Book Recommendation - The Queen's Cook

 

One of my absolute favorite genres to read is Biblical historical fiction. Because I'm not overly imaginative, the dryness the comes with the oral traditions and laws of scripture make it so that reading the Bible on my own does not allow it to stick very well. But when an author who has researched the culture and has the imagination to tell stories in Bible times, even using Bible characters, it brings the scriptures to life for me. When I next read the passages related to a Biblical novel I've read, I see the stories more clearly in my mind's eye. One of my favorite Biblical fiction authors is Tessa Afshar. I jump at the chance to read anything she writes and The Queen's Cook was one of my most anticipated releases for this year. Though the story of Esther has been told by countless novelists, Afshar took a different tack. Esther was a bit of a minor character in this book and it focuses primarily on one of the cooks in her kitchen, and the palace physician. Here's a bit about the book:

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings, but instead he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother while settling the debt, Roxannah approaches Adin--the man whose kind eyes still haunt her--to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah strives to overcome prejudice and adversity as she ascends through the ranks in the royal kitchen. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther herself, a woman of grace and wisdom, who is navigating treacherous palace politics and whispers of her inability to produce an heir after six years of marriage. Amid this unfolding connection, Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Amestris and Esther's reign hang in the balance.

As a woman of Persian heritage and who enjoys authentic dishes, this book gave a bit more of the author's heart than most. I enjoyed learning more about the foods of the culture and the time as well as being told a tale of historical significance from a unique perspective. This book releases November 19, 2024 wherever books are sold. For more information, check out the following links:

Tessa Afshar's website: https://tessaafshar.com/

Tessa Afshar's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6943531891

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