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The Hippopotamus Marsh

Book 1 in the series:Lords of the Two Lands

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The Hippopotamus Marsh by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt during the Seventeenth Dynasty. The story follows Sequenenra Tao, a descendant of the last true pharaohs, as he navigates the political intrigues and rebellions against the ruling foreigners, the Hyksos. The book vividly brings to life the passions and conflicts of the time, painting a vibrant picture of everyday life in ancient Egypt. The plot revolves around Sequenenra's actions to confront the Hyksos and the treachery he faces within his own household, setting the stage for a tale of rebellion and awakening in Egypt.

The writing style of Pauline Gedge is praised for its ability to breathe life into the characters, making readers feel the intensity of their convictions. The book is described as entertaining, fast-paced, and immersive, offering a rich and realistic portrayal of ancient Egypt and its noble houses. With vividly drawn characters and a compelling plot that unfolds against the backdrop of historical events, The Hippopotamus Marsh is a gripping read that transports readers to a distant time and place.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each possessing strong personal convictions that are integral to the plot.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fluid and engaging, effectively bringing ancient history to life through masterful storytelling and cultural insights.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the rebellion against Hyksos rule in ancient Egypt, primarily focusing on Seqenenra and his son, Pharaoh Ahmose I, while taking some historical liberties.

Setting:

The setting is ancient Egypt during the Seventeenth Dynasty, presented with vivid details that capture the cultural and historical context.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slow but improves significantly, becoming more engaging and compelling in the latter half of the book.
The structure was swiftly becoming dangerous. The mud bricks from which it had been built were decaying. Whole walls were nothing but piles of dust. Ceilings had collapsed, letting in shafts of light ...

Notes:

The Hippopotamus Marsh is set in an exciting period of ancient Egyptian history when Theban royalty rebelled against the Hyksos invaders.
The story follows Seqenenra, who led the first rebellion against the Hyksos, and his son, future Pharaoh Ahmose I.
Pauline Gedge takes creative liberties with historical details for storytelling purposes.
The book is noted for its detailed character development, making readers invest in their lives.
It is part of a trilogy called Lords of the Two Lands.
Gedge's writing is praised for bringing ancient civilizations to life and creating vivid settings.
The story captures the gradual awakening of the royal family of Egypt against two centuries of Hyksos rule.
Readers find the book hard to put down and often end up wanting to read more of Gedge's works.
Gedge's novels are well-researched and provide a rich portrayal of ancient Egyptian culture and values.
The trilogy begins with The Hippopotamus Marsh, which has garnered a dedicated following among historical fiction fans.

From The Publisher:

Chonicles the rise of the Eighteenth Dynasty in ancient Egypt, as Seqenenra, Prince of Westet, mounts a rebellion against Apepa, Lord of Two Lands.

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