Here in small town Poland, getting a hold of English reading material is a challenge. The school where I work, however, has a shelf of novels that others have left behind. My boss recommended a rather sizeable tome: River God by Wilbur Smith. Having just finished James Michener's Poland, I really had not considered another 600 page book. My boss, however, said he had really enjoyed it and it had been a surprisingly fast read.... He was right.

River God tells the story of ancient Egypt through the eyes of a slave and eunuch named Taita. As the tale begins, he is working for the Grand Vizier, Lord Intef. He cares for the only daughter of this lord, Lostris. Lostris is incredibly loving and beautiful.

Lostris is in love with Tanus, the son of a disgraced Lord Harrab who committed suicide. Taita loves them both, but hates Lord Intef.

A bit more about Taita. He is a scribe and a physician. He is also an inventor. He is vain about his mental prowess and his physical beauty. Despite this vanity, he is lovable and it is hard not to appreciate this narrator of the tale.

This story occurs during the era when the ancient kingdoms of Egypt were divided. It continues to the attack of the Hyskos, the arrival of the horse, and the invention of the chariot in Egypt. The book also includes some exploration into the world of Cush and Ethiopia and the lives of the people there.

Smith does a great job of describing what palace life in Egypt was like. Eventually, we are privy not only to the life style of the grand vizier, but to the pharoah as well. Taita remains a slave in service to Lady Lostris throughout the book (though at one point he is offered his freedom.)

The story of Egypt is a backdrop of the real story of love and friendship and loyalty - the love of Taita for Lostris and Tanus; the loves of Lostris and Tanus for each other; the love of all of them for the land and the people they serve.

Despite its 600 pages of prose, I finished this book in just over a week. It is a very fast and pleasurable tale and one that will stay with me for awhile. I can highly recommend this book. I look forward to finding other books by Wilbur Smith in the future.

Recommended: Yes