OVERVIEW
This is my third book by Fiona Davis who writes incredible historical fiction. This novel was based on the Metropolitan Museum of Art and had a dual timeline.
Two women who are unlikely companions join forces to solve a theft at the museum during the Met Gala in 1978. It also brings in the other timeline of Egypt in 1936 during the waning of the Egyptian craze in the United States.
I cannot wait to read what Fiona has planned next!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Fiona writes so beautifully and descriptively without being heavy-handed. I enjoy learning so much from her books even though they are historical fiction. But she writes her books with enjoyment in mind while providing education also.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters are Charlotte (Egyptologist in 1936/Met curator in 1978) and Annie (assistant to Diana Vreeland at the Met). Their paths cross due to the Met Gala and a firestorm of chaos is unleashed.
The secondary characters are Henry (Egyptologist/Charlotte's husband 1936), Leon (Egyptologist/Charlotte's nemesis 1936), Diana (Met Costume Institute/former magazine editor 1978), and Joyce (Annie's mother 1978).
The tertiary characters are other Met employees, Egyptian citizens, and friends/family of Charlotte and Annie.
Again, many characters in the storyline were not developed fully. They, however, were necessary for the detailed storylines.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This was such an interesting storyline. The juxtaposition of Egypt in both timelines with the 1978 Met was beautifully done. It was woven together seamlessly.
In 1936 Egypt, Charlotte was on an archaeological dig and made a great discovery that reappeared as a loan at the Met. Then the Met Gala happens and everything goes haywire with a theft, an assault, and a termination. Then this historical fiction novel takes off and keeps going!
The main locations were New York, New York, and Egypt.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I was fortunate to see the King Tut exhibit in Los Angeles before it ended its tour at the Met in 1978. The artifacts were so moving and helped make a real connection to me and the storyline. The descriptions of the tombs, the mummification process, and the antiquities in the burial chambers were fascinating.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty!!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (eBOOK)
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
349 pages
Dutton
Release date of 1/7/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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