About the Author
Gill Paul is an author of historical fiction, specialising in the twentieth century and often writing about the lives of real women. Her novels have topped bestseller lists in the US and Canada as well as the UK and have been translated into twenty-one languages. The Secret Wife has sold over half a million copies and is a book-club favourite worldwide.
She is also the author of several non-fiction books on historical subjects. She lives in London and swims year-round in a wild pond. The Collector’s Daughter is her tenth novel. Follow @GillPaulAuthor on Twitter, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit gillpaul.com
About the book
An unforgettable discovery - In 1922, Lady Evelyn Herbert’s dreams are realised when she is the first to set foot inside the lost tomb of Tutankhamun for over 3,000 years.
A cursed life - But the months after the discovery are marred by tragedy, when Eve’s father dies suddenly and her family is torn in two. Desperate to put the past behind her, Eve retreats into a private life with her new husband.
A deadly choice - But she is harbouring a dark secret about what really happened in Egypt. And when a young woman comes asking questions years later, the happiness Eve has finally found is threatened once more…
Review
Poor Eve is unable to grasp all the memories she once retained, to remember what a fantastic opportunity she had as a young girl. Being part of one of the most important excavations of the 20th century. Her body no longer listens to her as it used to, but then again perhaps there are things that are best forgotten.
Interesting combination of a historical fact and fiction - taking the essence of an idea and filling in the blanks of an existing map. Aside from the fact it deals with an intriguing part of history it also throws up a genuine question antiquities experts, historians and governments are battling with more frequently.
The treasures unearthed during archeological digs and research, the treasure hunting and the plundering by our colonial ancestors - who owns those artefacts and items? Surely the exploitation of historical artefacts should come under the same remit as war crime plunder. It's only understandable that the country of origin may try to retrieve said artefacts eventually, especially if they are of immense historical value.
One could argue that those items are in danger of being destroyed in the country of origin - terrorists and agitators often target priceless artefacts, monuments and buildings - however that would be a very colonial attitude, wouldn't it? It seems such a tragedy, and again par for the course when it comes some items being kept in private collections.
It's a fascinating subject, which Paul weaves cleverly into this dual timeline story of a woman who is no longer able to remember just how important a role her own family played in history.
Buy The Collector's Daughter at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Avon; pub date 30 Sept 2021 - Paperback £7.99. Buy at Amazon com.
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