Lady of the Two Lands

Elizabeth Delisi

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

One minute, Hattie Williams is in a museum, sketching a gold necklace that belonged to Hatshepsut, first female Pharaoh of Egypt; and the next, she's lying in a room too archaic to be the museum, with a breathtakingly handsome, half-naked man named Senemut bending over her.

Hattie soon discovers she's been thrust into the body and life of Hatshepsut, with no way back to her own time. Tuthmosis, the heir to the throne, hates her; the High Priest of Amun and the commander of the army want to kill her and Tuthmosis; and the best bathroom facilities in the country are the equivalent of a cat-box.

To make matters more difficult, she's falling helplessly in love with Senemut, and soon, she's not sure she even wants to return home. To protect Tuthmosis from assassination, the lovers arrange to put Hattie on the throne. But, what should she do when she suddenly finds herself, an obscure artist from Chicago, crowned ruler of all Egypt?

Review by Molly Martin (220903) Rating (9/10)

Review by Molly Martin
Rating 9/10
Artist/illustrator Hattie Williams has the unsettling feeling that someone is watching her as she strives to produce illustrations for a book Thomas Harris, museum Egyptian Curator, has ready for publishing. The ancient female Pharaoh Hatshepsut is giving Hattie particular problems. Hattie’s drawings are lovely, however the pictures she has produced are flat and lacking life. Tom allows Hattie use of Hatshepsut’s falcon necklace to help inspire Hattie’s drawings. The small storage room with no windows is the place where Hattie works alone with the door locked.

How long Hattie lay unconscious in that small chamber she could not say, but upon awakening she finds herself face to face with a woman who tells Hattie she is her past and future. Hattie must finish the ‘thread’ of the woman’s life and protect the heir to the throne. Prince Tuthmosis is only eight years old and the scoundrels who killed his parents are now bent upon removing him as well. Sure that she is dreaming, or chatting with a mad woman, Hattie cannot believe she has awakened in ancient Egypt where she is soon drawn to a supporter. Senemut guides Hattie on her adventures in this strange and alien land where she is now entrapped. Hattie befriends Hatshepsut’s four-year-old daughter, protects the young prince and at last learns the identity of those who scheme against the throne.

Acclaimed writer Delisi exhibits another facet to her celebrated talent. With Lady of the Two Lands Delisi has conducted in depth research, and then she has woven her study into a gripping tale of murder, disingenuousness and deceit. Appealing perplexity, potent, effective exchanges between characters together with flawlessly engineered, well-fleshed settings are adroitly captured to produce a fast paced compelling read.

Delisi’s understanding of the social mores of the time are presented in captivating manner as Hattie realizes that she must follow the customs of the people or risk being found to be a fraud. Delisi’s quick wit and penchant for humour are evident as Hattie learns the toilet and bathing customs of these ancient people. The explanation leading to how Hattie is named Pharaoh leads the reader on a most enjoyable well-delivered history lesson. Hattie’s relationship with Senemut is handled with skill. Hatshepsut’s burning urgency to protect her family even after her death is a theme most parents understand. Delisi has handled that sentiment to perfection.

Lady of the Two Lands is as good read for a warm summer afternoon, as it is to enjoy while sitting by the fire on a rainy day. Enjoyed the read. Happy to recommend.
Molly Martin (22nd September 2003)