The Egyptologist: A Novel
Registered by 
Bookworm-lady
of Madrid, Madrid Spain on 3/20/2013
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
Bookworm-lady of Madrid, Madrid Spain on 3/20/2013 This Book is Currently in the Wild!
18 journalers for this copy...
"From the bestselling author of "Prague" comes a witty, inventive, brilliantly constructed novel about an Egyptologist obsessed with finding the tomb of an apocryphal king. This darkly comic labyrinth of a story opens on the desert plains of Egypt in 1922, then winds its way from the slums of Australia to the ballrooms of Boston by way of Oxford, the battlefields of the First World War, and a royal court in turmoil. Exploring issues of class, greed, ambition, and the very human hunger for eternal life, "The Egyptologist" is a triumph of narrative bravado."
Reserved for a Bookiversary Bookray.
This bookray has started; this is the current order of readers:1) Blue-berry (UK)
2) LilyKlip (Germany)
3) bluezwuzl (Germany)
4) QueenSissi (Portugal)
5) Fifna (The Netherlands)
6) Beitaljawza (Switzerland)
7) Merolia (Greece)
8) Billbooks (Australia)
9) Olivia-Lo (Taiwan)
10) Ravencat (U.S.A.)
11) Valpete (U.S.A.)
12) Abi-Gibby (United Kingdom) (asked to be skipped)
13) Cassandra2020 (United Kingdom)
14) Ythan (United Kingdom)
15) Icila (France)
16) VintageVanguard (Germany)
17) DianeO (UK)
18) Bulan-Purnama (U.S.A.)
19) Quickheels (U.S.A.)(The book is here!)
20) Peacemonger84 (U.S.A.)
Thanks for sharing my Bookiversary fun! :)
Sent today to Blue-berry in London, with "two little extras" for her to celebrate my Bookiversary.
Thanks for joining in, and being first in this Bookiversary Bookray! :)
¡Muchas gracias!
Thanks for joining in, and being first in this Bookiversary Bookray! :)
¡Muchas gracias!
Received with thanks! Few TBR before this but shouldn't hold this too long.
Muchas gracias tambien por el regalo y chocolate sabroso!
*************
This read took a while for me to get into, but once the story took hold I couldn't stop reading it. Funny and original.
Muchas gracias tambien por el regalo y chocolate sabroso!
*************
This read took a while for me to get into, but once the story took hold I couldn't stop reading it. Funny and original.
Released 10 yrs ago (6/10/2013 UTC) at Croydon, Greater London United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sending to next reader today.
I started reading it and gave up pretty quickly. Besides the fact that after 40 pages I still couldn't really tell what kind of book I am reading, what it is all about and who all these people are I actually didn't like any of the characters.
Will pass it on as soon as I can. Thank you for sharing the book.
Will pass it on as soon as I can. Thank you for sharing the book.
Traveling to the next reader.
The book arrived some time ago and will be ready for the next on the list, soon (Sorry, my entry somehow went to the great computing-nirvana and didn't show up where it should have...)
The Egyptologist makes you take part in the discovery and digging up of the grave of the greatest king of ancient Egypt - or does it? We are told the story from various sources - all with their own interests foremost on their mind - and you might end up with quite a different tale than that of an ancient monarch...
To anyone interested: There is a funny little book called "Write Your Own Hieroglyphs - Names, Greetings, Insults, Sayings" by Angela McDonald, where you can learn the basics of hieroglyphic writing along with some very colourful ancient Egyptian idioms...
Oh, and, by the way, as it started to get a little frail around the edges, I gave the book a new coating - I hope you don't mind...
The book goes now to QueenSissi.
The Egyptologist makes you take part in the discovery and digging up of the grave of the greatest king of ancient Egypt - or does it? We are told the story from various sources - all with their own interests foremost on their mind - and you might end up with quite a different tale than that of an ancient monarch...
To anyone interested: There is a funny little book called "Write Your Own Hieroglyphs - Names, Greetings, Insults, Sayings" by Angela McDonald, where you can learn the basics of hieroglyphic writing along with some very colourful ancient Egyptian idioms...
Oh, and, by the way, as it started to get a little frail around the edges, I gave the book a new coating - I hope you don't mind...
The book goes now to QueenSissi.
It has arrived :) Thanks!
OT- Wildfires didn't get to where i live this year because most burnt last year and the one before:(
OT- Wildfires didn't get to where i live this year because most burnt last year and the one before:(
I am so sorry to stall this book. The truth is I am very stubborn and wanted to read this book, which took ages since I couldn't read a lot everyday. I couldn't get into the book, it did not fascinate me. I admire the author but it was like reading Saramago at 16 all over again.
Sending it to Fifna ASAP. Thanks!
Sending it to Fifna ASAP. Thanks!
Arrived safely, thanks QueenSissi! It will be next after my current read.
It took me a while to get into this book, and at times I found myself thinking 'oh, just get on with it!'. But still it was an entertaining read. It was good to see the story unravel from two different perspectives. Thanks for sharing, Bookworm-lady. Off to PM the next reader.
On its way to Beitaljawzaa!
I was happy to see the parcel waiting for me. It arrived last week, but I was away. It will be duly read and dispatched.
Thanks Fifna and Bookworm-lady!
Thanks Fifna and Bookworm-lady!
Sorry for keeping it so long I couldn't start for a while. The beginning was very interesting and was brisk read. But towards the middle the narratives dragged on quite a bit. Still I found it quite clever and entertaining. Thanks Merolia for the address, the book is making its way to you. Enjoy!
The book is safe with me, I plan to start reading it in the next few days.
First of all, I know I kept this book very long and I apologize for that. The reason was that I really wanted to read it, but it has proven one of my slowest reads in the past few years. I kept this book in my bag for weeks, only managing to go through a few pages every day.
For one thing, this is a very interesting book. The way it plays with perspectives and narrative voices is unique in my experience. It highlights many important issues, both in narration and reading in general, as well as in science itself. It reveals a lot about the practices of Egyptologists at the time it describes, that obviously had relevant parallels in many other fields. In short, it provokes its reader to challenge the authenticity, honesty and accuracy of every writing or narration presented to us. In the end, it never is a matter of truth, but a matter of perspective, because everything, from personal life events to scientific knowledge is brought to us through a personal perspective, entwined with beliefs, motives and intentions. And this is something we very often tend to forget.
So why didn't it work for me? Probably because of the particular story itself. First, I found it very, very slow. One reason is the language. I understand that the writer tried to illustrate the background, position, as well as character of the protagonists with their writing. However this made it quite difficult for me to get through. Another reason is the exhaustively detailed descriptions and gradual unfolding. Again, I do believe this is in order to illustrate the characters themselves and in that it succeeds. But here is my second problem. None of the characters is any likable for the most part. Especially the two male leads are so annoyingly arrogant, self-centered, dishonest, even delusional that made me tired of reading about them.
I admit I finally gave up somewhere after the middle. I started browsing through the rest just because I was curious to see how it ended but my interest kept fading. Maybe it was a wrong timing, maybe not. In any case, thank you Bookwarm-lady for the opportunity to try this! It will leave for Australia shortly.
For one thing, this is a very interesting book. The way it plays with perspectives and narrative voices is unique in my experience. It highlights many important issues, both in narration and reading in general, as well as in science itself. It reveals a lot about the practices of Egyptologists at the time it describes, that obviously had relevant parallels in many other fields. In short, it provokes its reader to challenge the authenticity, honesty and accuracy of every writing or narration presented to us. In the end, it never is a matter of truth, but a matter of perspective, because everything, from personal life events to scientific knowledge is brought to us through a personal perspective, entwined with beliefs, motives and intentions. And this is something we very often tend to forget.
So why didn't it work for me? Probably because of the particular story itself. First, I found it very, very slow. One reason is the language. I understand that the writer tried to illustrate the background, position, as well as character of the protagonists with their writing. However this made it quite difficult for me to get through. Another reason is the exhaustively detailed descriptions and gradual unfolding. Again, I do believe this is in order to illustrate the characters themselves and in that it succeeds. But here is my second problem. None of the characters is any likable for the most part. Especially the two male leads are so annoyingly arrogant, self-centered, dishonest, even delusional that made me tired of reading about them.
I admit I finally gave up somewhere after the middle. I started browsing through the rest just because I was curious to see how it ended but my interest kept fading. Maybe it was a wrong timing, maybe not. In any case, thank you Bookwarm-lady for the opportunity to try this! It will leave for Australia shortly.
On its way to Australia. Long way to go, safe travels!
Safely arrived in Australia. Many thanks to Merolia for passing on and also the wonderful Bookworm Lady who contributes so much to the bookcrossing world.
Unfortunately this books was one of quite a few that arrived just before we had major works done on our house. I had to pack up all and I mean all my books and some just haven't been seen since - an unpacked box somewhere I'm sure. So here is a new copy to start it onits travels again.
The book is here!!! Hopefully I'll get to start this one after Life of Pi.
Enjoy the book and don't forget to journal it so that people have an idea of where it is going :)
It has arrived. I do have a few in line before this one. I'll be sure to read it, journal it and pass it along. Thanks for including me.
Although I found this book to be extremely well written and fascinating on many levels, I was left feeling confused about some of the main story lines. I found an excellent website which explained the entire plot (spoilers). I'm so happy to have everything explained to me. Here's the website for others who are confused by this book...
http://maebookblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/egyptologist-by-arthur-phillips.html
Abby-Gibbi asked to be skipped, so it's off to Cassandra2020.
http://maebookblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/egyptologist-by-arthur-phillips.html
Abby-Gibbi asked to be skipped, so it's off to Cassandra2020.
Arrived today. Unfortunately, it's the third bookray book to arrive at my house this month, so it may take me longer than I would have liked to get it read and on to the next reader. My apologies, but it will be read ASAP
The Egyptologist by Arthur Phillips - Good
Firstly, if you are reading this as a bookcrossing journal entry - don't read the paper review included with the book until you've read the book as it contains many spoilers. This review will endeavour not to.
Ostensibly this is a parallel story of an Egyptologist heading out to the Valley of the Kings to dig for a little known Pharoah - just coincidently whilst Howard Carter is uncovering Tutankhamen on the other side of the valley - and that of an Australian Detective reminiscing about a case from the same era. That these two stories end up intertwining should not be a surprise.
The first half of the book dragged a little for me. Too much back story, too much preamble about setting up the expedition. Once we get to Luxor and the digging starts, then we have a story that has some pace about it.
What this book is really about is perception and whether we can believe what we see, hear and read. None of the characters seem to be quite what they are. I don't want to say too much as it might spoil the story, but can we rely on our narrators, are they self deluding, deliberately obfuscating, stupidly misunderstanding or telling the truth?
I did work out most of what was going on before it was explained, but there was still a moment at the end where a lightbulb went on and the penny dropped about one thing.
The more I think about it, the better I think the book is although during the early stages I didn't find it easy going. A bit too slow to start.
Have PM'd for next address
Firstly, if you are reading this as a bookcrossing journal entry - don't read the paper review included with the book until you've read the book as it contains many spoilers. This review will endeavour not to.
Ostensibly this is a parallel story of an Egyptologist heading out to the Valley of the Kings to dig for a little known Pharoah - just coincidently whilst Howard Carter is uncovering Tutankhamen on the other side of the valley - and that of an Australian Detective reminiscing about a case from the same era. That these two stories end up intertwining should not be a surprise.
The first half of the book dragged a little for me. Too much back story, too much preamble about setting up the expedition. Once we get to Luxor and the digging starts, then we have a story that has some pace about it.
What this book is really about is perception and whether we can believe what we see, hear and read. None of the characters seem to be quite what they are. I don't want to say too much as it might spoil the story, but can we rely on our narrators, are they self deluding, deliberately obfuscating, stupidly misunderstanding or telling the truth?
I did work out most of what was going on before it was explained, but there was still a moment at the end where a lightbulb went on and the penny dropped about one thing.
The more I think about it, the better I think the book is although during the early stages I didn't find it easy going. A bit too slow to start.
Have PM'd for next address
Posted on to Ythan. Hope you enjoy it.
Arrived safe and sound.
Thanks very much.
Thanks very much.
Very slow to start, quicker in the middle and slow to finish. I never really got into it, found it very slow and confusing. I'm very thankful for the paper review that was included, it cleared up so many parts of the book that had left me confused.
Journal Entry 31 by Ythan at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Friday, January 6, 2017
Released 7 yrs ago (1/5/2017 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Off to Icila in France now.
The book is in Brittany now. Thank you !
A great book surely but at the wrong time for me, sorry.
On its way to Germany. Enjoy !
The book arrived safely in Germany, I hope to start reading it soon!
Edit:
I really enjoyed reading this. I normally am not a big fan of books written in letter or journal form but it was done nicely. It had its slow moments during the middle, but other than that I enjoyed reading it :)
Edit:
I really enjoyed reading this. I normally am not a big fan of books written in letter or journal form but it was done nicely. It had its slow moments during the middle, but other than that I enjoyed reading it :)
Next Stop: U.K.
The Egyptologist is on his way to DianeO now.
The Egyptologist is on his way to DianeO now.
Received today - thank you VintageVanguard. Should be able to start soon as I currently have no other rings or rays crying out for attention!
I was looking forward to this book, I remember when the Tutankhamun exhibition came to England in 1972 and all the hysteria surrounding it led to my interest in that period of history. However, the style in which it is written is deeply annoying! I did persevere with it and ultimately enjoyed the actual story . I guessed the ending (with one exception which the enclosed review revealed to me.)
Have PM'd Bulan-Purnama ready for it's trip across the ocean!
I was looking forward to this book, I remember when the Tutankhamun exhibition came to England in 1972 and all the hysteria surrounding it led to my interest in that period of history. However, the style in which it is written is deeply annoying! I did persevere with it and ultimately enjoyed the actual story . I guessed the ending (with one exception which the enclosed review revealed to me.)
Have PM'd Bulan-Purnama ready for it's trip across the ocean!
Released 6 yrs ago (6/13/2017 UTC) at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent by airmail today. Thanks for sharing!
Hello everyone I received the book this afternoon, will as soon as possible. Then it will go to the next reader. Thanks DianeO !
I did not finish the whole book, bored, could not concentrate nor enjoy the story. It is on its way to the next reader.
Hi quickheels I usually wild release the book or offer at the forum of Random Act of Kindness.
Hi quickheels I usually wild release the book or offer at the forum of Random Act of Kindness.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Found it funny, in a dark sort of way, and fast paced for the most part. I must admit I guessed the ending but even though I was sure I had it figured out, it was exciting to see how he would accomplish it. I guess it's a book that either speaks to you or it doesn't. It will be on it's way to the next reader as soon as I confirm an address.
Sent message to Peacemonger84 more than two weeks ago, no reply. Will try once more then what?
Still no reply from Peacemonger84. I really enjoyed this book, if no one else is interested I'll send her into the wild. Anyone?
Journal Entry 44 by Billbooks at Melbourne Central New Little Library in Melbourne CBD, Victoria Australia on Monday, December 28, 2020
Released 3 yrs ago (12/28/2020 UTC) at Melbourne Central New Little Library in Melbourne CBD, Victoria Australia
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
I remember this being packed away during renovations many years ago. I bought a replacement and sent it on it's way naturally found the original was going to read it still haven't so time to release
