The God’s Wife Is a Heavenly Read
Unexpected pleasures are often the most enjoyable and most memorable. Such is the case with The God’s Wife, the new novel from Lynn Voedisch. Steeped in ancient Egyptian history, the story alternates between a modern day Chicago dancer and an Egyptian princess who has been named “The God’s Wife,” a title of honor and power.
Rebecca Kirk is poised on the edge of stardom when she is given the principal role in a dance production of Aida. Like many dance companies, Rebecca’s is plagued with petty jealousies, intrigue, and internal politics—some of which can get nasty. The role is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Rebecca plans to make the most of it, despite her increasing blackouts and strange dreams.
Neferet, daughter of Pharaoh, is sixteen years old and the most powerful woman in Egypt. Named the “Wife of Amun,” she has freedoms one doesn’t associate with the ancient world. Power’s evil twin, politics, shows its ugly face when Neferet’s mother, Meryt, has plans for her son, Zayem (Neferet’s half brother), to succeed Pharaoh even though he is not next in line of succession. Part of Meryt’s plan is the marriage of Neferet and Zayem.
Somehow the two women, Neferet and Rebecca, are connected despite the centuries between them, each holding the key to the other’s future. Voedisch provides the reader with two strong female characters in Neferet and Rebecca, but the scene-stealer is Meryt. She is Disney-esque in her villainy, much like the evil stepmothers and wicked witches we so love to hate.
The God’s Wife is a feast of romance and excitement, keeping the reader in its thrall with suspense. As a strangely attractive man enters and tries to control Rebecca’s life, and Neferet’s situation becomes more tenuous, the reader is swept along breathlessly. Its surprise ending makes it even more rewarding.
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