I'd always thought I would feel like an animal released from its cage when my student days were finished, I felt more like a bird that had been pushed from its nest and told it must fly.

Even in the most wretched life, there’s hope.

Her beauty might fascinate men, but it was difficult to charm them when she stood mute. . . .

You'll know if he loves you by how long he's willing to fight.

the one for whom the sun shines.. -Ramses II

After all, that's why we read historical fiction-to be transported to another time, and to be astonished at ancient people's lives and traditions, just as they would probably be astonished at ours.

You want it to feel like a surprise. You want to keep him guessing whether he'll make you smile entirely so that when you do, he will feel like he's been given a gift.