Pharaoh: the boy who conquered the Nile by Jackie French
I have been waiting for ages for a good book for all those year 7 and 8 boys who are fascinated by ancient history. Thank you Jackie French for your contribution. Can I suggest a series?
The book is set long before the pyramids were built. In fact the Pharaoh of the title actually ruled before the first Egyptian dynasty. Wikipedia referrs to Narmer as pharaoh 0, successor to the Scorpion King. And in keeping with Jackie French’s recent writings this story begins with Narmer as a boy approaching adolescence.
Although Narmer is the second son, his personality is much more suited to administration, so his father, the current king of the district, has designated him as his successor. As the book begins Narmer is learning about the responsibilities of kingship. However, the older brother is jealous and soon contrives to place Narmer in danger, where he is injured. Although Narmer recovers, he is disfigured, and an imperfect man cannot become king.
As a result, Narmer is sent away to become a trader. He is apprenticed to an old man from another tribe and sent across the desert to make his way in the world. There the story truly begins. Narmer travels with the old trader, learning about other tribes and their traditions. Eventually he returns home…..
Recently Hollywood has discovered this period of history, and popular interest has increased accordingly. Somehow I would trust French’s research more than many others in popular culture.
As with all of French’s writing, this is an expertly crafted story that contains enough complexity to hold any child’s interest. This is certainly a worthy nomination for the CBC Book of the Year award.
