Recs if you like The Egyptian...

novels where reality bends and distorts, both narrators and memories deceive, and the truth becomes slippery. these stories blur the line between what is real and what is imagined, between fact and fiction, until we are unable to distinguish truth from the author’s own fabrication. a blend of autofiction, historical fiction, and “non-fiction fiction.”

as always welcome to suggestions !

This list highlights the influential books that have been banned, censored, or widely discouraged at various times and places due to their provocative ideas, controversial content, or challenges to authority. These stories preserve critical thinking, protect intellectual freedom, and remind us why questioning dominant narratives is essential now more than ever.

Fiction (and some non-fiction) across genres featuring plagues, poisons, palace physicians, healers, and pre-antibiotic chaos. If it involves herbs, plagues, questionable remedies, court intrigue, or a morally complex healer experimenting in the corner, I want it.

Some of the most iconic Finnish books every Finnish person has read or at least acknowledge as timeless classics.

P.S. These authors have so many other captivating books but the ones chosen are the most popular of the bunch. Some books didn't have an English translation here but they're still worth reading if you're able to.

This list is for fiction novels steeped in ancient Egyptian history and/or mythology. It is a work in progress. If you have any recommendations for this list, please provide the titles and authors in the comments, and I will be happy to add them. 😊

Below are the #1 bestselling fictional novels in the United States for each year from 1900 to 1999, based on annual sales data (traditionally compiled by The Bookman and later Publishers Weekly).