Book Description
From the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature and author of the Cairo trilogy, comes
Akhenaten, a fascinating work of fiction about the most infamous pharaoh of ancient Egypt.
In this beguiling new novel, originally published in 1985 and now appearing for the first time in the United States, Mahfouz tells with extraordinary insight the story of the "heretic pharaoh," or "sun king,"--and the first known monotheistic ruler--whose iconoclastic and controversial reign during the 18th Dynasty (1540-1307 B.C.) has uncanny resonance with modern sensibilities. Narrating the novel is a young man with a passion for the truth, who questions the pharaoh's contemporaries after his horrible death--including Akhenaten's closest friends, his most bitter enemies, and finally his enigmatic wife, Nefertiti--in an effort to discover what really happened in those strange, dark days at Akhenaten's court. As our narrator and each of the subjects he interviews contribute their version of Akhenaten, "the truth" becomes increasingly evanescent. Akhenaten encompasses all of the contradictions his subjects see in him: at once cruel and empathic, feminine and barbaric, mad and divinely inspired, his character, as Mahfouz imagines him, is eerily modern, and fascinatingly ethereal. An ambitious and exceptionally lucid and accessible book,
Akhenaten is a work only Mahfouz could render so elegantly, so irresistibly.
Customer Reviews:
DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE.......2007-09-30
AKHETATEN: DWELLER IN TRUTH is a deceptively simple novel that bears more than one reading. Its ancient Egyptian narrator, Meriamun, sets out to discover the truth of Akhenaten's rule soon after the heretical pharoah has died, but while many of his contemporaries are still alive. With a letter of introduction from his influential father, he interviews the High Priest of Amun, the god abolished by Akhenaten, and Haremhab, the chief of state security, both of whom had reason to oppose the new pharoah; also Meri-Ra, the high priest of the new religion; Ay the Sage, Akhenaten's councelor and father of Nefertiti; and several others, including a woman from the harem. Each interview forms a chapter, and each contemporary tells a different version of the same events. As we read from chapter to chapter, we see these events shifting and revolving around the enigmatic role of Nefertiti, Akhenaten's beautiful wife, whom the narrator saves for the last and longest interview.
The whole thing might be merely a clever literary play, a variation on the device of Akutagawa's story "In a Grove" (a device made famous by the movie "Roshomon"), in which different eyewitness accounts of a murder are mutually contradictory and impossible to reconcile, leaving one to wonder about the truth of any event; save that in this story one event is historically certain. It is that Akhenaten promulgated a revolutionary doctrine of monotheism, abolished the other gods and caused the ruin of the state. Therefore the different viewpoints of his contemporaries reflect not just the difficulty of establishing fact from personal testimony, but the psychological reactions of individuals to a religious upheaval, reactions that in themselves undermine the project's chances for success. Akhenaten proclaimed the One and Only God, the Sole Creator, a god of love, non-violence and non-resistance, and these friends and foes, voicing attitudes that range from acceptance and adoration to outrage and murderous resentment, demonstrate that the policy of "all you need is love" is foredoomed.
Mahfouz's writing is spare and elegant, and the translation is neat and clean, though littered with modern terms and concepts that are clearly anachronistic. Yet it appears that the author does not seek so much to recreate the particularity of ancient times as to engage in an Egyptian daydream as plain and unadorned as the pyramids and desert sands. However, those pyramids and sands are deceptive, and much can be found underneath. It would be interesting, for example, to explore how much Mahfouz drew from historical sources and how much he invented whole cloth. Also I wonder about the original Arabic, whether it has the word "Allah" standing in the places where we read "God." If so, it may be that this story of a prophet and his universal god makes a comment on Islam as well as on revelation, religious worship and brotherly love in general.
Good, but still a bit flat.......2007-07-08
I liked and didn't like this book. Maybe something got lost in translation, but I don't think that's the only reason I found it a bit flat.
I like the format: interview all the main players, and some minor ones, who surrounded the "heretic" Pharaoh Akhenaten during his rule and downfall. Each tells the story from his or her viewpoint, and soon the reader realizes that almost every narrator is colouring the story to make him or herself look good. You begin to read subsequent narrations sceptically, and start trying to piece together the "real" story. This is Mahfouz's intention: to let the reader decide whose version is "right."
This "tailoring" of the story is most clear in the stories of the political players -- characters like the High Priest of Amun, or Horemhab, or Ay. If the reader knows that both Ay and Horemhab (or Horemheb) became Pharaohs in their turn after Tutankhamun died, the eyebrows are raised pretty high at these men's protestation of devotion to Akhenaten, and their claims that they only abandoned him to save his life and save the kingdom.
Meanwhile, the ones who don't seem to tailor their story are the fervent believers. Toto, a priest of Amun who infiltrated Akhenaten's court, couldn't care less how he comes across; he's just so sure of his own righteousness that he barrels along, spewing hatred with every breath. Meri-Ra, who had been high priest of Akhenaten's god, still believes in that god. This is potentially dangerous, so one suspects that he, too, is being honest. The reader feels that these two, at least, might give some clue to the "real" story, if only their accounts can be reconciled.
The blurb on the book claims that "Akhenaten emerges as a charismatic enigma," but in fact it is Nefertiti whose role is most intriguing. Every narrator has an opinion about her, positive or negative, and opinions about her faith or lack of it, her fidelity or lack of it, and so on. Every narrator acknowledges that she was very politically astute, but everything else is left open. More and more, the reader looks forward to the final interview, with Nefertiti herself.
And here's where I had the problem. Meri-Ra, Akhenaten's hight priest, tells the interviewer, "You did not start this journey for no reason." I expected that not only would there be some climax of informtion during the interview with Nefertiti, but that we would learn something pertinent about the interviewer himself. I actually suspected we might find out that he was Moses (even though the timeline would have been somewhat off).
Yet nothing happened. Nefertiti, like all the others, told her story, made herself look good, and didn't resolve anything or bring up any intriguing twist to make the reader rethink anything. So the entire book was narration. stop. narration. stop. narration. stop. final stop. The exercise was interesting, to watch so many people describe the same events so differently. But in the end, it just dropped flat.
Akhenaten: Dweller in Truth.......2007-01-13
If you are interested in Egyptian history, particularly the enigmatic Akhenaten -- the pharoah who attempted to convert his people to mono-theism -- you will enjoy this novel. Interesting theory, even if you don't agree with the premise. Mahfouz's writing is, as always, excellent.
A Before Christ Christ-like Pharoah?.......2006-11-18
In translation, and in concept, the notion of considering an Egyptian Pharaoh as a human being; a visionary, a lunatic, a passionate priest, a meglomaniac, depending on whom you ask, is somehow counter-intuitive. This dychotomy, that of the ancients' as individuals is substantively what makes Akhenaten, Dweller in Truth an interesting work by a master writer.
The mention of Citizen Kane (in an above review) as a similarly executed story is apt, as we read the opinions and experiences of the "Heretic" Pharaoh Akhenaten's attendants and family. Some praise and revere him, others deride and villanize him, all in an effort to shape an enigmatic and suspect historical figure.
The substance of Akhenaten's "heresy" is his praise of the God Aten over Amun, two of Egypt's poly-theistic dieties, and then his epiphany of the One and Only God. The notion of a mono-theistic Egypt is clearly a threat to the society, as well as a revolution, and the ensuing reactions of those around him is the tale told here.
I would say, that while Akhenaten is an interesting figure, one I'd never heard of, he remains a historical mystery to me. His place is never regarded in any wider context here, certainly on purpose, but that omission dries the story for me. As do the similar characterizations of Akhenaten by the various voices that describe him. In this I wondered if the passion and the depth were perhaps lost in translation. That's not to say I didn't get the world of the Pharaoh's, their queens and families, their court and behavior. Only that it didn't captivate me.
=0).......2005-01-20
LoL...I have this crazy Amarna obsession, so I was psyched when I got my grubby hands on this book, but frankly, after reading it, I just don't understand what the fuss about this book is all about. Maybe the aesthetics got lost in the translations, but whatever it was, it left me a bit disappointed. There was a nice infusion of theories surrounding Akhenaten, but it was superficial and def. could have used a little more development. And although the formatting was interesting, I didn't really like the way the characters were portrayed and overall, the story was just a bit too wishy-washy for my taste.
Book Description
Two beloved tales that explore the darker side of passion...in all of its forms.
Revel in Catching Midnight, then experience Luisa's Desire.
Catching Midnight: They are the upyr, part wolves, part blood-drinking immortals. During the plague, they rescue an orphan and carry her into the Scottish wood to live as one of them. Blossoming, Gillian revels in the pleasures of the flesh and the hunt, but her heart yearns for the human world. Taking a falcon's form, Gillian escapes her keepers-only to be caught by Aimery Fitz Clare, a mortal nobleman. He could be the savior she's looking for...unless she loses her heart to him.
Luisa's Desire tells of a child of midnight who has arrived at a spiritual refuge in Tibet. Far from her normal immortal life, Luisa is surrounded by simplicity and self-denial. Here, she hopes to expunge her dangerous desires. But when she meets the monk who can save her, Luisa realizes she's only beginning to understand what desire is.
Customer Reviews:
Seriously mad.......2007-02-14
This book consist of a novel I already own in my collection, Catching Midnight. I can not believe the publisher did this to us and to charge the amount they charged?!?! Not only that but Luisa's Desire was so boring. I couldn't even get past the fourth page. Catching Midnight was good tho but I recommend you save some money and boy the stand alone novel. I hope Emma Holly will not allow her publisher to do this again.
I love Emma Holly!!.......2007-01-03
This was again a fine work by Ms Holly!! I love your books, keep 'em coming!!
Just buy the novel.......2007-01-02
I somehow missed the fact that this was a novel I already had packaged with a novella I didn't have. I liked the novel; the novella is nothing special. Slight. I hate this tricky repackaging stuff publishers are doing so much of lately.
Boring!.......2006-09-27
I've always really enjoyed Emma Holly's work, but this was a total bummer. Super slow reading, I've had to MAKE myself read to finish it!
Customer Reviews:
Seduction?.......2005-08-31
This is the second romance book in my life that I had to skim through the pages just to finishes it.
This should not be considering as a desire book. I think this book applies more to intimate moments category in which suspense is evolved.
The characters were well developed so I have to give the writer some credit for that. However the story by itself is really bad. It was hardly romance in this book. The first romance scene happens on page 136 (a kiss) and there is nothing again until page 153. The book has 184 pages. That says a lot.
The whole book is about a cousin that was muttered. Not really emphasizing the characters passion for each other.
Surprising, but this one is not one of the best book of Justine Davis
Customer Reviews:
Wow!.......2004-11-29
I loved this book from the first page to the last. Wilks has an awesome talent for creating characters you can see, hear, KNOW as if they've walked out of the book. It's not your usual Silhouette Desire, since it's told in first-person by the hero and there's a touch of paranormal, but if you're looking for a beautifully written book that's not traditional but is an engrossing read, then this is well worth your time.
Talented Author!.......2004-10-12
So impressed with Eileen Wilks' exciting contribution to the Mantalk series. Not many series authors would be able to handle first person pov with such finesse. Loved the way she sank right into the skin of the hero. I've always been blown away by her talent!
An excellent story!.......2004-09-30
I really loved this book. The characters were well developed. The story kept me interested all the way through, and I like the idea of a book from the hero's perspective. And what a hero!
Extraordinary story!.......2004-09-29
MEETING AT MIDNIGHT is an exceptionally unusual story for a category line, and perhaps not what readers are expecting. But I found it powerful, compelling and very-well written . . . a book I couldn't put down! Kudos to Eileen for taking the risk of writing in first-person for this new ManTalk venture, and for pulling it off in such excellent style!
I like the mini series.......2004-08-29
I like the male point of view aspect, but the first person thing didn't work at all. The dialogue and thoughts were not very 'male point of view" so I hope they don't do the others in this limited series this way. Leanne Bank's book (the first one, I think) was much, much more satisfying to read.
Average customer rating:
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Midnight Bride (Silhouette Desire, No 1028)
Barbara McCauley
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Silhouette Desire | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373760280 |
Customer Reviews:
MIDNIGHT BRIDE.......2006-07-01
FROM THE BACK COVER:
HALF-DROWNED. HALF-NAKED. NO MEMORY.
That's how Agent Caleb Hunter found the woman known to him only as Sarah. But he had reason to believe she didn't truly have amnesia and was not what she appeared. To test his theory, he hopped into bed with her, claiming to be her husband, wanting to exercise his conjugal rights. But his response was unexpected and shocking. This loner had been loo long without a woman's caress...
Secluded in his remote mountain cabin, the two explored each other's bodies and hearts, knowing they only had a few days together. For beyond the cabin door, the real world--and their past secrets--beckoned, and threatened their passionate paradise...preventing them from truly becoming husband and wife.
Customer Reviews:
Sexual tension explodes off the page!.......2006-05-22
HOUSE OF MIDNIGHT FANTASIES
by: Kristi Gold
Book review by Terri Richison
Sexual tension explodes off the page in this fast-paced story. Pampered princess, Selene Winston, was the perfect daughter, right down to marrying the man of her mother's dreams. A year later, reeling from a loveless marriage, divorce and her mother's disapproval, Selene strikes out on her own.
Restoring the beautiful, neglected Maison de Minuit, the House of Midnight, is the job of her dreams except for the dark and brooding owner, Adrien Morrell. What lies behind the locked door in the room where he forbids her entry? What happened to the woman the townspeople whisper about?
Will the lustful attraction they enjoy deepen enough to heal these wounded lovers?
Don't miss this hot and passionate story that will leave you panting for more.
Average customer rating:
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Midnight Desire
L. Benjamin
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0821715739 |
Book Description
In 1855, a boy discovers he can speak with the voices of the dead. He grows up to become one of England's most celebrated spiritualists. In 1863 the British Empire is effectively without a leader. Queen Victoria is inconsolable with grief following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. The monarch's last hope is a secret seance. The Doctor and Nyssa are also coming to terms with loss following the death of Adric and Tegan's sudden departure. Trying to visit the Great Exhibition of 1851, the time travelers are shocked when Adric's ghost appears in the TARDIS, beckoning them to the Other Side. What is hidden in a drowned village guarded by the British Army? Is there life after death and can it be reached by those still alive? And why is the Doctor so terrified of facing his own ghosts?
Customer Reviews:
What a disappointment.......2006-01-18
Hope springs eternal with spin-off novels, but this one unfortunately continues the low standards I've come to expect. The premise is good - ghosts seeking to draw the living over to the Other Side in Victorian Britain - but the execution was very flat. Would it be too harsh of me to blame this on an accurate characterisation of Nyssa? Her blandness and lack of engagement permeates the whole book. What should be frightening, or gripping, or emotional, just isn't, and it's a real puzzle why the author drags in material such as Nyssa's emotional isolation from the Doctor and the reasons for it when so little is done with what could have been so interesting (and certainly justifiable). The characterisation of the Doctor doesn't work for me, the other characters don't hold the attention, and I could have done without the gratuitous nastiness. And I just found it rather hard to make sense in the end of what had really happened.
It's a pity this book didn't live up to its initial promise, because there were some interesting ideas and insights there.
Good, but not great adventure for the 5th Doctor........2004-06-13
When a young man, claiming to be a medium to the spirits, steps up to the Queen's throne and gives her a message from her husband, all of England's nobility is thrown into a race to find an ancient entrance into the afterlife itself.
Meanwhile, the recently deceased Adric appears in the TARDIS as a ghost. When the Doctor and Nyssa follow the ghost's trail, they are led into the race. As the Doctor finally understands what's really going on, it's a race of time to save the future. Or is it the past? That's the problem with time travel, I never can remember... :-)
This is one of the finest 5th Doctor adventures I have read, only being beaten by "Divided Loyalties". It features a great characterization of the Doctor and Nyssa both, and remains accurate to the show's history and feeling. All characters are well written, keeping the pages flowing with emotion and fear.
The only reason that this book gets 4 stars and not 5, is because it has a thundering cliche that I couldn't get past. One of the Queen's Generals goes mad, and uses his power to force all underneath him to help him find the entrance to the afterlife. The Ma Military-Man/Mad Scientist or what-have-you, is simply used far too often in Science Fiction in general, but even in the recent Doctor Who books (That half-human and half-cyborg dude from "Hope" and the crazed Russian General from "Emotional Chemistry" come to mind).
If this cliche doesn't bother you, perhaps your review will give this book the extra star. Even if you don't like the cliche, I still recommend this book.
Book Description
Many people have seen angels, apparitions of deceased loved ones, and ascended masters, as youll read in this ground-breaking new collection of true stories.
Customer Reviews:
Visions of those who have seen them.......2006-08-14
Angel visions : share's great stories from those who have heard, seen, been saved, Have you seen Angels, Would you like to learn to see Angels.. Doreen Virtue has it all , enjoy all her books .. Nicole
Great Book!.......2006-03-18
This is a great book. I really enjoyed reading All of the Angelic, Ascended Masters and deceased family memeber encounters. This book has saved the best for last in my opinion, In the back of the book is detailed instructions on how you can connect and see your own Angels as well. I Love this book!
Beautiful - couldn't put it down!.......2002-01-16
My younger sister gave me this book (she got to see Doreen in person :o} )... I got to read the cover before my 10 year old daughter confiscated it and read it on a 5 hour drive home! When I got it, I understood why she couldn't put it down. If one has never had the wonderful experience of a "vision" or "encounter" it will be a tad bit hard for you to accept these stories. But being one who has had many, many encounters with the spirit world - this book was wonderful
Somewhat Interesting.......2001-05-17
I found this book to be somewhat repetitive and contrived. I would not recommend it for anything more than waiting-room material
Fascinating stories of many people who have seen angels!.......2000-09-26
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see an angel? Wonder no more, dear child! Dr. Virtue has generously agreed to put together this beautiful collection of true stories of people willing to share their angel experiences with the world. In addition, Dr. Virtue has compiled invaluable information in the last section of the book on how to experience these miraculous angel visions for yourself. God and your angels invite you to share in this exciting adventure of knowing your angels. Heaven awaits for you to read this book! Expect your life to be transformed by its healing power and love.
Books:
- Almost Perfect Moment, An: A Novel (P.S.)
- August Wilson: Three Plays
- Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions
- Blind Vengeance: The Roy Moody Mail Bomb Murders
- Circle of Stones: Woman's Journey to Herself (Circles of Stones , Vol 1)
- Clock Winder (1st Ballantine Books Trade ed)
- Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man: The Early Years
- Cordelia Underwood: Or, The Marvelous Beginnings of the Moosepath League
- Crawl Space: A Novel
- Crazy in Alabama
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2007
- The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study
- Sap Rising
- Taking Responsibility for the Past: Reparation and Historical Injustice
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- The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance
- The Shadow of the Sun
- Space Station Odyssey: The Making of an Astronaut
- Smart Trust Deed Investment in California
- Business-to-Business Golf : How to Swing Your Way to Business Success
Voices from the Other World: Ancient Egyptian Tales
The Journey of Ibn Fattouma
Khufu's Wisdom
Rhadopis of Nubia
The Cairo Trilogy: Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street (Everyman's Library)
