Egypt's Sister: A Novel of Cleopatra

June 1, 2017

Childhood friends Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, and Urbi, a princess, often play together in Alexandria's royal palace. When Chava receives a prophecy from Ha-Shem telling her that she will see Urbi's happiest day and her last, she confides in her friend, who is displeased. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, an argument with her old friend results in her selling Chava into slavery. Remembering the prophecy, Chava, who now finds herself in Rome, struggles to trust in a God that seems to have abandoned her. VERDICT Setting her new biblical series half a century before the birth of Christ. Hunt (Delilah) once again vividly brings the ancient world to life, although she focuses here on the military and political climate of the time with her protagonists more in the background.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2017
Once again, Hunt demonstrates her stunning mastery of historical biblical literature as she begins her new Silent Years series, which focuses on the 400 silent years between the Old and New Testaments. In the first installment, Hunt tells the story of Chava, daughter to a royal tutor in Alexandria and best friend of the young princess, Urbi, who later becomes Queen Cleopatra. Believing that she is destined to stay by her friend's side forever, Chava is devastated when an argument with the young queen lands her in prison. What follows is Chava's journey through slavery in Rome and the piecing together of the progression of Urbi's life, rife with family betrayal and treacherous politics. Chava has not forgotten the prophecy she received as a young girl, but can she find a way to follow the call from HaShem to a blessing to the woman who seemingly ruined her life? Through Chava's tales, Hunt crafts a deeply layered portrait of Cleopatra and the precarious political territory the queen had to tread. This fresh approach brings a faith-based perspective to the tension and complexity of the intertestamental period. Rich in history, atmosphere, emotion, and spirituality, Hunt's ambitious series debut is astounding.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)