'The Egyptian' by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, mainly during the reign of the pharaoh Akhenaton. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician who rises to become an advisor and friend to pharaohs and kings. Through Sinuhe's travels from Egypt to various other regions, including Syria, Babylon, Hattusa, and Crete, the novel paints a timeless human story of ideologies, religion, and the brutal reality of human civilization. The narrative delves into the themes of change, decision-making, and the personal and broader implications of historical events, set against a backdrop of ancient Egypt's political and religious turmoil.
The writing style of 'The Egyptian' is described as dark, atmospheric, educational, and livened by humor. The novel is praised for its epic sweep, philosophy, and good writing based on sound research, capturing the essence of life in ancient Egypt. Waltari's intelligent guesses and detailed descriptions provide a rich and immersive reading experience, offering insights into how ideologies and religion shape a nation and its people. The story is narrated in the first person by Sinuhe, providing a unique perspective on the historical events and personal struggles during a pivotal point in Egypt's history.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Potential triggers include themes of death, loss of loved ones, violence, and political oppression.
Has Romance?
There are significant romantic elements in the story, primarily concerning Sinuhe's relationships and their complexities.
From The Publisher:
First published in the United States in 1949 and widely condemned as obscene, The Egyptian outsold every other novel published that year, and remains a classic; readers worldwide have testified to its life-changing power. It is a full-bodied re-creation of a largely forgotten era in the world's history: the Egypt of the 14th century B.C.E., when pharaohs and gods contended with the near-collapse of history's greatest empire. This epic tale encompasses the whole of the then-known world, from Babylon to Crete, from Thebes to Jerusalem, while centering around one unforgettable figure: Sinuhe, a man of mysterious origins who rises from the depths of degradation to become personal physician to Pharaoh Akhnaton.
Ratings (1)
Loved It (1) |
Reader Stats (5):
Read It (1) | |
Want To Read (1) | |
Not Interested (3) |
What can you read after
The Egyptian?
About the Author:
Mika Waltari (1908 1979) is best known for his historical novels, which include "The Etruscan" and "The Roman." He is widely considered the greatest Finnish writer of the 20th century.
"
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
