The Egyptian Guide
Preface
first met the author of The Egyptian Guide at a conference a couple of
years ago, where we chatted about writing. Evelyn had, I learned, been particularly struck by the similarity between the themes in my novels, especially I Am Margaret and Someday, and Evelyn’s own work-in-progress. In a spirit of solidarity with a kindred Catholic author, I agreed to read Evelyn’s book when it was finished, and (when I had almost forgotten about the whole thing!) I had a nice surprise when it finally pinged into my inbox.
It turned out to be worth the wait. Evelyn has produced a novel that is reflective, meditative, lyrical, and bursting with the most beautiful metaphors about faith. Yes, it deals with those same pressing issues of our times that drive me to write – aggressive secularism, religious oppression, radical Islam – but in a way very different from my own writing, though most effective.
The Egyptian Guide takes the reader along on Clara’s journey of faith and self-discovery, providing a whistle-stop tour of the joys and wonders of the Catholic faith along the way, challenging us to reflect on a whole range of issues, right through from the material, to the spiritual.
I
REGINA | 62