TITLE: The Gilded Chamber: A Novel of Queen EstherAUTHOR: Rebecca Kohn
STARTED: September 19, 2008
FINISHED: September 25, 2008
PAGES: 353
GENRE: Fiction
FIRST SENTENCE: It came to pass int he second year of the reign of Xerxes - who ruled from Hindush to Kusha - that I was orphaned.
SUMMARY: [From barnesandnoble.com] The story of Esther—whose mesmerizing beauty was matched only by her clear-eyed wisdom—has inspired women for centuries. Now her suspenseful tale comes to life through the eyes of a contemporary woman, debut novelist Rebecca Kohn. Capturing the passionate longings and political danger that have made Esther's legacy so timeless, The Gilded Chamber blends meticulous research with gripping storytelling to transport us to an ancient time in the far-flung Persian Empire.
Orphaned and terrified, Esther journeys across the River Tigris to start a new life with her cousin—a man well positioned in the court, and to whom she is betrothed. Her transformation from girl to woman unfolds against a lavish backdrop of the royal court and harem, rife with intrigue and daring alliances. Esther wins much of what she seeks: the heart of a king, and the deliverance of her people. But her rise to the role of queen is not without a price; she must turn her back on all that she ever wanted, and give her body to a man she can never love.
In a haunting, unflinching voice, The Gilded Chamber illuminates an epic dilemma between the yearnings of a woman's heart and the obligations imposed on her by fate. In Esther's case, choice makes history—and unforgettable reading.
THOUGHTS: Esther is a remarkable character, but I don't think the author did her story justice. Here is an orphan who becomes a queen. How can that story not be interesting? Somehow, this book just felt flat to me. Kohn's writing style is vibrant and rather lyrical, but I felt that she got lost in describing things to the neglect of the narrative. It's all emotion and pretty clothes, very little time seems to be spent on the actual plot. There were times I wanted to scream "Do something!" There was not rhythm to this book, it just skates along recanting details, there's no punch.I didn't love, I didn't hate it, I want a little bit more.
RATING: 5/10 [Meh.]
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