Akhenaten Dweller in Truth - review

This book is written by the famous Egyptian writer. It tells the story of Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten (known also as Amenhotep IV or Ikhnaton). 

Akhenaten is one of the most recognized of Pharaohs for two reasons: he was world's first known religious reformer who promoted cult of Aton, a first known monotheistic religious about  God who wants love and peace, and he was married to Nefertiti, a famed beauty queen of Egypt. 

The novel is written in a style similar found in "The Daughter of Time" or "An Instance of the Fingerpost" where story about Pharaoh is told from different people's perspective. These people were real historical figures, close associates of the Pharaoh.

In my opinion, this novel lacks that little something that supposed to make it more clear the history behind this enigmatic Pharaoh. I did not learn much about him from this novel beyond to what is generally known about his reign. It did not advance any narrative that could explain the Pharaoh's behavior and his decision to change the Egypt. But it was sufficiently interesting book to pique my curiosity so much so I decided to read other books about Akhenaten. 

posted by David Usharauli

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"I, The Sun" - A novel of the founder of Hittite Empire

Many historical novels in English literature are written about well-known historical people, kingdoms or episodes in history. However, such topics limit the author's ability to fully express his/her talent as a fiction writer. So, I decided to read historical book depicting less well known episodes in history.

Hittite Empire existed between 18th-12th century B.C. and occupied territory of today's Turkey and Syria. It was one of the 4 great Kingdoms of ancient world. Online book repositories such as Archive.org and Openlibrary.org have several freely available books about Hittites history. I especially liked reading C.W. Ceram's The Secret of the Hittites: The Discovery of an Ancient Empire. Remarkably, for 3000 years, until late 19th century, no one knew or imagined that in 2nd millennium B.C. in Asia minor there were people speaking and writing in Indo-European language who were the military superpower of the ancient world.

This novel, "I, the Sun", is a fictional account of the time when Hittites became Empire under its greatest King Suppiluliumas I (14th century B.C.). His rule coincides with the Egyptian Pharaohs Akhenaten (Heretic Pharaoh) and Tutankhamun and especially religious reformation conducted by the Egypt's Heretic King is widely discussed in the novel. In general, the novel pretty accurately follows historically verified evidence about King Suppiluliumas I reign. It is a good read for someone who wants to learn more about ancient world. 

posted by David Usharauli

        

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