Georg Ebers' riveting historical book "A Thorny Path" takes readers on an enthralling tour through ancient Egypt. The narrative, which is set during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, centers on Hatasu, a young Egyptian noblewoman who encounters many difficulties along the way to finding love and repentance. The vivid landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and political intrigues of ancient Egypt are brought to life by Ebers' expert blending of historical fact and captivating narrative. The work examines issues of devotion, treachery, and personal development via Hatasu's challenges and victories. Ebers develops a vivid environment that enthralls readers and gives a look into the intriguing society of ancient Egypt with great attention to detail and thorough research. The story "A Thorny Path" brings readers to a bygone age characterized by love, intrigue, and the unwavering search of the truth.
The title, "A Thorny Path," was title taken from an old German hymn. Chance meetings, charitable deeds and hardships on London's streets combine into a heartwarming story. We follow a life weary Hagar that made a bad decision because of her extreme circumstances, a woman in whom blossomed spiritual renewal, and a person that modeled the love of Christ. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"-John 15:13. This edition has 9 illustrations.
The green screen slowly rose, covering the lower portion of the broad studio window where Heron, the gem-cutter, was at work. It was Melissa, the artist's daughter, who had pulled it up, with bended knees and outstretched arms, panting for breath. "That is enough!" cried her father's impatient voice. He glanced up at the flood of light which the blinding sun of Alexandria was pouring into the room, as it did every autumn afternoon; but as soon as the shadow fell on his work-table the old man's busy fingers were at work again, and he heeded his daughter no more. An hour later Melissa again, and without any bidding, pulled up the screen as before, but it was so much too heavy for her that the effort brought the blood into her calm, fair face, as the deep, rough "That is enough" was again heard from the work-table. Then silence reigned once more. Only the artist's low whistling as he worked, or the patter and pipe of the birds in their cages by the window, broke the stillness of the spacious room, till the voice and step of a man were presently heard in the anteroom. Heron laid by his graver and Melissa her gold embroidery, and the eyes of father and daughter met for the first time for some hours. The very birds seemed excited, and a starling, which had sat moping since the screen had shut the sun out, now cried out, "Olympias!" Melissa rose, and after a swift glance round the room she went to the door, come who might. Ay, even if the brother she was expecting should bring a companion, or a patron of art who desired her father's work, the room need not fear a critical eye; and she was so well assured of the faultless neatness of her own person, that she only passed a hand over her brown hair, and with an involuntary movement pulled her simple white robe more tightly through her girdle. Heron's studio was as clean and as simple as his daughter's attire, though it seemed larger than enough for the purpose it served, for only a very small part of it was occupied by the artist, who sat as if in exile behind the work-table on which his belongings were laid out: a set of small instruments in a case, a tray filled with shells and bits of onyx and other agates, a yellow ball of Cyrenian modeling-wax, pumice-stone, bottles, boxes, and bowls.
