Mara, Daughter of the Nile

By: Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Narrated by: Tara Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

This compelling story of adventure, romance, and intrigue, set in ancient Egypt, was written by the three-time Newbery Honor and Edgar Award winning author Eloise Jarvis McGraw.

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.

Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

“Dangerous espionage, an unusual love story, and richly drawn background make this a book to capture quick and lasting interest.”—Horn Book

©2018 Eloise Jarvis McGraw (P)2018 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“Dangerous espionage, an unusual love story, and richly drawn background make this a book to capture quick and lasting interest.” (Horn Book)

“Thoroughly engrossing.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Good story, HORRIBLE narration. Just AWFUL

I bought this book—Well, the recording—As I read it numerous times when I was growing up. As an adult and I see it is rather juvenile, but going back to my childhood for a few hours made it worthwhile.

However the recording was so poorly done it really ruined the book.

Not the quality of the recording, but the poor recording by the narrator. Please, take some time and listen to Frank Muller or Scott Brick .... this reading was so overdone, even for a children’s book.

8 out of 10 for sure!

Any additional comments?

Eloise Jarvis McGraw the author of “Mara Daughter of the Nile,” gives a wonderful picture of ancient Egypt through the eyes of a young slave woman. I first read this book as a middle school assignment and loved it. While it is not my normal genre, I found it to be an astonishingly entertaining. The book fallows a seventeen-year-old slave girl Mara who gets caught up in the mad schemes Egyptian nobility. All the while falling in love and becoming the hero of the region. I personally think this book holds up very well to the modern styles of writing.
The book was originally published in 1963, yet the style of the narrator as well as the writing give almost a modern feel. In the end the book had a rather narrow plot, but it worked. There is not much of anything surprising, gruesome, disgusting, or disturbing. Over all, it is a very clean book that I would recommend to all ages. 8 out of 10 for sure!

Pros:
1. Excellent Narrator (listened on 1.5 speed)
2. Decent story
3. Phenomenal writing

Cons:
1. Simple plot
2. Maybe a bit rushed

Love this book!

Like many others I read this as a pre teen and absolutely loved it! I was so excited to see it was on audiobook, unfortunately I can’t get past the voices for the characters. Completely ruins it.

One of THE BEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN!!!!!!!

Oh my cow! This is one of the most intense, enjoyable, methodical, romantic and dramatic plots and stories I've ever heard! This is the definition of what it means to be a skilled writer! If any one has any genuine taste for professional literature, this will be your next favorite book. Definately one of those books/stories I could and probably will listen to many times.

BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my gosh! I love this book so much!!!! I’ve reread it at least 7 times!! It’s definitely my favorite book of all time! I recommend this book to ages 10 and up. It’s incredibly well written and the narrator did an awesome job!

Suspenseful and satisfying

Enjoyed the narrator and the tale set in ancient Egypt. The twisting plot was excellent! The romance is not overbearing but boys might not like that aspect.

Amazing great book

I loved the book it is a family favorite great for kids boys or girls

Great

Is this book was very good it was a phenomenal it really had you hooked on and also the reading of this book was amazing so many amazing I’ve noticed you want to stop reading

I loved it!!

This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!! It was a great story of secrets, wars, freedom, and love. Mara is such a strong girl who I would have love to have met! I definitely recommend reading Mara Daughter of the Nile!

Sarah, age 13

Read for Sonlight Curriculum

it's a good story, some romance that can be awkward 😅 for some. I like reading this with my children instead of the Goblet so we can skip those parts.