Has anybody ever read "The Egyptian" by Mika Waltari?

[Clintonista2]

I have never, ever met ANYBODY in my life who has even heard of this book, although it is my absolute favourite. Is anyone else here in love with it?

[NYC]

1. I never read it, but I read that it was translated into

71 languages (or similar number), so it must have been one of the most popular books in the world.

What is it about? Should I add it to my list?

[Clintonista2]

2. Absolutley!

It's a great read. It basically explains the life of a man who lived in ancient egypt, and became the physician of the pharoahe. Its a very depressing novel, but it gives you a whole new perspective on life, AND it's historically accurate.

[Cleita]

3. I read it when I was a teenager back in the fifties.

My library had a copy. I have never seen a copy since then in a library or a bookstore. Although, it was a long time ago, I remember it as a very rich and exotic read. I loved it.

[Sal Minella]

4. I loved the movie, never wondered at the time if there was a book...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Egyptian_(film)&h=200&w=200&sz=14&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=-4KWsNUR6xBQMM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dedmund%2Bpurdom%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Click on The Egyptian (movie) in top line of book article -- I can't get it to copy/paste. I was transported by the movie in my early twenties -- wonder how it has stood the test of time.

[The Magistrate]

5. Years Ago, Sir

Many, many years ago....

Also 'The Etruscan' and 'The Roman', that last of which was the least pleasant, and did not have quite the same 'true' ring as the others, either.

"The Egyptian' was most enjoyable, though whether it would stand up to archeology today is beyond me, as my recollection of it is pretty hazy. What lasts is that it was an excellent read indeed.

[flamingyouth]

6. I can't believe I haven't read this book.

I'm absolutely nuts about all things Egyptian, particularly the era of Akhenaten, et al. I'll definitely have to check it out.

[RebelOne]

7. Read the book, saw the movie, but I don't remember

too much about it because it was so long ago.

[Vidar]

8. Read that one and "The Roman" 30 odd years ago.

[Sequoia]

9. I read it in 10th grade I think.

I remember liking it and how he was "untouchable." I'd have to read it again as that was 100s of years ago now.

[ANNA S]

10. I'm in love with it too

but i'm afraid it'l break my heart. I've not finished reading it yet but some thoughts keep coming back... one is about authenticity of Waltari's sources so far i've read mixed opinions but most tending towards authenticity... another thing i'm also wondering how likely was it for a person such as Sinuh to have existed at those times..he looks brilliant to me but also as a quite modern addition...it just doesn't seem believable that someone would be as free thinking as him...and also an atheist... perhaps it's one of those unwritten truths?? Does anyone know? :)