Julia Pearson

Julia Pearson

Ramses

Christian Jacq

Historical Fiction

Just Right

Pg. 124

1. Many things have happened already in Ramses. Every page is filled with a new adventure or plot line. This book is one of 5, and it is an epic following the life of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses. In this book, Ramses is still fourteen. He is not in line for the throne; his pampered and greedy brother Shanaar is. The current Pharaoh, Ramses's father Seti, has gotten Ramses's hope up more than once by testing him against a bull, asking him to make a sacrifice, and sending him all throughout Egypt to learn the ways of fishermen, quarrymen, and others. Ramses is not sure if his father wants him to be the next Pharaoh or not, but whatever his decision, Ramses is always trying to find himself. Meanwhile, some mysterious things have been going on, such as an attempt murder of Ramses. Ramses knows that Shanaar does not want him to be Pharoah. And though Ramses doesn't know it, the readers do know that Shanaar is behind these attacks.

2. I really like this book so far. I think that it is a very exciting book and I am never bored of it. It is also interesting because most of it happened, thousands of years ago, though all the characters seem very real. It has got everything- adventure, action, even romance. The one annoying thing is that the writing style seems a little choppy at times, possibly because this book is french and translated into english. On the whole I would give it a 9 out of 10.

3. The theme of the book right now is finding yourself. Ramses is always trying to find his "true path", or his meaning in life. He has found satisfaction in many jobs he has tried during his journeys, like rowing boats and working in the quarry. But he hasn't yet been able to quench "the fire inside", his un-satisfaction, or need of something he can't place his finger on. This has reappeared throughout the whole book- at the very beginning at school, during his journey, when he visits his friend Moses, and other times as well.

4. My favorite character is Ramses's mother, Tuya. Tuya is the queen of Egypt, and very respected. Ramses goes to Tuya for advice, and Tuya always gives it wisely. She is very good and has empathy for everyone, because she was not born into any kind of royalty, but was born poor and found for her talents. She remains humble and respected by all.

5. My least favorite character is Shanaar. Shanaar is very lazy, greedy, and conniving. He is pampered all day with massages and is obsessed with look, and has never experienced work or labor. He walks nowhere, always being carried. He wants the power of the throne, so he will kill his own brother to have it.

6. I predict that Ramses will become Pharaoh, and find his true path in doing so. Also, Shanaar will show his true colors and will be brought to justice. Lastly, Ramses will marry Nefertari, not his current "girlfriend" Iset.