Genre Fiction
![Mesu Andrews - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B00424KQ4U.jpg)
In Feast or Famine: A Novel (The Egyptian Chronicles)
Thrust into an arranged marriage, the daughter of ancient Egypt's high priest plays a pivotal role in Joseph's biblical narrative in this powerful novel from the award-winning author of Potiphar's Wife.
After four-year-old Asenath's mother is murdered by Egypt's foreign rulers, the child is raised to be a priestess by her overprotective father-high priest of Egypt's sun god. For fifteen years, Asenath is sequestered in the upper levels of Ra's temple, convinced it is her destiny to heal the land by becoming queen to the next Egyptianpharaoh. But when Egypt's foreign king instead gives her as a bride to the newly appointed vizier-a Hebrew named Joseph-her entire world is shaken.
Beyond the walls of her tower, Asenath discovers treachery, deceit, and conspiracy that force her to redefine her destiny and weigh where her true loyalties lie. Can she still trust the gods of Egypt? Or is Elohim, the foreign God of her husband, the one who will heal her nation during the feast and famine to come?
After four-year-old Asenath's mother is murdered by Egypt's foreign rulers, the child is raised to be a priestess by her overprotective father-high priest of Egypt's sun god. For fifteen years, Asenath is sequestered in the upper levels of Ra's temple, convinced it is her destiny to heal the land by becoming queen to the next Egyptianpharaoh. But when Egypt's foreign king instead gives her as a bride to the newly appointed vizier-a Hebrew named Joseph-her entire world is shaken.
Beyond the walls of her tower, Asenath discovers treachery, deceit, and conspiracy that force her to redefine her destiny and weigh where her true loyalties lie. Can she still trust the gods of Egypt? Or is Elohim, the foreign God of her husband, the one who will heal her nation during the feast and famine to come?
Editorial Reviews
"Mesu's talent for intertwining extensive research with riveting storytelling breathes freshness into the ancient and beloved story of Joseph. I highly recommend this fascinating glimpse into his life and faith journey, along with that of Asenath, the often overlooked Egyptian woman at his side."-Connilyn Cossette, Christy Award–winning and ECPA bestselling author
"In the pages of In Feast or Famine, Mesu Andrews shines light on the little-known but beloved wife of Joseph. With deftness and deep insight, she brings her characters to vivid life, lifting Asenath from obscurity to multifaceted daughter, wife, future mother, and ultimately a believer in Elohim. Well researched and richly presented, this latest offering is a literary feast!"-Laura Frantz, Christy Award–winning author of The Rose and the Thistle
"Mesu Andrews possesses the ability to pull aside the curtain to the past and bring biblical characters to life. Although long familiar with the biblical story of Joseph and his transition from slave to powerful leader, I was mesmerized by the journey this story laid out for him. My deepest takeaway can be found in a single line of dialogue: "Elohim meets us in our pain." Truth indeed, painted eloquently by this author's gifted pen. I highly recommend this novel."-Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of Freedom's Song
"The second half of Joseph's story comes to life in this exciting sequel to Potiphar's Wife. The spotlight shines on Asenath, Joseph's Egyptian wife, giving us a firsthand look at her journey. Palace intrigue, political drama, romance, and inspiration are all woven together in this inspiring story. Those who are looking for well-written biblical fiction with exceptional research will be delighted with this new novel from bestselling author Mesu Andrews."-Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of The Legacy of Longdale Manor and No Journey Too Far
"In Feast or Famine invites us to experience a familiar story come to life. As an unlikely romance blooms amid political machinations and ruthless ambition, one woman learns to trust the God who has a plan for her life, even when the future is uncertain. This novel is a treat for all those who are fascinated by ancient E...
"In the pages of In Feast or Famine, Mesu Andrews shines light on the little-known but beloved wife of Joseph. With deftness and deep insight, she brings her characters to vivid life, lifting Asenath from obscurity to multifaceted daughter, wife, future mother, and ultimately a believer in Elohim. Well researched and richly presented, this latest offering is a literary feast!"-Laura Frantz, Christy Award–winning author of The Rose and the Thistle
"Mesu Andrews possesses the ability to pull aside the curtain to the past and bring biblical characters to life. Although long familiar with the biblical story of Joseph and his transition from slave to powerful leader, I was mesmerized by the journey this story laid out for him. My deepest takeaway can be found in a single line of dialogue: "Elohim meets us in our pain." Truth indeed, painted eloquently by this author's gifted pen. I highly recommend this novel."-Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of Freedom's Song
"The second half of Joseph's story comes to life in this exciting sequel to Potiphar's Wife. The spotlight shines on Asenath, Joseph's Egyptian wife, giving us a firsthand look at her journey. Palace intrigue, political drama, romance, and inspiration are all woven together in this inspiring story. Those who are looking for well-written biblical fiction with exceptional research will be delighted with this new novel from bestselling author Mesu Andrews."-Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of The Legacy of Longdale Manor and No Journey Too Far
"In Feast or Famine invites us to experience a familiar story come to life. As an unlikely romance blooms amid political machinations and ruthless ambition, one woman learns to trust the God who has a plan for her life, even when the future is uncertain. This novel is a treat for all those who are fascinated by ancient E...
Short Excerpt Teaser
One
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:34
On, Lower Egypt
Twenty-Three Months Later
Asenath
If raising a monkey was intended to train me as the Great Ommi of Egypt, I was failing miserably. "Jendayi, naughty girl. Give me that mirror!" I lunged at my furry-faced guenon as she scurried up the slanted branch in her corner of my audience chamber. She was the size of a water pitcher, and her brown speckled fur was softer than lamb's wool. She was the joy of my life but as unruly as a spoiled child.
"I'll get the mirror this time." Zahra, my adventurous handmaid, raced after her. Jendayi scampered up more dead branches, with a squeal like laughter, then settled into her favorite hiding place. Potabi had constructed a web of hemp ropes like vines hanging from my gilded ceiling. My mischievous monkey had picked off nearly all the gold sheeting, exposing the limestone blocks of my tower's ceiling.
"Be careful, Zahra." Hotep chewed her nails. "Don't corner her. She'll bite you."
Instantly defensive, I glared at my overly cautious maid. "Jendayi doesn't bite."
Hotep glared back at me and pointed to the scar on her forearm.
I rolled my eyes. "That was one time-when we were thirteen. Jendayi was a baby. Will you ever forgive her?"
"I've forgiven her, but I don't repeat mistakes, and I try to help others learn from them."
"Here, little Jendayi." Zahra's sing-song tone stole our attention. Balancing precariously on one of the dead branches, she slowly reached for the mirror. "Come, little girl. Give me-"
Jendayi squealed, jumped on Zahra's shoulder, and skittered down the branch-running straight into my arms. The little scamp pressed her lips against my face, then looked over her shoulder and puffed her cheeks at Zahra.
My maid hung from the branch like an overgrown ape, growled, and began her descent. "I daresay your new husband won't endure Jendayi's little pranks. Did your abi inform King Webenre that your ‘child' was part of the dowry traveling with us to Abydos?"
A flutter stirred in my belly every time I thought of my upcoming wedding to a man I'd never even seen. "I'm sure Potabi told him whatever was needed to seal our union as divine Abi and Ommi of Egypt."
When Zahra's feet landed on solid ground, she straightened her sheer white robe and glared at me. "Have you considered how Jendayi will react to a child from your womb?"
"What a strange question." Yet inwardly I winced, adding this to my forbidden thoughts. "Jendayi will love my children as she loves me-as I love her."
Hotep left her perch by the east window, where she'd been watching On's activity below, and held out one hand to Jendayi. The monkey gave her the mirror and then curled her arms around my neck. "You see?" Hotep said. "Jendayi loves no one as she loves you, and she grows jealous when anyone steals your attention. She could harm an infant if-"
"Quiet!" I heard the scuffing of sandals on the stairs. "Potabi's coming." It could only be him since no one else climbed our steps. He usually conquered the 375 steps on the first day of each week to teach us a new chant. Any other day, he used the tray attached to ropes and pulleys to send up messages or meals. I lowered my voice. "And don't ask Potabi anything about marriage and children. I'm nervous enough."
My maids exchanged an uneasy glance. They were anxious about moving to the Abydos palace, too. Zahra, Hotep, and I had never been in the same room with a man other than Potabi since we were four years old. How could I let a man-even a king-touch me? Mother Isis, give me courage. For fifteen years Potabi had kept us in secluded safety on the upper level of Ra's temple tower, separated from the world below. We were the chantresses of On, serving the great sun god, Ra. We sang from the east window at dawn, midday, and dusk, filling the city with chants of warning, blessing, and grief to glorify our god. Our education came from Potabi, who taught us history, geography, sums, and the hieroglyphs. Above all, he'd emphasized we must be chaste in body, mind, and ka, but he left my wedding night a complete mystery.
Trying to calm myself, I stroked Jendayi's soft fur and said to my maids, "Isis will give us wisdom for the wedding and the marriage after."
"I'm happy to hear you say that, Daughter," Potabi said from the top step, leaning heavily on the railing.
Jendayi gripped my neck a little tighter, always nervous when he came ...
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:34
On, Lower Egypt
Twenty-Three Months Later
Asenath
If raising a monkey was intended to train me as the Great Ommi of Egypt, I was failing miserably. "Jendayi, naughty girl. Give me that mirror!" I lunged at my furry-faced guenon as she scurried up the slanted branch in her corner of my audience chamber. She was the size of a water pitcher, and her brown speckled fur was softer than lamb's wool. She was the joy of my life but as unruly as a spoiled child.
"I'll get the mirror this time." Zahra, my adventurous handmaid, raced after her. Jendayi scampered up more dead branches, with a squeal like laughter, then settled into her favorite hiding place. Potabi had constructed a web of hemp ropes like vines hanging from my gilded ceiling. My mischievous monkey had picked off nearly all the gold sheeting, exposing the limestone blocks of my tower's ceiling.
"Be careful, Zahra." Hotep chewed her nails. "Don't corner her. She'll bite you."
Instantly defensive, I glared at my overly cautious maid. "Jendayi doesn't bite."
Hotep glared back at me and pointed to the scar on her forearm.
I rolled my eyes. "That was one time-when we were thirteen. Jendayi was a baby. Will you ever forgive her?"
"I've forgiven her, but I don't repeat mistakes, and I try to help others learn from them."
"Here, little Jendayi." Zahra's sing-song tone stole our attention. Balancing precariously on one of the dead branches, she slowly reached for the mirror. "Come, little girl. Give me-"
Jendayi squealed, jumped on Zahra's shoulder, and skittered down the branch-running straight into my arms. The little scamp pressed her lips against my face, then looked over her shoulder and puffed her cheeks at Zahra.
My maid hung from the branch like an overgrown ape, growled, and began her descent. "I daresay your new husband won't endure Jendayi's little pranks. Did your abi inform King Webenre that your ‘child' was part of the dowry traveling with us to Abydos?"
A flutter stirred in my belly every time I thought of my upcoming wedding to a man I'd never even seen. "I'm sure Potabi told him whatever was needed to seal our union as divine Abi and Ommi of Egypt."
When Zahra's feet landed on solid ground, she straightened her sheer white robe and glared at me. "Have you considered how Jendayi will react to a child from your womb?"
"What a strange question." Yet inwardly I winced, adding this to my forbidden thoughts. "Jendayi will love my children as she loves me-as I love her."
Hotep left her perch by the east window, where she'd been watching On's activity below, and held out one hand to Jendayi. The monkey gave her the mirror and then curled her arms around my neck. "You see?" Hotep said. "Jendayi loves no one as she loves you, and she grows jealous when anyone steals your attention. She could harm an infant if-"
"Quiet!" I heard the scuffing of sandals on the stairs. "Potabi's coming." It could only be him since no one else climbed our steps. He usually conquered the 375 steps on the first day of each week to teach us a new chant. Any other day, he used the tray attached to ropes and pulleys to send up messages or meals. I lowered my voice. "And don't ask Potabi anything about marriage and children. I'm nervous enough."
My maids exchanged an uneasy glance. They were anxious about moving to the Abydos palace, too. Zahra, Hotep, and I had never been in the same room with a man other than Potabi since we were four years old. How could I let a man-even a king-touch me? Mother Isis, give me courage. For fifteen years Potabi had kept us in secluded safety on the upper level of Ra's temple tower, separated from the world below. We were the chantresses of On, serving the great sun god, Ra. We sang from the east window at dawn, midday, and dusk, filling the city with chants of warning, blessing, and grief to glorify our god. Our education came from Potabi, who taught us history, geography, sums, and the hieroglyphs. Above all, he'd emphasized we must be chaste in body, mind, and ka, but he left my wedding night a complete mystery.
Trying to calm myself, I stroked Jendayi's soft fur and said to my maids, "Isis will give us wisdom for the wedding and the marriage after."
"I'm happy to hear you say that, Daughter," Potabi said from the top step, leaning heavily on the railing.
Jendayi gripped my neck a little tighter, always nervous when he came ...
