In Feast or Famine

A Novel (The Egyptian Chronicles, Book 2)

By: Mesu Andrews

Narrated by: Vaneh Assadourian, Mark Deakins, Phillp Hernandez, Jade Wheeler

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Thrust into an arranged marriage, the daughter of ancient Egypt’s high priest plays a pivotal role in Joseph’s biblical narrative in this powerful novel from the award-winning author of Potiphar’s Wife.

After four-year-old Asenath’s mother is murdered by Egypt’s foreign rulers, the child is raised to be a priestess by her overprotective father—high priest of Egypt’s sun god. For fifteen years, Asenath is sequestered in the upper levels of Ra’s temple, convinced it is her destiny to heal the land by becoming queen to the next Egyptian pharaoh. But when Egypt’s foreign king instead gives her as a bride to the newly appointed vizier—a Hebrew named Joseph—her entire world is shaken.

Beyond the walls of her tower, Asenath discovers treachery, deceit, and conspiracy that force her to redefine her destiny and weigh where her true loyalties lie. Can she still trust the gods of Egypt? Or is Elohim, the foreign God of her husband, the one who will heal her nation during the feast and famine to come?

©2023 Mesu Andrews (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Mesu’s talent for intertwining extensive research with riveting storytelling breathes freshness into the ancient and beloved story of Joseph. I highly recommend this fascinating glimpse into his life and faith journey, along with that of Asenath, the often overlooked Egyptian woman at his side.”—Connilyn Cossette, Christy Award-winning and ECPA bestselling author

“In the pages of In Feast or Famine, Mesu Andrews shines light on the little-known but beloved wife of Joseph. With deftness and deep insight, she brings her characters to vivid life, lifting Asenath from obscurity to multifaceted daughter, wife, future mother, and ultimately a believer in Elohim. Well researched and richly presented, this latest offering is a literary feast!”—Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of The Rose and the Thistle

“Mesu Andrews possesses the ability to pull aside the curtain to the past and bring biblical characters to life. Although long familiar with the biblical story of Joseph and his transition from slave to powerful leader, I was mesmerized by the journey this story laid out for him. My deepest takeaway can be found in a single line of dialogue: “Elohim meets us in our pain.” Truth indeed, painted eloquently by this author’s gifted pen. I highly recommend this novel.”—Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of Freedom’s Song

love biblical fiction

i love her story lines. i just wish there were more accuracy in discribing skine tones and hair types. ... especially in the cover aet work. christian artists like to white wash everyone into light/white sckin tones.

Kings, pharaohs, and Hebrews

Fascinating history of Egypt’s Pharaohs, Kings, and the Hebrew journeys. And how the King of King’s faithfulness, and steadfast love provides, cares and protects.

Feast or Famine

Interesting & captivating. Looking forward to more by this author. I Always pre order. Outstanding performance by narrator.

Interesting interpretation

Lots of details/names to follow. I thought the plots were kind of far fetched. I generally enjoy her books but this is probably my least favorite.

Joseph Takes a Wife

The story of Joseph has always been one of my favorite in the Bible.. This is the first I ever considered him being a husband and what it would be like to have a wife. This addresses the dysfunction in many homes, yet it also shows God's love for those who seek him. Mesu Andrews does a great job bringing to life the challenges during the 7 years of feast and the seven years of famine. If you enjoy intrigue, you will enjoy this book. Listening to this on audible was a little bit challenging due to all of the complexity of the names of the characters. You really need to pay attention.

Outstanding

this book was brilliantly written and engaging.

I normally read three to four books at a time, but all my other books were set aside as I read this one.

my only complaint was that it ended. it's one of those books that you want to go on and on.

Author does her homework!

When you get to the end of this book, the author’s notes reveal how much research Mesu puts in when she writes a novel. It is well written, and I enjoyed it. However, it does get confusing at times with so many names and the politics involved. If you want easy listening, this probably isn’t the right book for you.

Another masterpiece by Mesu Andrews

The intertwining of fact and informed imagination is absolutely amazing. This book had me looking up maps and archeological findings. It turned into a real adventure. I was sorry when it was over as I usually am with all Mesu Andrews’ books

Creative and Entertaining

I've just discovered the fiction of Mesu Andrews this year and I am enjoying her creative storytelling based on biblical characters. This story is very dramatic, with the villainous Potiphera and assassinations abounding. I really liked the development of the relationship between Joseph and Asenath. It was well done and quite believable. Some of the side plots and characters dealing with Potiphera's schemes and political intrigues were less well-developed and a little hard to follow. I also struggled with the narrator who voiced Asenath. Her voice was too intense and did not vary effectively with changing emotions and situations. I'm very glad I listened to the audiobook, but I might have enjoyed reading this one in book form.

so good it was hard to put down

Mesu has woven an excellent story, adding depth and human detials to well known Biblical people. It was hard to put this book down, which meant I lost a lot of sleep. buy meeting Joseph and Aseneth in this way was worth it.