Orphan of the Sun

Stories set in Ancient Egypt are rare so this is very welcome as it is a fascinating period of history. The trick is to make it readable and reachable and to come alive, and this Gill Harvey has managed to do after a slow start. As the reader becomes involved in the problems facing Meryt-Re, an orphan living with her aunt and her family, he/she will be drawn into a world dominated by the gods and the small community of tomb builders in Set Maat (a real place). Meryt-Re’s uncle has arranged a marriage for her which she does not want. He then thinks she is responsible for the infection which grips his son Baki after his circumcision and casts her out. She finds refuge first with a friend then with the rekhet, the Wise Woman. Alongside this is a plot to oust one of the foremen which involves stolen amulets. Meryt-Re is a redoubtable heroine trying her hardest to find a place for herself. Her future that appeared to be so untroubled suddenly seems to be disappearing. Details of life at the time, the food, drink, clothing and customs are part of the story, not indigestible facts put in the narrative, and although the number of gods is at first confusing they do become part of the fabric of her life and thus more understandable for the reader. The plot is believably resolved and one would hope Meryt-Re finds happiness with her childhood friend!