Temple in the Sand: The Memoirs of a Pharaoh - Book Review

Ancient Egyptian history is fascinating and frustrating. Little except exotic, painted relief tomb carvings, cartouche symbols,  and exotic temples permit a peak at this captivating culture. Author Majorie Varnelle has presented the period of three thousand years BC, the time of Egyptian pharaohs and mystery, in a break-away genre. "Temple in the Sand. The Memoirs of a Pharaoh"  is a historical fiction based on an encrypted message found by archaeologists in the Temple at Abydos built by Pharaoh Seti 1 in Egypt’s 19th dynasty.

Reachers' interpretation of the encrypted message hidden in the inscriptions on the temple walls was that the Pharaoh Seti (also known by other names) hid his personal diary somewhere in the tomb. He is believed to have recorded his interpretation of the day-to-day events during the last year of his life. The author, assuming that she is transliterating the illusive diary into English, presents the novel as his memoir. Varnelle's innovative approach to showcasing historical events is a captivating and intriguing way to keep readers flipping pages and learning about the past.

The novel is set in Ancient Egypt around 1290-1279 BCE. King Seti's daily entries are prefixed with ancient calendar dates.  The fictional stories are based on the author's in-depth research into the life and culture of the time. Her study of the piety, power, and personal lives of Ancient Egyptians enabled her to tell a story that presents a wicked Great Royal Wife, a treacherous son, and the expected demands placed on a pharaoh.

The difficulties of understanding ancient customs are offset by the slightly different memories that King Seti has of events and his contemplation of the power of the gods. The politics of being pharaoh are Intensified as he is considered a ruler, a living god, and an incarnation of the son of the god Osiris. Facing his death, he builds a tomb for himself and the Temple at Abydos to please the gods. The walls of his architectural creations are covered with gods' magic, myths and legends, and the stories of the triumph of the pharaoh. The artwork on the walls is in traditional high relief with applied color. The all-seeing eyes of the figures face forward, looking mortality in the face. The Wadjet eye depicts a falcon eye and a human eye, is a symbol of protection, and is distinctive in Egyptian art.

This reviewer had only a passing interest in Egyptian history before becoming enthralled by Temple in the Sand.  Questions raised by the novel compelled the reviewer to make Google searches and learn more about this captivating culture.