Sinuhe the Egyptian - a historical novel written by a Finnish author Mika Waltari was published in 1945. It is a captivating story set in ancient Egypt. Waltari describes the principal characters, Sinuhe?s, eventful life. The characters such as the slave called Kaptah that Sinuhe buys himself, the military commander Horemheb and Nefernefernefer, Minea and Merit - the women Sinuhe loves ? are all colourfully described. After reading the book it feels like you know all these people as their personalities are described so richly to the smallest detail in the book.
The story is set in an era of great turbulence in the society. Religious wars divide the people of Egypt into two. The power of the pharaohs thrives at times and falls at times. New pharaohs take over old ones. Egypt is be impoverished in this chaotic situation and its weakness makes it an easy target to neighbouring states.
At the beginning of the novel Sinuhe floats along the Nile in a basket and a poor couple take the orphan boy and raise him up. Sinuhe?s foster father is a doctor and Sinuhe learns healing skills already at young age. As a youngster Sinuhe goes to the pharaoh?s temple to study medicine. He will not settle for the teachings at the temple as he is not allowed to criticize it. Sinuhe leaves the temple and decides to get his lessons from elsewhere. He ends up travelling around Egypt?s neighbouring states for years. His mission on his travels is to gather information about the warfare styles and armaments of the foreign nations that differ greatly from those of the Egyptian. He is to report his learning to a great Egyptian military commander Horemheb. Sinuhe?s slave Kaptah follows him obediently on all his journeys even though he is often horrified of the dangers he end up at because of his master?s caprices. While on the road, Sinuhe also eagerly collects knowledge of different folks? healing habits and shows Egyptian healing methods to foreigners.
Sinuhe holds a big secret that affects all his life and the choices he makes. Even if Sinuhe does not intend to, he becomes involved in the intrigues of the pharaohs and the upper class. The deeds and choices of Sinuhe have great influence on Egypt?s society whether he wanted it or not.
The novel has also plenty of Sinuhe?s philosophical pondering about the meaning of life and justice. Sinuhe for example settles with a very modest lifestyle even if he could afford to show off with fancy clothes. Instead, Sinuhe?s slave Kaptah, whom Sinuhe frees at the end of the novel, enjoys the money he makes to the full by eating, drinking, dressing himself with finest clothes and by using a palanquin.
As far as I have heard, Mika Waltari had never visited Egypt but he still describes the living conditions and customs in an extremely detailed manner.
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