The focus of the book, as the title states, is the Search For Nefertiti. The arguement is clear and convincing enough. Taken as it is from a specialist in Ancient Egyptian clothing and hair. The focus of the arguement is put well and is as convincing as any other so far. As a book: it is a first class read. As a study of Egyptology: again it is a first class read whether you are a new-comer or old hand. As a book on Egypts enigmatic Queen Nefertiti: you may well be in for a dissapointment. Nevertheless, it is a well writen and highly readable book.


Good but could have been excellent   November 1, 2004
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I was desperate for this book to come out so that it could read it, and I have to say it has disappointed me a little. With all the talk of had Nefertiti's mummy been found or not, I really expected Joann Fletcher to make more of an argument in this book. In fact, the only real examination of her finds and theories are in the last two, shortest chapters of the book. Rather than providing a thorough examination of her reasons for believing the mummy is Nefertiti, the chapters covering this are too short and do not provide as thorough examination of the investigation and findings as I would have liked. What is presented is extremely interesting, but for me it was just not in depth enough. Maybe as a history graduate I was expecting too much but I was looking forward to an extensive look at all the evidence for and against this being Nefertiti.

The first bit of the book is taken up with a bit of biography on Fletcher's background in Egyptology, which is interesting enough. It is indeed interesting to see how a Yorkshire lass like myself comes to study Ancient Egypt, and Fletcher comes across as an interesting character throughout and is clearly nothing like the fusty middle aged male sorts who dominate historical study. Indeed her passion for the subject is refreshing and makes the book all the more readable because of it.

The next and largest chunk of the book looks into the history of Ancient Egypt, with a focus on the dominant female characters, and the Amarna royals. I found the sections on female pharaoahs and the role of women in Egyptian politics and religion fascinating. It is clearly well researched and offers a view not tainted by sexism and the refusal of some Egyptologists to give female Egyptians the credit and status they deserve. Whether you believe Nefertiti et al ruled as pharaoah or not, it seems wrong to play down the role and successes of women when the Egyptians themselves did not do this. Fletcher's insights on this matter are illuminating and enjoyable to read. I also found the section on the Amarna Period to be fascinating. It served particularly to set Akhenaten's reign in context for me. He is always portrayed as being wildly radical and heretical king, and indeed this is true to an extent. However, Fletcher clearly shows that the move from the traditional religion towards worship of the Aten had been occurring for some time. Akhenaten and Nefertiti moved it on at a greater pace and took advantage of it, but they did not "create" this God for their own conveniance as some owuld have you believe.

Whilst the historical background examined is crucial in understanding Nefertiti and how she came to the position she did, I felt it was a little too in depth for the purposes of this book. Undoubtedly it is well researched and written, but I just felt it made the book drag on slightly too long and at times strayed too far from the main purpose of this book. However, this is not a major criticism, just a slight niggle.

The last section on the mummy Fletcher believes is Nefertiti is fascinating as far as it goes. However, as I said previously, I would have liked a far more in depth study of the arguments and evidence here. Really the book has not convinced me either way, but with a more thorough examination it may have done. However, overall this is a good read for anyone interested in Egyptology. Nefertiti is a fascinating character in the history of this unique country and Fletcher provides an interesting insight into her life.


The real Nefertiti?   August 25, 2004
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

A fascinating hypotheses,making for some very interesting reading. I'm not sure I find all the arguments for the case convincing,but the book is worth reading alone for the wealth of information contained in it about ancient Egypt & the Egyptians.
Some excellent colour plates,too,showing artifacts I'd never seen before-a very welcome innovation when every book on Egypt seems to use & reuse the same photos.
Highly recommended!