The Bible record of Esther, Queen of Persia, is full of drama. The Persian Empire was vast, extending from Egypt and Anatolia (Turkey) to the border of India. Esther ascended to royalty in an unusual way. A familial Bible quote is: And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14b
Tessa Afshar has written a historical novel, The Queen’s Cook, about Esther and her court. The story takes us to the city of Susa during the time period of the King’s edict to destroy the Jews. Haman wrote the edict and with deceit persuaded the King to make it official. The edict gave permission to slay all the Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.
The main character (fictional) is Roxannah. She is a young Persian woman who is promoted from kitchen maid to cook. She takes charge of Queen Esther’s kitchen. I enjoyed seeing the transformation of this character from fearful to courageous.
I also liked having a peek into what the Persian kitchen might have been like. The author provides possible menus.
I suggest first reading the book of Esther in the Bible—it’s short. Then enjoy The Queen’s Cook.
Marie Benedict’s novel is about a different type of queen in The Queens of Crime. After research into Dorothy Sayer’s life, she has written a story about women mystery writers.
Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie and three other crime writers form a team to solve a mystery. A young woman, a nurse, disappeared in Boulogne, France. The nurse had gone on a day trip to this coastal town and then disappeared without a trace.
The five queens of crime use their puzzle solving skills to find out what really happened. As the story progresses, the reader learns that Dorothy had a son and a measure of heartache.
Carol, these both sound like great reads. I saw the Queen’s Cook on Kindle and thought it sounded interesting now that you talked about it I think it’s something I’d like to read.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
xo
I read this book too and absolutely loved it!
I even lent it to a friend recently — she enjoyed it just as much as I did. Tessa Afshar is my favorite author. I love how she brings biblical stories to life with such depth and warmth.
And yes, her books have been translated into my language — Dutch — which makes me so happy. I’ve reread several of them already. 😊
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on The Queen’s Cook — I really enjoyed reading your reflection!
I agree. I have thoroughly enjoyed her books.
I am actually looking for a new historical fiction novel. I am going to look into the Queen‘s Cook. It sounds really good. Thank you for the information!
I have been looking for a good book to read so I’ll get this one#ssp @thenextbestthingtomummy @-karendennis