Book Review: Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews
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Mesu Andrews’ 2022 release, Potiphar’s Wife, takes the reader back to ancient Egypt with the Biblical story of Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife.
We meet Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39 when she repeatedly requests that Joseph join her in bed, and he repeatedly, but kindly refuses. Potiphar’s wife grew increasingly frustrated and embarrassed by his consistent refusals, and as a result, decided to accuse him of attempted rape.
Mesu artfully crafts a gripping multiple viewpoint masterpiece as we follow Princess Zuleika of Crete through tragedy in Pharaoh’s court and the tumultuous years full of intrigue, loss, hope, and questions of love and faith.
Princess Zuleika is a woman who voluntarily leaves her homeland to trade herself for Egyptian support to rebuild her country after the great quake, in order to “protect and prosper” her people. She is quickly given in marriage to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s most trusted and beloved Captain, who would rather face battle than take a wife.
Potiphar’s Wife is a well-researched faith fiction novel for adult readers. As the author reminds us in her notes, the story is rooted in scripture but created as fiction. While it’s classified as faith fiction, it could be enjoyed by readers who don’t have religious preferences. The story centers on both Egyptian and Christian belief systems and their influences on the character’s life-altering choices.
Personally, I couldn’t put the book down once I started. I held my breath on multiple occasions. It was a captivating, emotional rollercoaster leaving me completely satisfied as I read the last line. Mesu masterfully connects the modern reader with the familiar desires and temptations of ancient man.
I highly recommend this book to any adult readers who love historical fiction, political intrigue, or Christian fiction for this story of loss, obsession, redemption, forgiveness, and love.
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Katie Daniels
Katie Daniels is a speech language pathologist in Florida, where she resides with her husband and their pup-child. She has dabbled in professional and personal writing over the years, but only recently began sharing her work with others. She is a proud Florida kid who enjoys meeting new people, seeing new places, and all things related to laughter, travel, faith, Disney, reading, and F.S.U. football. She is easily bribed with donuts or mac ‘n cheese.
She would love to connect on Instagram.
3 Comments
[…] Potiphar’s Wife […]
[…] If you enjoyed this book, check out these other titles: The Forger’s Forgery, The Gold Persimmon, and Potiphar’s Wife. […]
I have never really thought about Potiphar’s wife getting her own story. She is usually just a villain, so this perspective must be fascinating. It is interesting when authors take a minor character and give them a voice. It makes you question the stories you thought you knew. I am always up for a good biblical retelling. Do you think this book makes her a sympathetic character or does it stick to the traditional view?