A Thorny Path By: Georg Ebers (1837-1898)
A Thorny Path by Georg Ebers is an enthralling and thought-provoking historical novel that delves into the challenging journey of its protagonist, a young Egyptian man named Hiram. Set in the time of ancient Egypt, the tale beautifully captures the vibrant civilization while exploring profound themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth. From the very first page, the impeccable storytelling skills of Ebers transport the reader to a meticulously crafted world, brimming with rich historical details. The author's research is commendable, as he weaves together elements of ancient Egyptian society, mythology, and religion seamlessly into the narrative. The vivid descriptions of temples, palaces, and bustling marketplaces create a vivid backdrop against which the characters' lives unfold. The book's protagonist, Hiram, is a complex and relatable character who embarks on a tumultuous journey filled with both triumphs and tragedies. His unwavering determination and unwavering loyalty to those he loves, coupled with his thirst for knowledge and justice, make him an endearing and admirable figure to follow throughout the story. Ebers excels in character development, carefully portraying the relationships between Hiram and the various individuals he encounters along his path. Each supporting character is well-rounded and contributes to the overall depth and complexity of the story. The friendships, betrayals, and love interests that Hiram encounters are expertly interwoven, leading to surprising twists and turns that kept me engrossed until the final page. What sets A Thorny Path apart is its ability to seamlessly interweave historical facts with a captivating and emotional narrative. Ebers delivers an absorbing exploration of the complexities of ancient Egyptian society and the challenges faced by individuals from different social classes. Moreover, the author cleverly integrates themes of religious and philosophical discourse, shedding light on the tensions between tradition and progress. Furthermore, Ebers' writing style is elegant and eloquent, staying true to the historical setting without becoming inaccessible. The translation from German to English is seamless, capturing the essence of the original text while maintaining a smooth and engaging flow. If I were to mention any drawbacks, it would be that the pacing occasionally feels slow, particularly during detailed descriptions of ancient rituals or political machinations. However, these instances are few and far between, and the overwhelming strengths of the book make up for these minor lulls. In conclusion, A Thorny Path by Georg Ebers is a captivating and enlightening historical novel that will transport readers to the ancient world of Egypt. With its meticulously researched backdrop, well-developed characters, and engaging narrative, this book is an absolute gem for fans of historical fiction. Georg Ebers' talent for storytelling and ability to evoke a bygone era make this a must-read for both history enthusiasts and lovers of a good tale. First Page: A THORNY PATH By Georg Ebers Volume 1. CHAPTER I. The green screen slowly rose, covering the lower portion of the broad studio window where Heron, the gem cutter, was at work. It was Melissa, the artist's daughter, who had pulled it up, with bended knees and outstretched arms, panting for breath. "That is enough!" cried her father's impatient voice. He glanced up at the flood of light which the blinding sun of Alexandria was pouring into the room, as it did every autumn afternoon; but as soon as the shadow fell on his work table the old man's busy fingers were at work again, and he heeded his daughter no more. An hour later Melissa again, and without any bidding, pulled up the screen as before, but it was so much too heavy for her that the effort brought the blood into her calm, fair face, as the deep, rough "That is enough" was again heard from the work table. Then silence reigned once more. Only the artist's low whistling as he worked, or the patter and pipe of the birds in their cages by the window, broke the stillness of the spacious room, till the voice and step of a man were presently heard in the anteroom. Heron laid by his graver and Melissa her gold embroidery, and the eyes of father and daughter met for the first time for some hours. The very birds seemed excited, and a starling, which had sat moping since the screen had shut the sun out, now cried out, "Olympias!" Melissa rose, and after a swift glance round the room she went to the door, come who might... Continue reading book >>

A Thorny Path By: Georg Ebers (1837-1898)

A Thorny Path by Georg Ebers is an enthralling and thought-provoking historical novel that delves into the challenging journey of its protagonist, a young Egyptian man named Hiram. Set in the time of ancient Egypt, the tale beautifully captures the vibrant civilization while exploring profound themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth.

From the very first page, the impeccable storytelling skills of Ebers transport the reader to a meticulously crafted world, brimming with rich historical details. The author's research is commendable, as he weaves together elements of ancient Egyptian society, mythology, and religion seamlessly into the narrative. The vivid descriptions of temples, palaces, and bustling marketplaces create a vivid backdrop against which the characters' lives unfold.

The book's protagonist, Hiram, is a complex and relatable character who embarks on a tumultuous journey filled with both triumphs and tragedies. His unwavering determination and unwavering loyalty to those he loves, coupled with his thirst for knowledge and justice, make him an endearing and admirable figure to follow throughout the story.

Ebers excels in character development, carefully portraying the relationships between Hiram and the various individuals he encounters along his path. Each supporting character is well-rounded and contributes to the overall depth and complexity of the story. The friendships, betrayals, and love interests that Hiram encounters are expertly interwoven, leading to surprising twists and turns that kept me engrossed until the final page.

What sets A Thorny Path apart is its ability to seamlessly interweave historical facts with a captivating and emotional narrative. Ebers delivers an absorbing exploration of the complexities of ancient Egyptian society and the challenges faced by individuals from different social classes. Moreover, the author cleverly integrates themes of religious and philosophical discourse, shedding light on the tensions between tradition and progress.

Furthermore, Ebers' writing style is elegant and eloquent, staying true to the historical setting without becoming inaccessible. The translation from German to English is seamless, capturing the essence of the original text while maintaining a smooth and engaging flow.

If I were to mention any drawbacks, it would be that the pacing occasionally feels slow, particularly during detailed descriptions of ancient rituals or political machinations. However, these instances are few and far between, and the overwhelming strengths of the book make up for these minor lulls.

In conclusion, A Thorny Path by Georg Ebers is a captivating and enlightening historical novel that will transport readers to the ancient world of Egypt. With its meticulously researched backdrop, well-developed characters, and engaging narrative, this book is an absolute gem for fans of historical fiction. Georg Ebers' talent for storytelling and ability to evoke a bygone era make this a must-read for both history enthusiasts and lovers of a good tale.

First Page:

A THORNY PATH

By Georg Ebers

Volume 1.

CHAPTER I.

The green screen slowly rose, covering the lower portion of the broad studio window where Heron, the gem cutter, was at work. It was Melissa, the artist's daughter, who had pulled it up, with bended knees and outstretched arms, panting for breath.

"That is enough!" cried her father's impatient voice. He glanced up at the flood of light which the blinding sun of Alexandria was pouring into the room, as it did every autumn afternoon; but as soon as the shadow fell on his work table the old man's busy fingers were at work again, and he heeded his daughter no more.

An hour later Melissa again, and without any bidding, pulled up the screen as before, but it was so much too heavy for her that the effort brought the blood into her calm, fair face, as the deep, rough "That is enough" was again heard from the work table.

Then silence reigned once more. Only the artist's low whistling as he worked, or the patter and pipe of the birds in their cages by the window, broke the stillness of the spacious room, till the voice and step of a man were presently heard in the anteroom.

Heron laid by his graver and Melissa her gold embroidery, and the eyes of father and daughter met for the first time for some hours. The very birds seemed excited, and a starling, which had sat moping since the screen had shut the sun out, now cried out, "Olympias!" Melissa rose, and after a swift glance round the room she went to the door, come who might... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Georg Ebers
Wikipedia – A Thorny Path

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac