This isn't a novel with a plot, but the story it tells is incredibly compelling. In 1862, Lucie Duff Gordon, a well-connected but sickly Englishwoman, sailed to Egypt hoping the dry climate would help her tuberculosis. She ended up living in a house above the temple at Luxor for seven years. The book is made up of the letters she wrote to her family back in England during that time.

The Story

Through her letters, we watch her life unfold. She describes learning Arabic, the rhythms of Nile village life, and her friendships with her Egyptian neighbors. She becomes a local figure, often acting as an informal doctor and mediator. The real tension comes from her changing perspective. She arrived as a British subject but grows increasingly critical of the British colonial administration and its effects on the people she has come to care about. The story is her personal journey from outsider to embedded observer, and her struggle to make her loved ones back home understand the complex reality she sees.

Why You Should Read It

Lucie's voice is the star here. She's witty, deeply empathetic, and refuses to be a passive tourist. You feel her wonder at ancient monuments, but also her genuine interest in the living culture around her. Her descriptions of daily life—from festivals to farming—are vivid. Most powerfully, you get to see her moral awakening in real time. Her critiques of colonialism aren't academic; they come from seeing friends suffer under poor policies. It makes history feel immediate and personal.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love first-person historical accounts, travel writing with real depth, or strong, unconventional female voices from history. If you enjoyed books like The Hare with Amber Eyes for its personal slice of history, or any travelogue that goes beyond the surface, you'll be captivated by Lucie's letters. It’s a unique window into 19th-century Egypt, framed by a truly remarkable woman's eyes.