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Cahena: Warrior Queen
Her land had been claimed by the Romans, and now it faced invasion by a more dangerous force to the east. But the beautiful Cahena was gifted with second sight, and she would use it to protect her people from the enemy... even if it meant turning from God.
The historical novel by the award-winning Dov Silverman traces the life of The Cahena, who reigned as Berber Queen in 7th century Northern Africa. Her resistance to Rome and, later, the Muslim conquest of Maghreb in the region known as Numidia has become the stuff of legends.
The historical novel by the award-winning Dov Silverman traces the life of The Cahena, who reigned as Berber Queen in 7th century Northern Africa. Her resistance to Rome and, later, the Muslim conquest of Maghreb in the region known as Numidia has become the stuff of legends.
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Published January 1, 2019
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August 20, 2019
Maybe 2.5 stars? I really wanted to like this book more. It's not a bad book, just "OK." It checked several of my boxes: little/unknown powerful historical woman protagonist, late antiquity setting, and new (to me) historical culture--the Berbers. The author did extensive research and it showed. However, lengthy descriptions of food, clothing, ritual, and particularly military maneuvers slowed the narrative sometimes to a stumbling halt as I skimmed several pages to get back to the story.
And the story was fascinating: a (nominally) Jewish warrior queen and priestess who first fought the Romans then the Muslims to keep her "Free People" free. There are mystical elements, tons of political intrigue, and insight into very different cultures and their relationships in a changing world. However, the book worked more as history than story-telling. Readers who like their history with a dash of fiction (imagined conversations a la Allan W. Eckert) should add a star or two.
As a reader, I tend to like my historical fiction as vividly told stories with exciting plots. Silverman had a great story to work with, but made some authorial choices that reduced the emotional impact. He uses an omniscient (sometimes a distant third person) point of view which removes the reader from the characters. We have to infer their emotional reactions from action and dialog, but have no direct insight into their inner thoughts or feelings. Some people like this style, but it's not appealing to me. Your experience may vary!
Note: I received a copy of this book through an Early Reader program in exchange for an honest review.
And the story was fascinating: a (nominally) Jewish warrior queen and priestess who first fought the Romans then the Muslims to keep her "Free People" free. There are mystical elements, tons of political intrigue, and insight into very different cultures and their relationships in a changing world. However, the book worked more as history than story-telling. Readers who like their history with a dash of fiction (imagined conversations a la Allan W. Eckert) should add a star or two.
As a reader, I tend to like my historical fiction as vividly told stories with exciting plots. Silverman had a great story to work with, but made some authorial choices that reduced the emotional impact. He uses an omniscient (sometimes a distant third person) point of view which removes the reader from the characters. We have to infer their emotional reactions from action and dialog, but have no direct insight into their inner thoughts or feelings. Some people like this style, but it's not appealing to me. Your experience may vary!
Note: I received a copy of this book through an Early Reader program in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review