The Golden Goblet, by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

     

This week, I'm doing a rather short review series on two of Eloise Jarvis McGraw's books. Both are excellent historical fiction, and both are set in Egypt. They're not a series, but I wanted to review them together anyway. So, without further ado, here's a review of The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw.

       Plot Summary: All his life, Ranofer's wanted to work with metals. He's good at it, too -- good enough for the talented craftsman who works for the king to notice his skill. But his metalsmith father is dead, and Ranofer's guardian, his cruel half-brother Gebu, doesn't care about what Ranofer wants. He does let Ranofer work at a goldmith's shop, for which Ranofer is grateful. Suddenly, things start going wrong. Valuable items are being stolen from the shop. Then Ranofer discovers a priceless golden goblet hidden away in his brother's things. Is Gebu a thief?  Ranofer is determined to solve the twin mysteries, with the help of  his friend Heqet and an old man.

       Discussions: Historical fiction, suspense, loyal friendship, mystery... this is a fantastic book for anyone from about age 10 through high school. 
       This story is a fantastic example of historical fiction. The history blends easily with the story, so you learn without even registering that you're learning about ancient Egypt. Meticulous details place you directly into the story. I'll add that the story is not remotely Christian. Expect ancient Egypt religion and beliefs. 
        Ranofer, an orphan with a love for metalwork, is quiet and withdrawn, subdued by his brother's ill treatment. When a new apprentice, Heqet, comes to the goldsmith shop where Ranofer works, Ranofer is disarmed at first by Heqet's easygoing ways and love of jokes. Heqet wants Ranofer for a friend, and Ranofer values Heqet's friendship, because he has no other friends, except for an old man he knows. Heqet is informal and relaxed, helping to draw Ranofer out of his shell. Ranofer stiffens under Heqet's generosity, but comes to view Heqet as a friend on whom he can depend. 
        The master of the shop, Rekh, would gladly have Ranofer perform higher duties than the menial tasks he currently performs. Ranofer hopes to one day work for Zau, the master craftsman who works for the royalty of Egypt. Zau approves of Ranofer's talent, and would take him on as an apprentice. But Gebu has other plans for Ranofer, and so the boy cannot become a metalsmith yet. He waits eagerly for the day when he can do as Zau counsels him and "shape his life into another form."
        Ranofer's personal quest may be fulfilled somehow, if he can only solve the mysteries surrounding him. Who's stealing silver ingots from Rekh's shop? Why does Gebu have a beautiful golden goblet hidden away? What else has he stolen? And if Ranofer can solve the mysteries, what can he do about it without his half-brother finding out?

Overall: I highly recommend this suspenseful tale from ancient Egypt. 

Look out for a review of Eloise Jarvis McGraw's Mara, Daughter of the Nile this Friday!