Book review - "Mara: Daughter of the Nile"

Mara: Daughter of the Nile (written by Eloise Jarvis McGraw) is a historical fiction book set in Ancient Egypt. The main character - Mara - is a spirited seventeen year old slave girl who earns the nick name "gutter-snipe" for her reckless and mischievous behavior.

The story begins blooming when Mara is sold to two different masters in a row, then boards a ship entitled "The Silver Beetle" and becomes slightly starstruck by one of her masters named Sheftu. She is chosen to interpret the Egyptian language to a Babylonian princess who is betrothed to prince Thutmose III. Mara is caught up in a dangerous dilemma which could put either her or her beloved Sheftu's life in danger. With moments of tension, romance, and laughter, this book would make a wonderful family read-aloud, and could also be a great book to read just for fun. I definitely would suggest adding this book to your library.

I mostly recommend this as reading for 10-16 year-old's, but it would suffice for any age. Not only is it an exciting and intriguing read, but it also teaches much about Ancient Egypt and the life they lead. This book was one of the most interesting and captivating that we have read as a family read-aloud.

"Mara-Daughter of the Nile" has a well-earned space on our bookshelf, and I hope it will on yours, too!