Sign in with Facebook
TheHighlandBookshelf's Reviews > Nephthys
Nephthys
by
by
NEPHTHYS
by Rachel Louise Driscoll
| "A young Victorian Egyptologist. A family riven by tragedy. One chance to atone for the sins of the past...
Quiet and reserved, Clemmie is happy in the background. Although her parents may overlook her talents, her ability to read hieroglyphs makes her invaluable at the Egyptian relic parties which have made her father the toast of Victorian society.
But at one such party, the words Clemmie interprets from an unusual amulet strike fear into her heart. The beautiful and dangerous glyphs she holds in her hands will change her life forever." |
This was an intriguing and often enchanting read which transported me wholeheartedly to the sun banked river Nile of 19th century Egypt. Dark secrets and gripping revelations were hidden beyond each bend of the river, like snapping crocodiles lying in wait.
I found the criticism of the Empire highly impactful. The novel focuses on the damage permitted on cultures in the name of greed and so-called 'prosperity'. Highlighting the vast difference between cultural appreciation and cultural theft.
The story is told in two timelines. The Past, which sets up the main storyline, provides context, and feeds into the mystery of the events leading up to 'the incident'. And The Present, where our main character is setting out on a dangerous voyage to settle some sort of debt.
The use of short chapters helped move the plot along at a good pace with just a few exceptions where very similar events were repeated without adding much value to the story.
I understood Clemmie's characterisation but I couldn't help and wish she had a little more oomph to her, perhaps this was just due to seeing the book likened to The Mummy (which I would disagree with).
Overall though, I really enjoyed the mystery the novel summoned, the setting was rich, and the story vibrantly told. I'd recommend it to anyone keen on Egyptology or 19th century Victorian historical fiction.
Huge thanks to @vintagebooks
@harvillsecker for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
by Rachel Louise Driscoll
| "A young Victorian Egyptologist. A family riven by tragedy. One chance to atone for the sins of the past...
Quiet and reserved, Clemmie is happy in the background. Although her parents may overlook her talents, her ability to read hieroglyphs makes her invaluable at the Egyptian relic parties which have made her father the toast of Victorian society.
But at one such party, the words Clemmie interprets from an unusual amulet strike fear into her heart. The beautiful and dangerous glyphs she holds in her hands will change her life forever." |
This was an intriguing and often enchanting read which transported me wholeheartedly to the sun banked river Nile of 19th century Egypt. Dark secrets and gripping revelations were hidden beyond each bend of the river, like snapping crocodiles lying in wait.
I found the criticism of the Empire highly impactful. The novel focuses on the damage permitted on cultures in the name of greed and so-called 'prosperity'. Highlighting the vast difference between cultural appreciation and cultural theft.
The story is told in two timelines. The Past, which sets up the main storyline, provides context, and feeds into the mystery of the events leading up to 'the incident'. And The Present, where our main character is setting out on a dangerous voyage to settle some sort of debt.
The use of short chapters helped move the plot along at a good pace with just a few exceptions where very similar events were repeated without adding much value to the story.
I understood Clemmie's characterisation but I couldn't help and wish she had a little more oomph to her, perhaps this was just due to seeing the book likened to The Mummy (which I would disagree with).
Overall though, I really enjoyed the mystery the novel summoned, the setting was rich, and the story vibrantly told. I'd recommend it to anyone keen on Egyptology or 19th century Victorian historical fiction.
Huge thanks to @vintagebooks
@harvillsecker for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read
Nephthys.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
January 7, 2025
–
Started Reading
January 7, 2025
– Shelved
January 10, 2025
–
Finished Reading
