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salmashesh's review
4.0
It was a pleasant surprise to know that the Agatha Christie took interest in my favorite historical figure and devoted a whole play for him outside of her usual niche of mystery. And although I read a translated version it remains profound and beautifully written, poetic and touching. Very interesting to see her ficitionlization of history and how the events unfold through her vision.
And while Akhnaton and Nefertiti could feel one dimensional, passive, and too idealized at times, they never lose their humanity and they still play their measure roles in the conflict. Also that ending ended me, Christie took liberty of the ambiguity regrading this era and labored a very beautifully tragic Shakespearean ending, effectively made me tear up
I'm grateful for this reading experience paired with one of my favorite pieces Akhnaten opera by Philip Glass
And while Akhnaton and Nefertiti could feel one dimensional, passive, and too idealized at times, they never lose their humanity and they still play their measure roles in the conflict. Also that ending ended me, Christie took liberty of the ambiguity regrading this era and labored a very beautifully tragic Shakespearean ending, effectively made me tear up
I'm grateful for this reading experience paired with one of my favorite pieces Akhnaten opera by Philip Glass
gswain's review against another edition
4.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a play. This was interesting and well written. Makes me curious to read more about the time period and the kings.
ruhika's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
vermidian's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoy Agatha Christie’s works in general, but this play just could not hold my attention at all. Akhenaton, for whom the play is named, is written at the best of times like a preachy teenager who may or may not be high. Everyone else in the play has more interesting story lines, if I’m honest, but he takes up the bulk of it as one might expect. His monologues about the light of Aton go on for pages at times. They really did put me off the script to the point where I wanted to put it down or skip them entirely, since they all roughly said about the same thing.
I can’t speak much to the historical accuracy of Akhenaton’s life, but it is probable our understanding of Egyptian history has radically been improved since this was written in 1937.
All in all, not one I could recommend.
I can’t speak much to the historical accuracy of Akhenaton’s life, but it is probable our understanding of Egyptian history has radically been improved since this was written in 1937.
All in all, not one I could recommend.
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