Shortlisted for the Woutertje Pieterse Prize and the Boon Literature Prize 2022

A masterful YA novel from the queen of retellings

Ankhesenamun grows up in the court of her father, Pharaoh Akhenaten, in Ancient Egypt. Despite the luxury of a beautiful new palace and endless parades and parties, her life is not easy. Her family is hungry for power and her father is not popular among the people. Ankhe already has five sisters by the time her half-brother, Tutankhamun, is born. A weak boy with a club foot, he is the future pharaoh of Egypt. Ankhesenamun appoints herself as his protector and teaches him everything he needs to know to survive. She lives by his side like a shadow, and everything seems to be going well. Until suddenly disaster strikes and her own life is in grave danger…

Tut’s Shadow is a book full of people and gods, lies and deceit, gold and poverty, but also a gripping love story between two young people who support each other through thick and thin in a tumultuous period filled with danger.

‘A rich, layered tale for strong readers, about power, women’s strength and a fascinating time, which at times feels topical (…) Djenné Fila surpasses herself with beautiful drawings, inspired by Egyptian art. ’ – Bas Maliepaard, Trouw

‘From the moment you open Tut’s Shadow, everything breathes ancient Egypt. This is mainly due to the vivid descriptions of author Lida Dijkstra, but also because of the incredibly beautiful illustrations of Djenné Fila.’ – De Boekenkrant