Mara Daughter of the Nile

"Come, perfume your mouth with the figs and grapes she has brought you... a few minutes later she was hungrily eating a fig and mourning the skimpiness of Egyptian breakfasts."

As per request, I have read and drawn a couple pictures inspired by the book "Mara Daughter of the Nile" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. I didn't know what to expect when I read the plot line, but I was not disappointed. 

The tale is set in Bible times in the land of Egypt and focuses upon a sly slave girl named Mara. She'd been passed on from one awful master to the next, wishing meanwhile of a better life and attempting various rebellious acts instead of the quiet submissive life of a slave. One day, her antics are noticed and she is purchased by a new master who causes her life of folding shentis completely around, and she soon finds herself on her way to be the royal interpreter of a Babylonian princess in order to spy (on behalf of Pharaoh Hatshetsup) in on conversations in the presence of king Thutmose. As one thing leads to another, Mara soon finds herself serving two completely politically opposite masters, and tries desperately to equally serve each one. Things also become complicated when she finds herself falling in love with one.

The story was intriguing and, contrary to my assumptions, held my attention throughout. With the time it took to read the book, and schedule juggling underway, I apologize for the lack of pictures. I had wished to sketch out one of the landscapes described, but found my time lacking. If a particular scene was wished, I will gladly oblige and add it. But for now, thank you for the suggestion and great read. 

"She was everywhere at once, snatching up the loaves and dusting them, soothing the apprentice with smiles and sympathy... only Sheftu, shaking with silent merriment, observed the good half dozen honey cakes that found their way into her sash instead of the basket."

"The silence was shattered as a chariot clattered into view... with a crack of his whip they lurched forward. For the next few minutes Mara had all she could do to keep her footing as they rattled along at a furious pace..."