Mika Waltari (1908–1979)

“My name was once inscribed in Pharaoh’s golden book, and I dwelt at his right hand. My words outweighed those of the mighty in the land of Kem; nobles sent me gifts, and chains of gold were hung about my neck. I possessed all that a man can desire, but like a man I desired more—therefore, I am what I am. I was driven from Thebes in the sixth year of the reign of Pharaoh Horemheb, to be beaten to death like a cur if I returned—to be crushed like a frog between the stones if I took show more one step beyond the area prescribed for my dwelling place. This is by command of the King, of Pharaoh who was once my friend.”

First published in Finland in 1945, this novel is a sweeping classic historical saga that tells the story of Sinuhe, an Egyptian physician. He is writing his life story from an older age while living in exile. He starts at the beginning of his life, as an orphan adopted by a doctor and his wife. He tells of his family, adventures, journeys, wars, friendships, and relationships. He ends with how he became exiled. His story features real Egyptian leaders, such as Amenhotep III, Nefertiti, Horemheb, Eie, and Tutankhamun.

In addition to following Sinhue’s journeys, it depicts the rise and fall of Pharoah Akhnaton (Amenhotep IV). Akhnaton changed the primary Egyptian religion from Amon and the traditional gods, to Aton, the sun god and only god. This change to monotheism created much disruption, upheaval, and violence. It is ironic since Aton was supposed to be a god of peace. It reflects the ways in which wars tend to surface despite peaceful intentions.

It is an engaging story with deeply drawn characters, expressive writing, and emotional ups and downs. The first half reminds me a bit of The Odyssey, where the main character travels by ship and surmounts many obstacles, though The Egyptian is fully set in the real world and does not employ actions by mythological creatures. A bit of humor is introduced through the antics of Sinuhe’s slave, Kaptah. Over the course of the story, they form a close friendship.

Through Sinuhe’s adventures, the reader feels immersed in the customs, culture, religious beliefs, medical practices, politics, and society of ancient Egypt and the surrounding regions. He encounters people from Syria, Mitanni, Hattusa, Babylon, and Crete. It would have been even more enjoyable if it were shorter (the war scenes become a bit much after a while) but is definitely worth reading and highly recommended. This book was made into a Hollywood film in 1954.

4.5 show less

“My name was once inscribed in Pharaoh’s golden book, and I dwelt at his right hand. My words outweighed those of the mighty in the land of Kem; nobles sent me gifts, and chains of gold were hung about my neck. I possessed all that a man can desire, but like a man I desired more—therefore, I am what I am. I was driven from Thebes in the sixth year of the reign of Pharaoh Horemheb, to be beaten to death like a cur if I returned—to be crushed like a frog between the stones if I took show more one step beyond the area prescribed for my dwelling place. This is by command of the King, of Pharaoh who was once my friend.”

First published in Finland in 1945, this novel is a sweeping classic historical saga that tells the story of Sinuhe, an Egyptian physician. He is writing his life story from an older age while living in exile. He starts at the beginning of his life, as an orphan adopted by a doctor and his wife. He tells of his family, adventures, journeys, wars, friendships, and relationships. He ends with how he became exiled. His story features real Egyptian leaders, such as Amenhotep III, Nefertiti, Horemheb, Eie, and Tutankhamun.

In addition to following Sinhue’s journeys, it depicts the rise and fall of Pharoah Akhnaton (Amenhotep IV). Akhnaton changed the primary Egyptian religion from Amon and the traditional gods, to Aton, the sun god and only god. This change to monotheism created much disruption, upheaval, and violence. It is ironic since Aton was supposed to be a god of peace. It reflects the ways in which wars tend to surface despite peaceful intentions.

It is an engaging story with deeply drawn characters, expressive writing, and emotional ups and downs. The first half reminds me a bit of The Odyssey, where the main character travels by ship and surmounts many obstacles, though The Egyptian is fully set in the real world and does not employ actions by mythological creatures. A bit of humor is introduced through the antics of Sinuhe’s slave, Kaptah. Over the course of the story, they form a close friendship.

Through Sinuhe’s adventures, the reader feels immersed in the customs, culture, religious beliefs, medical practices, politics, and society of ancient Egypt and the surrounding regions. He encounters people from Syria, Mitanni, Hattusa, Babylon, and Crete. It would have been even more enjoyable if it were shorter (the war scenes become a bit much after a while) but is definitely worth reading and highly recommended. This book was made into a Hollywood film in 1954.

4.5 show less

"هیچ خدایی نمی تواند جهالت انسان را از بین ببرد"

تعریف این کتاب زیبا رو سال ها پیش از پدرم شنیده بودم و بعدها یکی از معلم های راهنماییم بهم گفت که هر موقع رفتی دانشگاه، بخون. با اختلاف چند ساله خونده شد و برای من تجربه ای بود از اتفاقات پر فراز و نشیب، با انواع احساسات متفاوت. show more
سینوهه در اول کتاب، خسته از خدایان و حاکمان، مشغول نوشتن کتاب و توصیف زندگی خودش می شه. و این داستانی شنیدنی می شه برای ساعت ها صحبت از انسان دوستی، رفاقت، زندگی در کنار فراعنه و مردم محروم، و نهایتا فریب و سو استفاده مستمر و مداوم از مردم و باورهاشون.

"احتمالا شما هم معرکه گیرهای ژنده پوشی را دیده اید که در کمال فقر از طلا و نقره، گشاده دستی و فراوانی نعمت ها حرف می زنند. به اطرافیان معرکه خود وعده گنج می دهند و مردم شیفته سخنان آنان می شوند. همیشه از دروغ نفرت داشته ام." show less

The Egyptian is structured as a the first person account of the life of Sinuhe, and through this account the story of a short-lived episode in Egyptian history of a change in religious belief. I first read this book as a much younger man, some 40 years ago. I am now much closer to Sinuhe's age at the time the account was written, and have re-read the novel with as much pleasure and greater appreciation. It is neither a pretty nor a nice story, but it is a great story about how a life is show more lived in a time of change, how decisions can be made for the best or worst reasons and how difficult it is to imagine all of the personal and broader implications. Reading this novel in my relative youth has certainly informed my life and my own decisions. However I am hopeful my approaching age will be somewhat more edifying than poor Sinuhe endured. I highly recommend The Egyptian l to anyone interested in a thoughtful novel, placed in a context remote enough to be only as challenging as you allow. The novel is well written, I enjoyed the language as well as the themes. show less