information about the author and books that he has written can be found at http://members.authorsguild.net/juliuslester/