As
readers, we sometimes take chances on books outside our comfort zone. It may be
with a new author, writing style, series or genre, but whatever the reason, we
take a chance and hope we won't regret it in the end. Then, there are times we
confidently dive into a book with preconceived notions that it's going to be an
incredible read. It doesn't always end up that way, but what a treat when our
instincts prove correct. Shiri, by DS Taylor, falls into the latter
category. From the moment I read the blurb and talked about it HERE, I knew I'd love this book.
Shiri
is a brilliant historical fiction novel about triumph over tragedy. Set in
ancient Egypt
Initially,
it's Taylor Taylor
Shiri was one of my favorite characters in the book, smart, strong-minded, brave, determined, loyal,
everything I like in strong female protagonists. However, I do have one mini
rant about the book and it has to do with the first five words of the novel
which are (SPOILERS): “She was born a woman . . .” I cringed when I read that
line. I still do. When I read it I imagined giving birth to my first child and
the Doctor looking up from between my legs and saying, “Congratulations, it’s a
woman!” David, you know I’m a big fan but, we are not born women, we are born
girls or female if you want to be dry and technical and later mature into women. End rant.
The
other thing I want to mention is that the book was divided into three parts.
The first two focused on (SPOILERS) Shiri and Josef. I was completely wrapped up in their love story to the point that I had trouble
transitioning to Part III of the book. I felt as though I had to put Shiri in the background to
shine the spotlight on another character, Tiye. And at first, didn’t want to
care about Tiye’s character and even fought it for a few pages . . . but, the
story and Taylor’s writing, won me over once again and I quickly saw how
important this storyline was going to be to Shiri’s character, and guess what?
I fell in love with Tiye and her story as well.
Lastly,
as a writer I understand as far as the plot is concerned, you can’t ‘put it all
in there.’ Proper storytelling and editing compels you to get rid of
unnecessary scenes that don’t drive the plot forward. However, there were two
scenes that never really made it into the book that I would have liked to have
read. (SPOILERS) The first was Josef’s reaction when Shiri told him she
was pregnant. And second, the moment Shiri held her daughter in her arms for
the first time. As I read, I anticipated these scenes in particular. It may be
in part because I’m a mother, and these moments were very important in my life,
but regardless, I remember being a little disappointed when these
two moments were glossed over or written in as afterthoughts. Again, I understand you can’t
write in every moment into the story, I’m simply reflecting a sentiment I had
as a reader.
In
the end, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a compelling story, brilliantly executed, and I highly recommend it adults who enjoy historical fiction filled with
action, adventure, love, and wonderfully crafted characters.
