Ancient Evenings

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In 1100 B.C. Egypt, a narrator without memory discovers himself in the Necropolis, realizing he is the "poor Ka" of nobleman Menenhetet II. This unsettling start leads to encounters with the Ka of his great-grandfather, Meni I, a reincarnated High Priest who becomes the main narrator in six lengthy, lifeless segments. In "The Book of the Gods," Meni I recounts a minihistory of deities like Ra and Isis, framed through themes of violence and sexual depravity, particularly homosexual rape. "The Book of the Child" revisits Meni II's childhood visit to Pharaoh Ramses IX, where Meni I shares tales of his past life as the Pharaoh's Charioteer and victim, engaging in cannibalism and sexual exploits, including with the sorceress Honey-Ball and Nefertiri. As Meni I's stories unfold, Meni II, only six years old, becomes increasingly aware of the sexual tensions surrounding him, including his own unsettling desire for his mother, Hathfertiti. The narrative raises questions about Mailer’s exploration of ancient Egyptian culture and its fixation on taboo subjects. Despite some vivid depictions of Egyptology and occasional humor, the novel often feels stagnant and overly obsessed with its themes, offering little reward for readers drawn in by the author's reputation.