Akhenaten, Dweller in Truth is a novel written and published by Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz in 1985. It was translated from Arabic into English in 1998 by Tagreid Abu-Hassabo.
The form and subject of the book is the basis for a cello concerto of the same title by Mohammed Fairouz.
Plot summary
On the way from Sais to Panopolis with his father, the scribe Meriamun points out the ruins of Amarna, the city that the "heretic pharaoh" Akhenaten built for his One and Only God. Seeking a balanced perspective on the events of that time, which split Egypt politically and religiously, Meriamun gets a letter of introduction from his father to many members of Akhenaten's court, among them the High Priest of Amun, his chief of security Haremhab, and his queen Nefertiti. Each tale adds a new dimension to the enigma that is Akhenaten and the thoughts of those that were close to him allow Meriamun – and the reader – to judge for themselves whether Akhenaten was a power politician or a true believer.
Characters The High Priest of Amun Ay, Akhenaten's teacher and counselor Haremhab, chief of security Bek, sculptor Tadukhipa, daughter of Tushratta, concubine of Amenhotep III Toto, chief epistoler Tey, Ay's wife Mutnedjmet, Ay's second daughter and Nefertiti's sister. Meri-Ra, High Priest of the One and Only God Mae, commander of the armed forces Maho, chief of police Nakht, minister of Akhenaten's chamber Bento, Akhenaten's personal physician Nefertiti, Ay's first daughter and Akhenaten's wife
External links Dannyreviews LibraryThing