Review: Nephthys

Author: Rachel Louise Driscoll

Publisher: 6th February 2025 by Penguin Random House Australia | Harvill Secker

Pages: 320 pages

Genre:  General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

Synopsis:

Sister. Rival. Protector. The spellbinding story of a forgotten daughter and a forgotten goddess.

Quiet and reserved, Clemmie is happy in the background. But although her parents may overlook her talents, her ability to read hieroglyphs makes her invaluable at the Egyptian relic parties which have made her father the toast of Victorian society.

But at one such party, the words Clemmie interprets from an unusual amulet strike fear into her heart. The beautiful and dangerous glyphs she holds in her hands will change her life forever.

Five years later, Clemmie arrives in Egypt on a mission to save what remains of her family. The childhood game she used to play about the immortal sisters, Isis and Nephthys, has taken on a devastating resonance and it is only by following Nephthys' story that she can undo the mistakes of the past. On her journey up the Nile she will meet unexpected allies and enemies and, along with long-buried secrets and betrayals, Clemmie will be forced to step into the light.

My Thoughts

All the aspects I love from this genre can be found in this book. The story of a young female Egyptologist determined to undo a curse, with deeper themes of respect for Egyptian heritage and culture. If you are fascinated by ancient Egypt, particularly during the Victorian era, then you are going to love this book. Egyptian myths and gods, artefacts and grave robbers, hieroglyphs and curses are all to be found in this highly engaging book.  

‘No doubt the people in this room, at first glance, imagine she’s a typical English traveller, here to enjoy the sun, pick up a few knick-knacks, and purchase a bottleful of sand to take home. They couldn’t be more wrong.’

I will admit that it takes a little while to draw you in and feel a connection to the characters. You will however soon be filled with intrigue especially once you arrive in Egypt. The focus of this book is very much on the two sisters and how the author ties it in with the mythology surrounding Nephthys and Isis is wonderful. There is a solid amount of research here not only around Egyptian gods and their stories but also Egyptomania from the Victorian era (“hunger for the relics of that bygone civilisation. Perhaps the mania part has become too real?”). The impact of tomb raiding and antiquity hunting is very well presented - ‘Artefacts are being damaged, provenance is being lost, and history is undone because everyone wants to claim their own Egyptian treasure ... They are taking what they want from the desert, and when they are through, it will be left ravaged and devastated.’

If these are topics that appeal to you, add in a mystery/thriller component whilst sailing up the Nile and you have a wonderful read. 

‘The fascination for Ancient Egypt began as a game, grew to an obsession, became a curse. Now it’s controlling her every move.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.