The House Built on Sand

by Peter Townsend

What does it take to radically alter the course of someone’s life? In the case of Emad Almasry, an archeologist with the Egyptian Ministry for Antiquities, it took a clay jar. Its discovery, under Egypt’s oldest mosque, set in motion a series of events that threatened the very existence of Egypt’s Coptic community. Emad very quickly learns that the only way he could keep the hammer blow from falling was to dig deep into the origins of Islam. Will he be able to force the past to yield its secrets? Would he have the courage to follow the evidence wherever it leads? What happens when firm foundations turn out to be built on sand? Join Emad and his friends as they chase after truths that would not only alter the course of their own lives but that would ripple out from Egypt to affect all who turn to the ‘mother of all cities’ to pray.

268 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2019

About the author

Peter Townsend is an author and independent researcher. His books include 'Questioning Islam' (An investigation into the truth-claims of Islam) and 'Nothing to do with Islam?' (An exploration of the link between Islamic teaching and violence) and ’The Mecca Mystery’ (A discussion of the ways in which history challenges the Islamic belief system)

Reviews

[Sandy Tatham]

I loved this book!!! It is an exciting story about contemporary life in Cairo. I visit Cairo every year and I fell totally in love with everything that the author said. The story came alive for me because it is so true to the actual places and people, and I didn't want the action to end. There are many twists and turns and nothing about this novel disappointed me. This is an important story about how the religions of Christianity and Islam have shaped today's Egypt and the wider Middle East. I am looking forward to reading a sequel because the impact of recent discoveries, as partially revealed in Peter Townsend's wonderful novel, haven't yet made their true impact. Egypt is a pivotal place in the world, beginning with the ancient Nile-dwellers right up to the Arab Spring revolution in 2011, and new archaeological and historical studies are setting in motion a series of events which have the potential to dramatically shift the balance between Christianity and Islam.

[Beth Temin]

Fascinating and exciting story!

After reading "The House Built on Sand", it's hard to believe it's the author's first fiction book. It's so believable; this reader was unable to put it down! Awesome plot, believable characters, and exciting action. I highly recommend it!

[Kari]

Another great read by Peter Townsend.