Discover Egypt through the eyes of writers: history, culture, and pyramids come alive in these must-read books.
Let’s face it: not all of us are going to make it to Egypt anytime soon. Between the flights, the heat, the crowds, and, well, life in general, sometimes the closest we get to the Great Pyramids of Giza is through a documentary or an Instagram reel. But luckily, books exist — and there are plenty of incredible ones that can take us right there, sand between our toes and all.
Whether you’re craving ancient curses, epic adventures, or scholarly deep dives into the world of pharaohs and pyramids, there’s a book on this list for you. So pour yourself a glass of something cold, settle into your comfiest chair, and let these ten titles do the traveling for you.
The Egyptian by Mika Waltari
If you want to be fully immersed in ancient Egypt, The Egyptian is your golden ticket. Originally published in 1945, this historical epic follows the life of Sinuhe, a physician during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten.
This novel isn’t just a story; it’s truly a full-blown experience. Waltari brings ancient Egypt to life in jaw-dropping detail: the lavish palaces, the gritty streets of Thebes, and yes, the looming pyramids themselves. Think of it as historical fiction with a hefty dose of philosophy, politics, and scandal.
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Sure, this classic murder mystery might technically be set on a boat, but it still oozes immaculate Egyptian vibes from start to finish. Picture this: Hercule Poirot is on holiday, floating lazily down the Nile amid the shadow of ancient monuments, when, surprise, surprise, someone ends up dead.
As only Christie can do, there are sharp plot twists, suspicious characters, and gorgeously described scenery. It’s got it all: temples, tombs, pyramids, and more. You’ll feel like you’re right there, watching the drama unfold with the desert sun on your face.
Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
Cleopatra — we all know her name. She’s a legend, a myth, an eyeliner icon. Stacy Schiff’s Pulitzer Prize-winning writing does it again in this stunning biography. She cuts through centuries of rumor to bring us face-to-face with the real Cleopatra. The book is witty, brilliant, politically shrewd, and yes, shows Cleopatra as her real self, the woman more than capable of holding her own among Rome’s most powerful men.
This book dives deep into Alexandria, and it doesn’t shy away from the rest of Egypt’s ancient heritage. Once you finish the book, you’ll have developed a much stronger appreciation for the pyramids as part of Cleopatra’s story.
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
For a more fantastical spin on Egypt, Rick Riordan’s Kane Chronicles series is basically Percy Jackson’s cooler, more ancient cousin. If you love fantasy, and you enjoyed Percy Jackson at any point in your life, then this is the one for you.
The Red Pyramid is absolutely packed to the brim with Egyptian gods, magical chaos, and two siblings trying to save the world while exploring ancient monuments (pyramids included, naturally).
It’s technically middle-grade to YA fiction, but honestly, if you like a fast-paced adventure with a strong side of mythology, you’re never too old for this one.
The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif
Ahdaf Soueif is one of Egypt’s most celebrated contemporary writers, and this novel is a beautiful love story set between Egypt and England, past and present. It touches on Egypt’s long and often painful colonial history, nationalism, and identity while painting vivid and imaginable portraits of Cairo, the Nile, and the country’s ancient monuments.
If you pick this up, you’ll definitely feel the pull of Egypt’s landscapes and history through her lyrical writing. In fact, we guarantee that you’ll feel just as enticed by the sun and sand as you are by the intense connection between her characters.
Zaat by Sonallah Ibrahim
Sonallah Ibrahim is nothing short of an iconic Egyptian writer. His writing is known for its sharp, satirical portrayals of modern Egyptian life. And Zaat is no exception. It is a unique blend of fiction and political commentary that captures Egypt through the eyes of one woman living through decades of political and social upheaval.
While it’s more modern Cairo than ancient pyramids, it offers rich context for understanding Egypt’s layers of history. It’s a great read for those who love getting into the nitty-gritty of the places they visit when they travel.
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany
This Egyptian bestseller gives you a front-row seat to Cairo’s societal shifts: the class struggles, corruption, religious tensions, and hopes of the everyday people who inhabit a once-grand apartment building.
Again, it might not be exactly pyramid-centric, but it is an essential read for feeling the heartbeat of modern Egypt from a local perspective. Pick it up and delve into the rich life of Cairo as it is today.
The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney
Did you know that before Cleopatra, there was Hatshepsut, the other female pharaoh who defied gender norms thousands of years ago? Kara Cooney’s biography brings this very incredible woman to life while painting a vivid portrait of ancient Egypt’s politics, religion, and architecture.
Hatshepsut’s reign was marked by ambitious building projects, and yes, that means that pyramids and grand temples play starring roles in this fascinating tale of power and perception. This book is a brilliant exploration of one of the lesser-known names attached to ancient Egypt.
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
Historical fiction fans, here’s another one for you. Michelle Moran’s Nefertiti is an engrossing dive into the court of the truly legendary queen and her husband, the controversial Pharaoh Akhenaten. The story is told from the POV of Nefertiti’s sister, and it offers court intrigue, dangerous ambition, and breathtaking descriptions of various temples and tombs.
Moran’s gift lies in making the ancient world feel intimate and alive, from the grandeur of Karnak to the silhouettes of the pyramids against a stunning desert sky.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
