White Lotus - Book Review


White Lotus: A Novel of Egypt’s Fall
by Libbie Hawker

Even at a very young age, Doricha is brave enough to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her family from starvation. Follow the 12-year-old girl’s journey in ‘White Lotus: A Novel of Egypt’s Fall’.

White Lotus is set during the reign of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Written by Libbie Hawker, the book follows the life journey of Doricha, a 12-year-old girl from Thrace. She and her family moved to Egypt in search of work. But, something happened to a family member that pushed them into poverty.

Then comes the man who changes their lives forever. A wealthy pornae trader named Iadmon ventures into the stinky back-district of Tanis. He looks for a possible new recruit. He ends up in a poor widow’s apartment and negotiates with her. The mother of four young children is reluctant to give up her eldest daughter. But, Doricha presents herself before Iadmon and agrees to be bought on one specific condition.

On that same day, Doricha travels with Iadmon back to his place in Memphis. And, the agreement is sealed for two hundred hedj. The moment they reach Memphis, Doricha’s life turns 180 degrees. Although now a slave, she is fed well, and her living quarter is way better than what she used to in Tanis.

The Life of a Hetaera Begins

Doricha begins her training as a future hetaera right away under the supervision of Aesop, a fellow slave. She progresses in her practices fast, quickly learning the ways of a prostitute. Although she isn’t engaged to any man yet. Eventually, Iadmon notices her potential as a dancer. Thus, her training shifts to this form of art.

Basically, Doricha’s life revolves around a rigid and routine practice of her skills. Until one eventful night! Twists and turns happen quickly Doricha is unprepared to face. But, she needs to take courage in order to survive. Amid all the hardships she suffers, Doricha keeps her dream of buying her freedom.

Will she ever realize her dream? Read White Lotus and follow Doricha’s journey as a hetaera.

The Book and the Author

White Lotus is a fascinating story. It gives readers a glimpse of ancient Egypt and the status of women during that period. Libbie Hawker presents a good story in this book. There are a lot of positive things to learn from it. Although I notice some discrepancies in the language used in that supposed to be olden times. Doricha’s dialogues are also unlikely for a typical 12-year-old girl. She speaks like an adult.

Moreover, I do appreciate the author’s effort of describing Doricha’s life journey at length. It allows the reader to follow her story closely. However, Hawker’s description is too much that it slows down the pace of the story. Likewise, it takes too long for the story to pick up momentum. And, the Cinderella-like part is a bit awkward. Nevertheless, what I like the most in White Lotus is Archidike’s character. Her persona is well developed as opposed to Doricha’s.

Meanwhile, on the technical side, the book contains several typographical and grammatical errors.

Because of all these flaws, I give White Lotus a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. However, I still recommend it to readers 18 years old and above. I don’t suggest young people read this book due to the nature of the women characters’ work.

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