Review: the works of Michelle Moran
In which I review Michelle Moran’s work
Cleopatra’s Daughter
Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
During my recovery from knee replacement surgery, I took to some easy reading, something historical which required nothing of me, no intellectual stimulus, no literary demands, not particularly inspiring but rather something which would simply transport me to another place and time and allow the healing process to occur.
So it was I discovered Michelle Moran. And I ready every available work in her canon.
Cleopatra’s Daughter, like most of Moran’s work, is nicely researched, with enough detail to bring the past alive. Her characters are solid, albeit sometimes a bit modern. The plots, although predictable partly because their history is already written, are tense enough to carry a reader through. And thankfully Moran refrains from the usual torn garments, heaving bosoms, and panting assignations. She deals with the history.
While not Pauline Gedge, Michelle Moran does a credible job of bringing the past to life in an entertaining manner. If you’re looking for engaging escapism, this is your ticket.
View all my reviews
The Heretic Queen
The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Moran takes us back to ancient Egypt and Nefertari, daughter of the heretic queen, Nefertiti.
It is a well-written historical novel, rife with period details, good characterization and engaging plot. Delicious escapism for those wishing only to be entertained and mildly informed.
View all my reviews
Nefertiti
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Moran returns to ancient Egypt and one of the most famous, perhaps infamous, queens, Nefertiti, who became known as the heretic.
It is an entertaining and lush read, not high literature, but definitely good escapism.
Rebel Queen
Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was a delight to read about a culture and history which were little known or understood by me. With her usual attention to detail, Moran writes a credible fictionalization of Queen Lakshmi, who stood her ground against what became the insurmountable and implacable British domination of 19th century India.
Definitely a good escapist read.
Madame Tussaud
Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Moran writes a fascinating account of the rise of the legendary figure of Madame Tussaud, and her family’s part in the foment of political ideology which gave rise to the French Revolution. As with all of Moran’s work, there are fascinating material culture and historical details which enrich the story, elevating it above the usual romance that passes for historical fiction.
A good escapist read.
The Second Empress
The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon’s Court by Michelle Moran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Much has been written about Napoleon’s life, his loves, his court, his conquests both military and sexual. Moran, however, turns her attention to Austrian archduchess Marie Louise, who became Napoleon’s second wife because of his desire for a male heir to the empire he was building.
It is a well-written historical fiction, plausibly illuminated characters, and good material and historical detail. Altogether a good bit of escapist literature.
by 