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roskcar's review against another edition
5.0
Could have spent more time creating an image of her work in the 1960s leading the UNESCO Coalition that matched the imagery of the first half of the book. Loved learning about her and her work!
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
For all my reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com.
Egyptology has always fascinated me. At one point in my youth, I dreamed of being an archaeologist instead of a sleuth like Nancy Drew. While I outgrew that dream, I remained interested in the topic. I saw Empress of the Nile on Goodreads before it was published and was intrigued about what seemed like an Indiana Jones-type adventure.
Christiane Desroches was a very successful archeologist in a time when there weren’t many women in the field. Not just a biography of Desroches, this is also a history of saving the temple of Abu Simbel from the floodwaters of the Aswan dam. I knew nothing of this subject going in, and learned a lot along the way.
What I found interesting, as an American, was the involvement of Jackie Kennedy in the efforts of saving the temple. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and President Kennedy himself was interested in saving the temple. Both Jacqueline and Christiane were never really given their due at the time, but they are responsible for helping save the cultural legacy of ancient Egypt.
I didn’t get the Indiana Jones adventure I was expecting, yet it was no less thrilling to learn of the saving of these important monuments for the history of all mankind. I’m so glad more and more stories of the women of history are coming to light so we can appreciate the impact women made and are still making to this day.
Egyptology has always fascinated me. At one point in my youth, I dreamed of being an archaeologist instead of a sleuth like Nancy Drew. While I outgrew that dream, I remained interested in the topic. I saw Empress of the Nile on Goodreads before it was published and was intrigued about what seemed like an Indiana Jones-type adventure.
Christiane Desroches was a very successful archeologist in a time when there weren’t many women in the field. Not just a biography of Desroches, this is also a history of saving the temple of Abu Simbel from the floodwaters of the Aswan dam. I knew nothing of this subject going in, and learned a lot along the way.
What I found interesting, as an American, was the involvement of Jackie Kennedy in the efforts of saving the temple. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and President Kennedy himself was interested in saving the temple. Both Jacqueline and Christiane were never really given their due at the time, but they are responsible for helping save the cultural legacy of ancient Egypt.
I didn’t get the Indiana Jones adventure I was expecting, yet it was no less thrilling to learn of the saving of these important monuments for the history of all mankind. I’m so glad more and more stories of the women of history are coming to light so we can appreciate the impact women made and are still making to this day.
duchessofreadin's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating view of the life of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, and her work in Egyptology. When many others were focusing on "proper" rules of the day, Christiane defied convention and went after her dreams.
I enjoyed the book immensely, and for those who enjoy history - and Egyptian history, this is one book that will appeal to you!
I enjoyed the book immensely, and for those who enjoy history - and Egyptian history, this is one book that will appeal to you!