I, the Sun by Janet E Morris, is a monumental novel that details the life of a previously unknown Hittite King, one Tasmisarri or Suppiluliumas (literally - The Sun.
As an historical novel, it does have a sound basis in fact and the Author outlines that in her acknowledgments at the end of the book. As someone who, in the past, has read much historical fiction based in the double kingdoms of Egypt, I had only heard the Hittites mentioned in passing, prior to reading this book. I found it extremely fascinating to look at that area of the world, from other than Egyptian eyes.
It is a long book at around 560 pages on Kindle, but it is well worth the read. To be honest, I struggled at times with remembering which minor character was which, more a function of their complicated realistic Hittite names, rather than any reflection on the author. At the end of Chapter One I was seriously wondering what I had got myself into and whether I could actually read the full book - it had been a struggle to that point.
I needn't have worried. Janet Morris' writing drew me into the world of the Sun King, his loves, his battles and his family. One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the thread of mercy and humanity that the author gave the main character. He was a King, he had ultimate power over life and death, and yet he was capable of gentleness, of understanding and of mercy. I had no trouble at all identifying with his dilemmas and his trials.
I thoroughly enjoyed I, the Sun and it well deserves the five stars I gave it. For anyone who enjoys, well researched, well written, historical novels, from that distant time, I, the Sun is an absolute must. I remember thinking on more than one occasion that nothing has really changed in the passing of 3,500 years. The problems faced by Suppiluliumus in ruling Hati are the same problems we face today; common human failings of greed, lust, envy and of course the search for meaning.
One thing I really liked about this book was the willingness of the author to tackle major moral issues, that we all face, through her principal character and his relationships.
An excellent read by an excellent author.
As an historical novel, it does have a sound basis in fact and the Author outlines that in her acknowledgments at the end of the book. As someone who, in the past, has read much historical fiction based in the double kingdoms of Egypt, I had only heard the Hittites mentioned in passing, prior to reading this book. I found it extremely fascinating to look at that area of the world, from other than Egyptian eyes.
It is a long book at around 560 pages on Kindle, but it is well worth the read. To be honest, I struggled at times with remembering which minor character was which, more a function of their complicated realistic Hittite names, rather than any reflection on the author. At the end of Chapter One I was seriously wondering what I had got myself into and whether I could actually read the full book - it had been a struggle to that point.
I needn't have worried. Janet Morris' writing drew me into the world of the Sun King, his loves, his battles and his family. One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the thread of mercy and humanity that the author gave the main character. He was a King, he had ultimate power over life and death, and yet he was capable of gentleness, of understanding and of mercy. I had no trouble at all identifying with his dilemmas and his trials.
I thoroughly enjoyed I, the Sun and it well deserves the five stars I gave it. For anyone who enjoys, well researched, well written, historical novels, from that distant time, I, the Sun is an absolute must. I remember thinking on more than one occasion that nothing has really changed in the passing of 3,500 years. The problems faced by Suppiluliumus in ruling Hati are the same problems we face today; common human failings of greed, lust, envy and of course the search for meaning.
One thing I really liked about this book was the willingness of the author to tackle major moral issues, that we all face, through her principal character and his relationships.
An excellent read by an excellent author.
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