Review of 'The Collector's Daughter' by Gill Paul

Note: “Bestselling author Gill Paul returns with a brilliant novel about Lady Evelyn Herbert, the woman who took the very first step into the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and who lived in the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, and the long after-effects of the Curse of Pharaohs.”

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

The Collector’s Daughter by British author Gill Paul is about many things but one clear message that shines through is that the heart knows what it wants. Love has a power than can transcend time, class expectations, illness, mistakes and imperfect plans. Soul mate love can sustain its recipients through life’s and death’s greatest challenges. The love of Lady Evelyn and husband Brograve Beauchamp was one such love that blossomed generously, glowingly, purely and never faded or wilted with time or trials. The negatives that came their way never once altered their love for each other. Even when Eve’s ability to remember became more severe with each stroke, Brograve continued to be devoted to the woman that took his breath away. It was a tireless mission to make his wife happy and comfortable— even though his heart broke at her deterioration. He stood by her side, held her hand, protected, adored and cheered her on to the very end of his life. This sort of selfless love transcends ordinary sacrifice and reverent duty. Gill paints a beautiful picture of true tenderness and adoration that only some are fortunate to find.

The theme of memory runs like a golden thread throughout this heart-felt story. Do we always remember details as they were or as our mind hopes they were? And what happens when one person of a couple loses the ability to remember the life they shared with their other half? This novel addresses the painful waning of memories when illness strikes: the difficulty for the one losing them, plus, the anguish felt by those closest watching it happen.

The Collector’s Daughter also is the story of a woman who was present during the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. For Eve, it was the ‘greatest moment’ of her life to step into this ancient pharaoh’s hidden world. The thrill and elation of such a rapturous find is clearly felt through the words and scenes in this novel. But this discovery also unleashed the fears attached to the Egyptian curses. Anyone who disturbed the tomb could suffer consequences. This novel explores those beliefs, questions and the confusion that surfaced and surrounded this amazing discovery. Particularly when odd mishaps happened to those connected to the tomb discovery. 

Once Eve’s mind starts to falter further after a more devastating stroke, the secrets made between herself, Howard Carter and her father begin to seep out between the cracks of her shattering memory. The fifty year old fortress pact crumbles leaving the age old truth exposed, tripped by the approach and persistent questioning of Ana Mansour, an Egyptian academic, who is determined to find the missing contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb. This causes Eve great distress and affects her already fragile health. She tries to remember what items were found and where they have been placed. And should she share her secrets with this woman who continues to push so hard for the truth that she is likely to miss it? Is she a friend or foe? Will releasing the truth put Eve’s and/or even Ana’s life in danger?

This fascinating dual time line novel is like a gracious dance back and forth from the 1920’s to the 1970’s and Gill makes each transition smooth and flawless. We never lose track of where we are in time or the characters’ journeys. Plus, the intrigue, history and magic of the plot left me glued to its pages. The experiences of the well-rounded characters are delivered passionately and respectfully. 

I love the fact that Eve gets to tell her story and her husband, too. It was so much a man’s world at that time and women’s part in discoveries where disregarded but Gill gives Eve a powerful voice: centre stage with spotlights and all. Gill’s research is exceptional and her imagination, even more so, in how she creates from fact such compelling unforgettable fiction. For she has masterfully filled in the missing pieces of what might have been. I will never lose the visuals and emotions I felt while reading this novel. The Collector’s Daughter is a truly powerful story that touches deep within: sparking both the human and divine. I highly recommend this novel. 5 sovereign stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Gill for a copy to review. A book I will treasure always.

Published by HarperCollins Australia (Avon Books). Available at your favourite book sellers. (2 x Book Covers depending where you are in the world!)

Another cover of this novel.