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purplecat500's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
literarylu_'s review against another edition
4.0
Synopsis: The story focuses on Lady Evelyn Herbert and has two timelines running simultaneously. One of Eve in her seventies recovering from a stroke and one of Eve in the early 1920’s both in Egypt and England. Eve is trying to piece together her memory and find the answers to many questions that all lead back to the opening of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Is the curse of the pharaoh’s real? Who are friends and who is out for information? Who is Dr. Ana Mansor?
My Thoughts:
The focus on a historical fiction outside of WWII was really unique and I it got me out of my box quite a bit. Eve is a lovely character to get to know and her sweet relationship with her husband really makes the book in my opinion. The flashes between time can be a bit confusing but overall really left me hanging until the very last moment. I honestly, did not see the ending coming at all! Will definitely be reading more Gill Paul in the future!
My Thoughts:
The focus on a historical fiction outside of WWII was really unique and I it got me out of my box quite a bit. Eve is a lovely character to get to know and her sweet relationship with her husband really makes the book in my opinion. The flashes between time can be a bit confusing but overall really left me hanging until the very last moment. I honestly, did not see the ending coming at all! Will definitely be reading more Gill Paul in the future!
taylorretter's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hvtardiswltrvl's review against another edition
3.0
I received an ARC of this book through a GoodReads giveaway courtesy of William Morrow. Overall, I liked this book but there were a few issues that brought its score down for me. First the good. The premise of this novel is great- finally providing recognition for the woman who was first in the tomb of King Tut. She’s really likable, and I think that her memory issues are handled really well. I also liked her husband Brograve. The settings were well-written, especially the scenes in Egypt.
What I didn’t like was the pacing. Each chapter is short and then broken down into smaller sections within the chapter. It slowed the pace of the story way down for me. Also, for a book set in Egypt, the only Egyptian characters were either silent or vaguely threatening. If you want to focus on the people who are left out of the history books, why not include the Egyptian contributions too?
What I didn’t like was the pacing. Each chapter is short and then broken down into smaller sections within the chapter. It slowed the pace of the story way down for me. Also, for a book set in Egypt, the only Egyptian characters were either silent or vaguely threatening. If you want to focus on the people who are left out of the history books, why not include the Egyptian contributions too?
amywrites's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I (obviously) really love this kind of topic so this was a must read for me. It was lovely reading about the Golden Age of Egyptology.
I don't know much about strokes (which Evelyn suffered from after an accident in the 1930s), but I feel like the author did a very good job in her research.
From what I've read before about Evelyn, she was a fascinating woman. Unfortunately, the way she is portrayed in this novel annoyed me. She could do no wrong and everyone loved her - was this how she was in real life? Her husband, Brograve, was such a gem and instantly won my heart (I sincerely hope he really was this supportive and loving!).
The writing was simplistic and a bit on the nose, but the book was emotional and cosy.
[Note: There's a part in the book where it says that Evelyn didn't know anyone who got divorced, but then a few pages later, it explains that her step-father was a divorcee and her brother had been divorced twice. This just threw me off.]
I don't know much about strokes (which Evelyn suffered from after an accident in the 1930s), but I feel like the author did a very good job in her research.
From what I've read before about Evelyn, she was a fascinating woman. Unfortunately, the way she is portrayed in this novel annoyed me. She could do no wrong and everyone loved her - was this how she was in real life? Her husband, Brograve, was such a gem and instantly won my heart (I sincerely hope he really was this supportive and loving!).
The writing was simplistic and a bit on the nose, but the book was emotional and cosy.
[Note: There's a part in the book where it says that Evelyn didn't know anyone who got divorced, but then a few pages later, it explains that her step-father was a divorcee and her brother had been divorced twice. This just threw me off.]
a_girl_and_some_books's review against another edition
4.0
What a fascinating story! I loved following the two timelines 1920s and 1970s. Evelyn’s story was very interesting and I was captured by the first chapter! This was a great library find and I will definitely read more of this author!
mes91's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0