A Slow Starter
By Enid Shomer
Simon & Schuster 26.00 464 pages
The Twelve Rooms of the Nile by Enid Shomer is revolving around the imagined relationship between Gustave Flaubert and Florence Nightingale. The novel describes an unlikely friendship between these two famous persons struggling with their dreams. It focuses on the personal thoughts of each of them, relating their inner struggles with their past and present as they both fight the chains of society.
With an efficient eloquence, Shomer beautifully describes the two young people’s conflicts within themselves. She successfully creates characters that we can relate to in present, even though society’s views have drastically shifted since Flaubert and Nightingale time. Shomer succeeds in humanizing two historical figures by showing their flaws and virtues without disgrace to their names. What is also interesting that her view on religion and how she connects her personages.
Although, this novel is slow to grab your attention, the general plot structure and the style in which Shomer writes is enough to make you want more. The historical novelist fans, The Twelve Rooms of the Nile may be the right novel for you!
Reviewed By Taylor Pittman
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