Books Like...

'River God' by Wilbur Smith is set in ancient Egypt and tells the story through the eyes of a talented slave named Taita. The plot focuses on the forbidden love between a young girl and boy amidst an invasion of Egypt, leading to a tale of true love and the challenges faced to protect it. The writing style is described as accessible and engaging, with a mix of romance, adventure, and action that brings ancient Egypt to life vividly.

'Child of the Morning' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the story of Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the only woman to ever reign as Pharaoh of Egypt. Set in the 15th century BC, the book portrays Hatshepsut's journey from being trained to rule Egypt by her father to her struggles against her brother's attempts to take the throne from her. The author's writing style immerses the reader in the ancient Egyptian culture, painting a detailed picture of the time period with descriptions that evoke the sights and scents of the era.

The novel combines fiction with historical facts, showcasing Hatshepsut as a strong and tenacious woman who defied societal norms to rule Egypt for twenty years. The plot delves into the power struggles within the royal family, the political maneuvering to maintain control, and the challenges Hatshepsut faced during her reign, including threats from her nephew and the need to balance her personal desires with her responsibilities as Pharaoh. Despite some discrepancies with historical accuracy, the book captivates readers with its portrayal of an enigmatic historical figure and the ancient world she inhabited.

'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.

Readers describe "Helen of Troy" by Margaret George as a lush retelling of the Trojan War from Helen's perspective. The book offers a grand, sweeping romance with beautiful settings and includes favorite heroes from the Trojan War. Margaret George is praised for her masterful storytelling, providing a fresh take on the legend of Helen and the downfall of Troy by showcasing the preventable mistakes and poor judgments made by the characters. Readers appreciate the emotional depth of the narrative and the way the story is written through Helen's eyes, making them empathize with the characters and feel connected to the plot.

The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers by Margaret George is a historical fiction novel that offers a unique perspective on the life of King Henry VIII. Written as if it were Henry's own autobiography, the book delves into his thoughts and feelings about his wives, his reign, and his inner struggles. The addition of notes by his fool, Will Somers, adds depth and balance to the narrative, highlighting Henry's egotism and the reality of his actions.

'Cleopatra: A Life' by Stacy Schiff delves into the life of the enigmatic Egyptian queen, Cleopatra VII. The narrative reconstructs Cleopatra's struggles for survival amidst family intrigues and her famous relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The author, Stacy Schiff, blends historical facts with speculation to unravel the truth behind Cleopatra's life, while acknowledging the challenges of interpreting a figure whose history has been shaped by conquerors and myths.

Mary, Called Magdalene by Margaret George is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Mary Magdalene, a controversial figure from biblical times. The book presents Mary as a sympathetic and complex character, exploring her struggles with demonic possession, her encounter with Jesus, and her journey as one of his disciples and apostles. The story covers Mary's life from childhood to her death, providing a unique perspective on familiar biblical events and shedding light on the roles of women in the 1st century.

The novel is praised for its well-written narrative that brings biblical times to life in an approachable and real way. Margaret George's portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a tormented soul saved by Jesus is deemed believable and inspiring, with a focus on the main character's personal struggles and growth. The book is commended for creating sympathy for Mary, Jesus, and the occupied Jewish state, as well as for offering insights from a female perspective and exploring the complexities of faith and spirituality.

'Mary Queen of Scotland and The Isles' by Margaret George is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, from her birth to her execution. The book paints a detailed picture of Mary's struggles, triumphs, and the political and religious intrigues she faced during her reign. The writing style of the book is described as sprawling, with a lot of description at times, and the point of view changes regularly. The novel covers Mary's relationships with key figures like Queen Elizabeth I and her husbands, depicting her as a complex and sometimes flawed character.

'Nefertiti' by Michelle Moran is a historical novel that tells the story of Queen Nefertiti through the perspective of her sister, Mutnodjmet. The plot follows Nefertiti's rise to power as the Queen of Egypt and Pharaoh, co-reigning with her husband Amunhotep IV. The writing style is described as flowing and descriptive, immersing the reader in the ancient Egyptian setting. blends historical facts with fictional elements to bring characters like Nefertiti and Mutnodjmet to life.

Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie is a departure from her usual detective novels, set in ancient Egypt around 4000 years ago. The story revolves around Renisenb, a young widow who returns to her family home after her husband's death. The peaceful household is disrupted when her father brings home a manipulative concubine named Nofret, leading to tensions and ultimately, murder. The plot unfolds like a country house mystery, with family members suspecting each other and the real culprit remaining hidden until the end. Despite the exotic setting, the mystery is typically Christie, with well-developed characters and a richly evoked ancient Egyptian backdrop.