Subject
Egypt -- Fiction Books
Best books
C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson
It Happened in Egypt
"It Happened in Egypt" by C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson is a novel written during the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Egypt, the story appears to revolve around a mysterious treasure and the various adventures of several intriguing characters, including the protagonist who possesses a great secret that propels them on a journey filled with excitement and romance. The opening of the novel introduces us to the main character on a ship bound for Egypt, reflecting on a secret involving historical documents from an Italian Egyptologist. As the narrative unfolds, we meet other key characters, including the captivating heiress Rosamond Gilder and her companion Brigit O'Brien. Their interaction on the ship hints at underlying tensions and interconnected pasts, laying the groundwork for entangled relationships as they arrive in Alexandria. Brigit reveals a complicated history while expressing concern for Rosamond's wealthy yet tumultuous life, suggesting that adventure—alongside potential dangers—awaits them in Egypt.
Joan Conquest
The Hawk of Egypt
"The Hawk of Egypt" by Joan Conquest is a novel written in the early 20th century. It is set against the backdrop of Egypt, bringing to life a rich tapestry of cultural and historical elements as it follows the journey of Damaris Hethencourt, a young woman navigating the complexities of love, identity, and adventure in a foreign land. The narrative hints at her interactions with intriguing characters, including the enigmatic Hugh Carden Ali, as well as the allure and dangers of the vibrant Egyptian marketplace. The opening of the story introduces us to Damaris as she explores the bustling bazaar of Cairo, accompanied by her bulldog, Wellington. The vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market paint a picture of her surroundings and the cultural dynamics at play. As she navigates the crowd, her attention is drawn to Hugh Carden Ali, whose mixed heritage and poised demeanor intrigue her. The narrative foreshadows a burgeoning romance while touching on themes of social norms and personal struggle, especially as they pertain to Damaris’s quest for adventure amidst the vibrant chaos of the East. The stage is set for dramatic interactions, cultural clashes, and the exploration of identity, making for a compelling beginning that invites readers into a rich world of emotional and societal complexity.
Gustave Flaubert
The Temptation of St. Anthony
"The Temptation of St. Anthony" by Gustave Flaubert is a dramatic poem in prose published in 1874. Written in the form of a play script, it recounts one night in the Egyptian desert where Saint Anthony the Great faces a series of profound temptations. Through encounters with figures ranging from the Queen of Sheba to his former student Hilarion, Anthony confronts the Seven Deadly Sins, ancient gods, heretics, and monsters—all challenging his belief that isolation is the truest form of worship.
Anatole France
Thais
"Thais" by Anatole France is a novel published in 1890. Based on the life of a legendary 4th-century Egyptian saint, it tells the story of Paphnuce, an ascetic hermit who travels to Alexandria to convert Thais, a famous libertine beauty. When he succeeds in bringing her to Christianity, an unexpected transformation occurs—he becomes obsessed with her former life while she devotes herself to repentance. Their spiritual journeys take ironic and tragic turns in this tale of faith, desire, and illusion.
Sax Rohmer
Tales of Secret Egypt
"Tales of Secret Egypt" by Sax Rohmer is a collection of fictional narratives likely written in the early 20th century. The stories set in Egypt feature a mix of mystery, adventure, and supernatural elements, revolving around intriguing characters who navigate the mysticism and secrets of the ancient land. Rohmer’s unique style invites readers into a world filled with exotic allure and hidden dangers, emphasizing the enigma of Egypt's magical past. The opening portion introduces the reader to the character Kernaby Pasha, who finds himself embroiled in a series of mysterious and potentially dangerous events in Cairo. After observing a suspicious one-eyed beggar and exhibiting concern for his friend, Ali Mohammed, who seems terrified by the beggar's presence, Kernaby's curiosity leads him deeper into Egypt's secrets. The tension escalates as he encounters Abû Tabâh, a magician, and is drawn into a world of intrigue involving theft, dark magic, and the supernatural. As the plot unfolds, Kernaby discovers that his involvement with Ali Mohammed and other key characters places him at the center of an unfolding mystery, linking personal safety with the esoteric traditions that permeate Egyptian culture.
Gilbert Parker
Donovan Pasha, and Some People of Egypt — Complete
"Donovan Pasha and Some People of Egypt — Complete" by Gilbert Parker is a collection of fictional tales set in colonial Egypt, written during the early 20th century. The work explores themes of cultural interaction, the complexities of colonial administration, and the human experiences of both British officials and the local Egyptian populace. Among the central characters are Dicky Donovan, an English official with a kind heart, and Fielding Bey, another Englishman who navigates the challenges of governance and moral dilemmas tied to their roles in Egypt. The opening of the narrative introduces the character of Fielding Bey, who is reluctant to inspect the town of Hasha, indicating a foreboding atmosphere surrounding the locality. His feelings are contrasted by the more carefree Dicky Donovan, who appears to take interest in the situation, albeit with an air of innocence. As they travel along the Nile aboard the Amenhotep, an inspection of Hasha looms ahead, while hints of underlying tension regarding the community's lawfulness and relationships between the British and the locals emerge. Dicky Donovan's interactions with other officials reveal a blend of humor, camaraderie, and the complexities of their duties in a foreign land, setting the stage for deeper narratives about the individuals they encounter.
Gustave Flaubert
The Temptation of St. Antony; Or, A Revelation of the Soul
"The Temptation of St. Antony; Or, A Revelation of the Soul" by Gustave Flaubert is a dramatic poem in prose published in 1874. Written as a play script, it chronicles one night in the Egyptian desert as Saint Anthony the Great faces extraordinary temptations. The Devil, seductive figures, heretics, magicians, gods, and monsters parade before the hermit saint, testing his faith and resolve. Each visitor challenges Anthony's belief that isolation is the truest form of worship, pulling him toward desire, doubt, and despair in an epic battle for his soul.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Last Egyptian: A Romance of the Nile
"The Last Egyptian: A Romance of the Nile" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1908. An Egyptologist, a mysterious Egyptian claiming royal descent, and a cunning dragoman converge in Cairo where ancient secrets and modern schemes collide. When Kāra seeks revenge against an English lord's family using blackmail and manipulation, he becomes entangled with the lord's granddaughter. As passion conflicts with vengeance, alliances shift along the Nile, and desperate rescues unfold to thwart Kāra's dark intentions.
Hall Caine
The White Prophet, Volume 1 (of 2)
"The White Prophet, Volume 1" by Sir Hall Caine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of British rule in Egypt, illustrating the complex cultural and political tensions of the era. At the center of the story is Gordon Lord, a British officer, who finds himself entangled in the struggles between the native Egyptians and their British rulers, particularly focusing on the rise of a charismatic new leader named Ishmael Ameer. At the start of the novel, a sham battle staged by British officers in Cairo escalates tensions between British forces and the local population, igniting feelings of resentment among the Cairenes. Amid this backdrop, Lord Gordon, who is depicted as empathetic toward the locals and proud of his Egyptian heritage, becomes concerned about a potential uprising incited by Ishmael Ameer, a preacher stirring discontent among the people. As Gordon prepares to undertake a mission to arrest Ameer, he grapples with his duty to the British Crown and his personal conviction, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of identity, loyalty, and the implications of colonialism in Egypt.
Anatole France
The Queen Pedauque
"The Queen Pedauque" by Anatole France is a historical novel written in 1892. Set in early 18th-century France, it follows young Jacques Ménétrier, who works turning roasting spits in his father's shop until a learned abbot takes him as a student. Together, master and pupil enter the service of an eccentric alchemist obsessed with salamanders and sylphs. Their journey through a world of ancient texts, debauchery, and occult philosophy leads to unexpected consequences that will test their bond.
E. M. (Edith Maude) Hull
The Sheik: A Novel
"The Sheik: A Novel" by E. M. Hull is a novel published in 1919. When independent Englishwoman Diana Mayo ventures alone into the Algerian desert, she is kidnapped by the mysterious Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan. Held captive in his desert camp, Diana struggles between hatred and unexpected feelings for her captor. This controversial bestseller sparked a major revival of desert romance fiction and became the basis for the famous Rudolph Valentino film. The novel explores themes of captivity, passion, and transformation against an Orientalist backdrop.
Hall Caine
The White Prophet, Volume 2 (of 2)
"The White Prophet, Volume 2 (of 2)" by Sir Hall Caine is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the intertwined lives of its central characters, Helena and Gordon, against a backdrop of political and personal conflict in the Sudan and Egypt. With themes of love, betrayal, vengeance, and the clash of cultures, it explores how individual actions can lead to sweeping consequences amid a volatile setting. At the start of the volume, Helena wakes to a tumultuous scene, as news arrives that Gordon, a key figure from her past, has arrived in Khartoum. Conflicted by her feelings for him and her current situation, she experiences an intense internal struggle, exacerbated by the implications of her recent actions that could lead to disaster for Ishmael, the man she is betrothed to. Meanwhile, Gordon grapples with his own emotions, haunted by the recognition of his role in Helena's misfortunes and the newfound reality of his imminent return to Cairo, which he believes could prevent an innocent man’s downfall. The opening draws readers into a world of tension and impending tragedy as the characters navigate their flawed decisions amidst the fervor of political uprising and personal loyalties.
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