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" An interesting, but self-indulgent historical fiction. I learned something about women, Egypt, 19th century mores. "
- Marlene, 2/20/2014
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" Excellent historical detail. "
- Lucy, 1/18/2014
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" I had read a review of this book a while ago and thought it sounded intriguing and it was. But it has left me not quite satisfied. I think it may be the intrusive first person voice...I found it a bit tiring. "
- Liz, 1/17/2014
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" Very interesting story built on imagining the lives of two people in the background of Lady Duff's Gordon more prominent one: her maid, Sally, who accompanied her to Egypt as she battled to survive tb, and Omar, the Egyptian "butler/cook" hired to assist them during their travels/stay. Loved the historical details of the environment and social mores. "
- Susan, 1/2/2014
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" An interesting tale that clearly defines class lines and the strange bond of aristocracy and servant. "
- Karen, 12/29/2013
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" I liked this book although the descriptions tended to run a bit long. I'm a bit sad that the ending was so open-ended and rough although since this is based off of a true story I guess the ending makes sense. "
- Nora, 12/29/2013
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" About 30 pages in, I realized this was going to be an Exotic Romance with Serious Literary Overtones. In other words, not my cup of tea. "
- Marya, 12/27/2013
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" winner of the Governor Generals Literary Award, this novel is loosely based upon real letters from the 1860's. Lady Duff Gordon suffers from Tuberculosis and needs to seek a dryer climate. she travels to Egypt with her maid Sally. the 2 women throw aside their "English" ways and fall in love with the Egyptian people and their ways-Sally perhaps more than she should have. What unfolds is the stark realization that Sally really is "the mistress of nothing" as Lady Gordon shows her. A love story against all odds. good read. "
- Shari, 12/20/2013
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" Good read....the descriptions of Egypt are amazing, as is the novel's focus on social class structures. My only problem was I wanted the novel to be a few pages longer...I wanted to know, what now? "
- Beth, 11/24/2013
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" Quite enjoyable. Scandalous historical fiction, feminine struggles against the conventions of the time. "
- Karen, 11/24/2013
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" I loved the geographical descriptions in story. "
- Merry, 11/10/2013
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" This book takes you on a journey to Egypt. It is well researched piece of historical fiction. The writing is so vivid that you can taste and smell the words on the page. "
- Wheresmonica, 5/24/2013
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" I didn't love this book. It was ok...a quick, easy, almost mindless read. "
- Zoom, 12/13/2012
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" Very interesting book and perspective on Egypt--especially in light of recent events. "
- Theresa, 8/8/2012
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" Great sense of place. "
- Blackley, 7/6/2012
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" I really liked this book, slow start but finished the final 2/3's of the book in one evening. I really grew to hate Sitti Duff Gordon in this novel! But I would like to read more about her REAL life adventures. "
- Elizabeth, 3/1/2012
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" Liked the story. Good writing. "
- Janice, 10/11/2011
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" It seemed like she didn't know how to end it so it just trails off. She also needed to do a little more research on the Arabic and Islam. "
- Julie, 6/29/2011
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" Just finished this book, and would recommend it to anyone. An Easy Read and most enjoyable, based on a true story, a great read! "
- Notty, 6/29/2011
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" Great book, so slowly developing and so hot and lazy that you imagine yourself on the river Nile on that boat with the protagonist. Really good portrait of the times and the class differences and basic racism at work in a colonial world.
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- Johanna, 5/16/2011
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" Very easy read, read it during my Ireland trip. Good book, but couldnt compare to "Beneath a Marble Sky." Read it for a book club meeting :)
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- Melanie, 5/14/2011
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" This book is a fictionalized account of a real person...the ladies' maid to Lucie Duff Cooper, a titled British aristocrat who lived the last several years of her life in Egypt (along with the ladies' maid). Very evocative of a time period and a good description of class issues.
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- Kim, 5/13/2011
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" This novel explores the complexities of power, race, class and love.
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- Karen40000, 5/7/2011
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" An interesting, but self-indulgent historical fiction. I learned something about women, Egypt, 19th century mores.
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- Marlene, 5/2/2011
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" I really enjoyed this book. Interesting how history repeats itself in the middle east as most of this book takes place in Egypt. Very easy read and not too long... it keeps moving.
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- Steve, 4/25/2011
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" It seemed like she didn't know how to end it so it just trails off. She also needed to do a little more research on the Arabic and Islam.
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- Julie, 4/22/2011
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" Cdn author and 2009 Governor General award winner. The romantic story of a maid in 19th century Britain and her travels to Egypt with her employer. A good read and interesting depiction of life in those times.
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- Greg, 4/13/2011
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" Interesting information about Egypt and the time period, class and life.
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- Bluejay4, 4/7/2011
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