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The Justine Trilogy #1
The Cairo Codex
When an earthquake nearly buries anthropologist Justine Jenner in an ancient crypt, she finds what appears to be an ancient codex which, if real, could radically threaten the world's great religions.
The Cairo Codex is a riveting novel of two women, two millennia apart, set in the exotic cultures of ancient and present-day Egypt. Dr. Justine Jenner has come to Cairo to forge her own path from the legacies of her parents, an Egyptian beauty and an American archaeologist. After an earthquake nearly buries her alive in an underground crypt, she discovers an ancient codex, written by a woman whose secrets threaten the foundations of both Christian and Muslim beliefs. As political instability rocks the region and the Muslim Brotherhood threatens to steal the Egyptian Revolution, Justine is thrust into a world where even those she trusts may betray her in order to control the codex’s revelations.
The Cairo Codex is a riveting novel of two women, two millennia apart, set in the exotic cultures of ancient and present-day Egypt. Dr. Justine Jenner has come to Cairo to forge her own path from the legacies of her parents, an Egyptian beauty and an American archaeologist. After an earthquake nearly buries her alive in an underground crypt, she discovers an ancient codex, written by a woman whose secrets threaten the foundations of both Christian and Muslim beliefs. As political instability rocks the region and the Muslim Brotherhood threatens to steal the Egyptian Revolution, Justine is thrust into a world where even those she trusts may betray her in order to control the codex’s revelations.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2010
16 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lambert
18 books15 followersLinda Lambert earned her Ed.D. at the University of San Francisco and is Professor Emeritus from California State University, East Bay, and a full time author. Her new novel, The Italian Letters--the sequel to award-winning, The Cairo Codex--will be released October, 2014. Linda’s career has included the following roles: social worker, teacher, principal, district and county directors of professor development, as well as university professor, state department envoy to Egypt, and international consultant. Her international consultancies in leadership have taken her to Egypt, Lebanon, England, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, and Malaysia. Linda is the author of dozens of articles and lead author of The Constructivist Leader (1995, 2002), Who Will Save Our Schools (1997), and Women’s Ways of Leading (2009); she is the author of Building Leadership Capacity in Schools (1998) and Leadership Capacity for Lasting School Improvement (2003). Linda lives with her husband, Morgan, a retired school superintendent, in Santa Rosa, California, and writes historical novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 20, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Amazing! Can't wait for the next book!
September 12, 2013
The Cairo Codex, a wonderfully written, well-researched and thoroughly enjoyable novel by Dr. Linda Lambert, reflects her first foray into the world of fiction. The protagonist, Justine Jenner, an anthropologist recently returning to Egypt to further women’s education and empowerment (a recurring theme through the writings of the author), discovers an ancient codex (manuscript). The contents of this codex profoundly shakes the prevailing concepts of Christianity, and nefarious forces conspire against Justine to suppress its revelations. Justine is unable to discern the true motives of both her friends and foes.
This topic (lost scrolls and alternative religious visions) has been explored in numerous forums over the past 50 or so years, perhaps most famously in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. The Cairo Codex, while not quite as dramatic as Mr. Brown’s book, has perhaps more to recommend it, which can be attributed to the author’s background and research. The novel, in addition to a compelling plot, serves as a wonderful travelogue of both Cairo and Alexandria. (The author was a state department envoy to Egypt, and is a gifted observer of the local cultures and sites.) The book is also a sensitive social commentary, reflecting social and gender inequality in modern Egypt as well as conditions in biblical times. A quite useful introduction to the lesser-known aspects of comparative religion, the novel points out the differences and similarities among Judaism, Christianity (including the Gnostics and the Essenes) and Buddhism. It also provides an insightful view into the current conflicts in the Arab world, including the underpinnings of the Arab spring uprising.
Dr. Lambert does a masterful job of examining women’s involvement in early Christian heresies, and the suppression of women by patriarchal institutions, both in early biblical times as well as the Egyptian present. Unique dialogues between the long-deceased, but historically relevant, authoress of the codex and her equally legendary child, as well as among current Egyptian figures and Justine, impart knowledge of key themes. The novel is well founded in historical reality: based both on the Dead Sea Scrolls, and, of even more relevance, the Nag Hammadi discovery of 1945. One of the Nag Hammadi codices was, in fact, stolen, for similar reasons to those outlined in The Cairo Codex.
One of the best attributes of the novel is that it stimulates further exploration and discovery. I found myself challenged to delve further into many of the ideas raised. This led, over a most delightful week, to readings ranging in diversity to academic texts (including Elaine Pagel’s delightful, but somewhat ponderous Adam, Eve and the Serpent [1982] and Joseph Campbell’s Mythos writings). The Cairo Codex is easier reading, and serves as a wonderful entrée into the topic. Although lacking the superficial flare and fireworks of the The Da Vinci Code, ultimately Lambert’s novel was a more satisfying, enjoyable and informative novel—and is highly recommended.
This topic (lost scrolls and alternative religious visions) has been explored in numerous forums over the past 50 or so years, perhaps most famously in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. The Cairo Codex, while not quite as dramatic as Mr. Brown’s book, has perhaps more to recommend it, which can be attributed to the author’s background and research. The novel, in addition to a compelling plot, serves as a wonderful travelogue of both Cairo and Alexandria. (The author was a state department envoy to Egypt, and is a gifted observer of the local cultures and sites.) The book is also a sensitive social commentary, reflecting social and gender inequality in modern Egypt as well as conditions in biblical times. A quite useful introduction to the lesser-known aspects of comparative religion, the novel points out the differences and similarities among Judaism, Christianity (including the Gnostics and the Essenes) and Buddhism. It also provides an insightful view into the current conflicts in the Arab world, including the underpinnings of the Arab spring uprising.
Dr. Lambert does a masterful job of examining women’s involvement in early Christian heresies, and the suppression of women by patriarchal institutions, both in early biblical times as well as the Egyptian present. Unique dialogues between the long-deceased, but historically relevant, authoress of the codex and her equally legendary child, as well as among current Egyptian figures and Justine, impart knowledge of key themes. The novel is well founded in historical reality: based both on the Dead Sea Scrolls, and, of even more relevance, the Nag Hammadi discovery of 1945. One of the Nag Hammadi codices was, in fact, stolen, for similar reasons to those outlined in The Cairo Codex.
One of the best attributes of the novel is that it stimulates further exploration and discovery. I found myself challenged to delve further into many of the ideas raised. This led, over a most delightful week, to readings ranging in diversity to academic texts (including Elaine Pagel’s delightful, but somewhat ponderous Adam, Eve and the Serpent [1982] and Joseph Campbell’s Mythos writings). The Cairo Codex is easier reading, and serves as a wonderful entrée into the topic. Although lacking the superficial flare and fireworks of the The Da Vinci Code, ultimately Lambert’s novel was a more satisfying, enjoyable and informative novel—and is highly recommended.
July 1, 2013
I received The Cairo Codex through the Goodreads.com giveaways.
After reading The Cairo Codex, I can say that it was not what I expected. I have read several books where the main character in the present, in this case Dr. Jenner, reads a “diary” of someone in the past, in this case Mary. Therefore I had certain expectations before I started reading this book. In similar books the time spent on both the character in the present and the character in the past are usually fairly equal. However, that was not the case with this book. This story relates heavily on the present; sections of the past being few and far between.
The sections of the past were not presented in chronological order, but in order of the relevance to Dr. Jenner’s story. This I found a little more difficult to follow then if it were chronological. I would have to stop and figure out were this section fit in with the over all story in the past before I could continue on. This wasn’t that difficult, however, it did make the over all book seem like a slower read.
I also found the story a bit disconnected. As if there were two completely different stories trying to be one. The story of the “diary” didn’t seem to have any relevance to Dr. Jenner’s life. Dr. Jenner was not a religious character, and because of that I didn’t feel that she had any crisis of faith. A crisis of faith that moved the other character’s emotionally and motivated them into action. As she is the main character the reader does not get to experience that crisis. Seeing things from her point of view doesn’t allow for that insight into what this information can do to a person.
Toward the beginning of the book quite a bit of time was spent on the schools, girls, religion and politics of Egypt’s and Dr. Jenner’s life. Then later on some of these topics, especially the girls, become an after thought. I didn’t understand way these characters were brought into the story, and to me they seemed quite important, to never come back to them. I would assume that it was to give the reader a better understanding of life in Egypt, but it just seemed that they were forgotten.
Now it may seem to you that I wasn’t a fan of this book. Other than the few observations that I have made, I did enjoy the story. I was shocked by the way things turned out in the end in the “diary”. It was a different take on the situation than anything else that I have read or heard of. I really connected with the women of this book; felt for them the way a good book makes you feel.
After reading The Cairo Codex, I can say that it was not what I expected. I have read several books where the main character in the present, in this case Dr. Jenner, reads a “diary” of someone in the past, in this case Mary. Therefore I had certain expectations before I started reading this book. In similar books the time spent on both the character in the present and the character in the past are usually fairly equal. However, that was not the case with this book. This story relates heavily on the present; sections of the past being few and far between.
The sections of the past were not presented in chronological order, but in order of the relevance to Dr. Jenner’s story. This I found a little more difficult to follow then if it were chronological. I would have to stop and figure out were this section fit in with the over all story in the past before I could continue on. This wasn’t that difficult, however, it did make the over all book seem like a slower read.
I also found the story a bit disconnected. As if there were two completely different stories trying to be one. The story of the “diary” didn’t seem to have any relevance to Dr. Jenner’s life. Dr. Jenner was not a religious character, and because of that I didn’t feel that she had any crisis of faith. A crisis of faith that moved the other character’s emotionally and motivated them into action. As she is the main character the reader does not get to experience that crisis. Seeing things from her point of view doesn’t allow for that insight into what this information can do to a person.
Toward the beginning of the book quite a bit of time was spent on the schools, girls, religion and politics of Egypt’s and Dr. Jenner’s life. Then later on some of these topics, especially the girls, become an after thought. I didn’t understand way these characters were brought into the story, and to me they seemed quite important, to never come back to them. I would assume that it was to give the reader a better understanding of life in Egypt, but it just seemed that they were forgotten.
Now it may seem to you that I wasn’t a fan of this book. Other than the few observations that I have made, I did enjoy the story. I was shocked by the way things turned out in the end in the “diary”. It was a different take on the situation than anything else that I have read or heard of. I really connected with the women of this book; felt for them the way a good book makes you feel.
August 20, 2013
3.5 stars
The storytelling is interesting and well-paced, although not fast-paced. It takes its time unfolding. Throughout most of the book, I found myself thinking "This is a solid 3-star book," but in the final chapters, I realized I had grown to like the story more than I originally thought I would.
Justine is a recently-graduated American-born PhD in Egypt, hired to assist with evaluating schools for girls. Her father is an American archeologist with roots in Egypt, and her mother is an Egyptian beauty currently living in Europe. Both her parents are fairly well know in the community she enters when she steps off the plane. Despite her purpose in being there, she ends up getting drawn into an entirely different world after inadvertently making an archeological find of great historical and religious significance.
The details of Cairo are carefully and lovingly drawn, from the culture to the sounds and smells of the streets. It's clear the author is writing what she knows.
My favorite parts of the book ended up being the passages from the Codex itself, which I found more compelling as the story progressed. I have to say that the last little bit of codex text at the end of the book contained a stunning revelation that, by itself, made me eager to read the sequel. And I must admit, I am eager to see the relationship between Justine and Amir continue to unfold... the relationship in this installment hinted at potential of what it might become in the sequel and beyond. It shows great promise for complexity and richness, which I am frankly hungry for after several too many YA novels.
The author allows the story to build momentum without anything seeming forced or overly dramatic. I personally did not find this to be an irresistible page-turner but did find that I returned to the story consistently over the course of 2-3 weeks and felt quite satisfied upon finishing the book, having reflected on it since that time. I also appreciated the overview of various lines of philosophical/religious thought that were summarized beautifully by the various characters as the story unfolded (this was presented as an integral part of the plot, as the Codex had great impact on several different sects and their varying beliefs).
I would have preferred to feel more emotionally involved with the characters, but overall, a good read.
The storytelling is interesting and well-paced, although not fast-paced. It takes its time unfolding. Throughout most of the book, I found myself thinking "This is a solid 3-star book," but in the final chapters, I realized I had grown to like the story more than I originally thought I would.
Justine is a recently-graduated American-born PhD in Egypt, hired to assist with evaluating schools for girls. Her father is an American archeologist with roots in Egypt, and her mother is an Egyptian beauty currently living in Europe. Both her parents are fairly well know in the community she enters when she steps off the plane. Despite her purpose in being there, she ends up getting drawn into an entirely different world after inadvertently making an archeological find of great historical and religious significance.
The details of Cairo are carefully and lovingly drawn, from the culture to the sounds and smells of the streets. It's clear the author is writing what she knows.
My favorite parts of the book ended up being the passages from the Codex itself, which I found more compelling as the story progressed. I have to say that the last little bit of codex text at the end of the book contained a stunning revelation that, by itself, made me eager to read the sequel. And I must admit, I am eager to see the relationship between Justine and Amir continue to unfold... the relationship in this installment hinted at potential of what it might become in the sequel and beyond. It shows great promise for complexity and richness, which I am frankly hungry for after several too many YA novels.
The author allows the story to build momentum without anything seeming forced or overly dramatic. I personally did not find this to be an irresistible page-turner but did find that I returned to the story consistently over the course of 2-3 weeks and felt quite satisfied upon finishing the book, having reflected on it since that time. I also appreciated the overview of various lines of philosophical/religious thought that were summarized beautifully by the various characters as the story unfolded (this was presented as an integral part of the plot, as the Codex had great impact on several different sects and their varying beliefs).
I would have preferred to feel more emotionally involved with the characters, but overall, a good read.
June 30, 2014
I wanted so badly to like this book. It was about Egypt! And religion! And had a vaguely Indiana Jones feel!
But I did not. The main character is the least likable heroine I have read in a long time. Hypothetically well-educated and bright, she contributes absolutely nothing to the actual plot of the story. Other than occasional dalliances with a guy who is clearly, from meet cute, a bad guy. She relies entirely on other characters to accomplish anything, and (quite frankly) is naive at best and an idiot at worst. When there is a decision to make, she either (1) fails to make it and allows someone else to determine her life, or (2) makes the obviously bad choice.
I struggled all the way to the end. And then was slapped in the face by the epilogue, which (for no good reason) cast the only character I liked in the entire book as one of history's most notorious villains.
There is a dual narrative, and I didn't find the time shifts confusing. I did, however, find the ancient narrative to be the only one worth reading at all.
Thoroughly disappointed.
But I did not. The main character is the least likable heroine I have read in a long time. Hypothetically well-educated and bright, she contributes absolutely nothing to the actual plot of the story. Other than occasional dalliances with a guy who is clearly, from meet cute, a bad guy. She relies entirely on other characters to accomplish anything, and (quite frankly) is naive at best and an idiot at worst. When there is a decision to make, she either (1) fails to make it and allows someone else to determine her life, or (2) makes the obviously bad choice.
I struggled all the way to the end. And then was slapped in the face by the epilogue, which (for no good reason) cast the only character I liked in the entire book as one of history's most notorious villains.
There is a dual narrative, and I didn't find the time shifts confusing. I did, however, find the ancient narrative to be the only one worth reading at all.
Thoroughly disappointed.
September 20, 2013
I won this book through the GoodReads First Reads Program and was excited to start it. The story follows a young woman anthropologist on her first professional assignment. She is half Egyptian and is pleased to return to Egypt for her work, although she has adjustments to make given the changes that have occurred. It is now 2005 and she was last there as a child. soon after she arrives she is caught in an earthquake while visiting an historical site and with realizing it picks up something that may be of historical significance. She is thrilled by the find, and soon is working with others on analyzing it and interpreting its results. The main problem is that if it is a true find, it poses questions that many in power today do not want raised.
Overall I found the writing to be smooth and easy to read and follow. I liked Justine and found each of her friends and colleagues to be unique and interesting. The political and religious context is relevant, has its own life, and is active in the storyline. It was interesting to read about the different stakeholders and how the issues have been playing out in modern Egypt.
This book missed out on 5 stars for two reasons. The first is that Justine, the heroine, is incredibly naive. Yes, she was very sheltered growing up, but as an anthropologist she makes several mistakes/judgements that seem blind to the realities that surround her, and that others are even warning her about. Second, the historical scenes seem to be a diary, but are overly descriptive to me. Perhaps they are just the historical action as the writer was not even present for some of the dialogue, but that wasn't clear to me. The voice is more like a person telling one's story, but I don't imagine people writing their diaries in such a manner. Not to mention that books were not do common then and that level of detail would have required a lot of writing. That discrepancy took me out of the story during those scenes.
Overall this is an intelligent novel with romance, intrigue, and even danger. Justine has to grow up a bit and loses some of the shine on her idealism by the time it is all over. However, she does it without a lot of self-pity and in suitably difficult circumstances.
Overall I found the writing to be smooth and easy to read and follow. I liked Justine and found each of her friends and colleagues to be unique and interesting. The political and religious context is relevant, has its own life, and is active in the storyline. It was interesting to read about the different stakeholders and how the issues have been playing out in modern Egypt.
This book missed out on 5 stars for two reasons. The first is that Justine, the heroine, is incredibly naive. Yes, she was very sheltered growing up, but as an anthropologist she makes several mistakes/judgements that seem blind to the realities that surround her, and that others are even warning her about. Second, the historical scenes seem to be a diary, but are overly descriptive to me. Perhaps they are just the historical action as the writer was not even present for some of the dialogue, but that wasn't clear to me. The voice is more like a person telling one's story, but I don't imagine people writing their diaries in such a manner. Not to mention that books were not do common then and that level of detail would have required a lot of writing. That discrepancy took me out of the story during those scenes.
Overall this is an intelligent novel with romance, intrigue, and even danger. Justine has to grow up a bit and loses some of the shine on her idealism by the time it is all over. However, she does it without a lot of self-pity and in suitably difficult circumstances.
August 15, 2013
In The Cairo Codex, Linda Lambert, former state department envoy to Egypt and author of several books on leadership, plunges the reader into pre-revolutionary Egypt and allows us to witness a nation on the brink of a social uprising. This is a subject Lambert knows well, and her expertise makes The Cairo Codex utterly gripping. She could have easily set her tale in Iraq or Israel, but the effect would not be as great. Writers are frequently told to write what they know best. Lambert does just that, and it works beautifully.
Lambert combines history, mystery, and archaeology with romance, politics, and religion. Almost a decade ago, novels like these were abundant. Biblical thrillers were once all the rage most likely due to the success of Dan Brown’s bestseller The Da Vinci Code. Within the past few years, however, they have largely disappeared from shelves. Why, I have no clue. Perhaps the public grew tired of them, and their popularity waned. For me, at least, Lambert’s story was welcome. I always enjoyed reading these historical mysteries.
It always helps to have a strong protagonist, especially if it’s an independent and clever woman. Lambert’s main character, Justine Jenner, can be both tough and tender. She has her flaws just like we all do, leading us to cheer her on her successes and lament her failures.
Lambert also introduces a minor character of great interest, Omar Mostafa, as Director of the Supreme Ministry of Egyptian Antiquities. Mostafa will surely remind readers of Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs under former President Hosni Mubarak.
The codex that Justine discovers could shake the foundations of all the world’s religions. I know what you’re thinking–so many thrillers that have anything to do with Christianity make similar claims and fall short. Not The Cairo Codex. Interesting and exciting, Lambert’s novel delivers.
The Cairo Codex is the first novel in The Justine Trilogy, and I eagerly await the sequel.
Lambert combines history, mystery, and archaeology with romance, politics, and religion. Almost a decade ago, novels like these were abundant. Biblical thrillers were once all the rage most likely due to the success of Dan Brown’s bestseller The Da Vinci Code. Within the past few years, however, they have largely disappeared from shelves. Why, I have no clue. Perhaps the public grew tired of them, and their popularity waned. For me, at least, Lambert’s story was welcome. I always enjoyed reading these historical mysteries.
It always helps to have a strong protagonist, especially if it’s an independent and clever woman. Lambert’s main character, Justine Jenner, can be both tough and tender. She has her flaws just like we all do, leading us to cheer her on her successes and lament her failures.
Lambert also introduces a minor character of great interest, Omar Mostafa, as Director of the Supreme Ministry of Egyptian Antiquities. Mostafa will surely remind readers of Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs under former President Hosni Mubarak.
The codex that Justine discovers could shake the foundations of all the world’s religions. I know what you’re thinking–so many thrillers that have anything to do with Christianity make similar claims and fall short. Not The Cairo Codex. Interesting and exciting, Lambert’s novel delivers.
The Cairo Codex is the first novel in The Justine Trilogy, and I eagerly await the sequel.
December 6, 2014
What I loved about this book overall was the way it described the little pleasures of life in Egypt as well as the way it obsessed with ancient Egypt. I have been obsessed with Egypt as a little girl and it was this reason that I picked up this book. I also really enjoyed how the book touched on the relationships between Islam, Christianiy, and even a little bit of Buddhism.
But that is where I stop liking this book.
First, there are a lot of grammatical errors in this book. This actually surprised me and there were a few times I had to re-read sections because I was stumped.
Second, I love how Justine is a smart young woman obsessed with Egypt and has insecurities about her being a woman and trying to figure out what her identity is makes her very relate able because a lot of young women are going through the same thing, but I very much dislike how the author had to force a love triangle into this book. I found Nasser to be an unnecessary character and I think the author could have just focused on the relationship between Amir and Justine instead.
Third, I found the presence of both Zachariah and Nasser to be pointless. I do wish that since the author made a point to introduce these characters to us that she could have gone more in depth with them and made them more part of the story than what they ended up being. I think Zachariah was there just so there could be a bad guy and Nasser was there to add a "steamy affair" to the story.
All in all I am disappointed with this book. I didn't like the way it ended as I thought since the author dragged out the plot for so long that she felt compelled to wrap up the story quickly. I'm not trying to trash this book as the were good elements, but overall I think with more editing and revision it really could have been a better book. Instead of being a book filled with adventure, history, and discovery I got the sense that it was a chick lit book trying to call itself an adventure book.
But that is where I stop liking this book.
First, there are a lot of grammatical errors in this book. This actually surprised me and there were a few times I had to re-read sections because I was stumped.
Second, I love how Justine is a smart young woman obsessed with Egypt and has insecurities about her being a woman and trying to figure out what her identity is makes her very relate able because a lot of young women are going through the same thing, but I very much dislike how the author had to force a love triangle into this book. I found Nasser to be an unnecessary character and I think the author could have just focused on the relationship between Amir and Justine instead.
Third, I found the presence of both Zachariah and Nasser to be pointless. I do wish that since the author made a point to introduce these characters to us that she could have gone more in depth with them and made them more part of the story than what they ended up being. I think Zachariah was there just so there could be a bad guy and Nasser was there to add a "steamy affair" to the story.
All in all I am disappointed with this book. I didn't like the way it ended as I thought since the author dragged out the plot for so long that she felt compelled to wrap up the story quickly. I'm not trying to trash this book as the were good elements, but overall I think with more editing and revision it really could have been a better book. Instead of being a book filled with adventure, history, and discovery I got the sense that it was a chick lit book trying to call itself an adventure book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2021
A real mixed bag with this one, so split it down the middle with two and a half stars.
What I liked was the vivid descriptions of Cairo bringing back memories of my trip there just a year after this story takes place in 2007. The crazy traffic where the lanes are simply suggestions and traffic lights are just decorations. The beautiful river Nile, at times spoiled by garbage, the hustle and bustle of Tahrir Square, the Necropolis where the poor live amidst the crypts, and impressive architecture from the pyramids to stunning mosques and Coptic Christian churches. But it was the premise, a la Da Vinci Code that grabbed me. This premise became even more earth shattering towards the end.
What I didn’t like was he stutter step writing. Just when things are getting good things switch gears, often with some silly romance novel action. The heroine, Justine, despite having a doctorate, sometimes acted like kind of a ninny. Since this is a trilogy, I should have expected the open ended ending, trying to pull us into the other volumes. Since I don’t usually follow up on 2 1/2 star books, that kind of left me hanging. But what really got to me is the segments of the title codex that are periodically included. It’s supposed to be a 2000 year old diary or journal, but it’s written like a modern novel. That totally dilutes any sense of antiquity and authenticity. Well, I hope Justine finds true love, but she’ll have to do it without me.
What I liked was the vivid descriptions of Cairo bringing back memories of my trip there just a year after this story takes place in 2007. The crazy traffic where the lanes are simply suggestions and traffic lights are just decorations. The beautiful river Nile, at times spoiled by garbage, the hustle and bustle of Tahrir Square, the Necropolis where the poor live amidst the crypts, and impressive architecture from the pyramids to stunning mosques and Coptic Christian churches. But it was the premise, a la Da Vinci Code that grabbed me. This premise became even more earth shattering towards the end.
What I didn’t like was he stutter step writing. Just when things are getting good things switch gears, often with some silly romance novel action. The heroine, Justine, despite having a doctorate, sometimes acted like kind of a ninny. Since this is a trilogy, I should have expected the open ended ending, trying to pull us into the other volumes. Since I don’t usually follow up on 2 1/2 star books, that kind of left me hanging. But what really got to me is the segments of the title codex that are periodically included. It’s supposed to be a 2000 year old diary or journal, but it’s written like a modern novel. That totally dilutes any sense of antiquity and authenticity. Well, I hope Justine finds true love, but she’ll have to do it without me.
May 17, 2020
In spite of an interesting premise, I had to stop reading this book after only a few chapters because it was so poorly written. It felt likeca Year 9 high school effort. The author used incorrect words, such as calling the tectonic plates that create earthquakes "earthen" plates, or "hewned" (presumably she meant "hewn"), or used words incorrectly, such as "... huddled a bowl under her arm" (cradled? nestled? Anyway not "huddled"). But the last straw was when she had a Frenchwoman say: "Comprendez-vous?" in the middle of a conversation in another language presumably Englishnor Arabic. Not only is that incorrect French (It's "Comprenez-vous?"), it is more common to say "Vous comprenez?". It is pretty basic French, as basic as "Do you understand? in English. There is simply no excuse for making such a mistake, let alone going to the printer with it. And it is pure cliché to throw in a random French phrase, even if correct, à la Poirot. The highly educated, multilingual character would not have done that. This book desperately needs a decent edit.
October 15, 2016
2.5 stars.
This is another one that spent some time on my library list, since the local system never had it, and I lost the link for the state-wide search.
It had a lot of potential, which, sadly, fell a bit flat. I'm all about the dual narratives in stories, and found the older story to be quite insubstantial. I don't feel like we ever really learn much about Justine; it's mostly her relationships with other people, and even those aren't overly fleshed out. What brought her to Egypt in the first place fell to the wayside, barely to be mentioned again. And as the story went on, it seemed like characters that were introduced out of nowhere, disappeared just as easily. I see there's a second book, which certainly sounds like something I'd greatly enjoy, but I think I'm going to pass on it. Reviews on that one suggest that perhaps character development was more in the first book; I was sorely tempted to reply to say that it wasn't.
This is another one that spent some time on my library list, since the local system never had it, and I lost the link for the state-wide search.
It had a lot of potential, which, sadly, fell a bit flat. I'm all about the dual narratives in stories, and found the older story to be quite insubstantial. I don't feel like we ever really learn much about Justine; it's mostly her relationships with other people, and even those aren't overly fleshed out. What brought her to Egypt in the first place fell to the wayside, barely to be mentioned again. And as the story went on, it seemed like characters that were introduced out of nowhere, disappeared just as easily. I see there's a second book, which certainly sounds like something I'd greatly enjoy, but I think I'm going to pass on it. Reviews on that one suggest that perhaps character development was more in the first book; I was sorely tempted to reply to say that it wasn't.
August 19, 2013
As a woman who lived in the middle east, this book stirred memories of both the good and bad of the region. I also found eerie similarities between what is on the news right now about Egypt and the actions of the book's characters. This book raises the incredibly intriguing issue that what we take as the "gospel" truth may not be reality. It is fascinating to see the connections between religions, but how a small variation in a belief can cause the world to spiral into chaos and what people will do to protect a lie. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Egyptian culture or just enjoy a tantalizing what if mystery. I gratefully won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
September 15, 2013
The historical Novell that, in full sense, meanders around aimlessly. Very few game changers, very few agents of change. I wanted to like this book, and thought the first few chapters were intriguing. But, imagine a movie on pause every one minute for someone to over explain all political indices in Egypt. Nothing moves, the main charachter dull drones on about insignificant details as if each one is a major event. If I have to read one more time the makeup of her heiritage, I was going to throw my kindle off the balcony. The author makes the lead character so self important, that she is a dull Dolores within a page or two. I skimmed through the last half, just to be able to kill this one off.
October 12, 2013
I won this book as a firstreads.
I liked this book. It did take me longer to read than normal, but I really feel like that was because I would catch myself daydreaming about Egypt. Therefore, the places were well described that it took me back there. I really appreciated Justine's struggle to fit in in Egypt and her dealings with sexism and an assault while she was running.
I enjoyed the Codex story more than Justine's. I couldn't wait to get back to codex that I would skip a few pages in excitement. Overall, it was an interesting read. I recommend it to those who love historical fiction and/or love Egypt.
I liked this book. It did take me longer to read than normal, but I really feel like that was because I would catch myself daydreaming about Egypt. Therefore, the places were well described that it took me back there. I really appreciated Justine's struggle to fit in in Egypt and her dealings with sexism and an assault while she was running.
I enjoyed the Codex story more than Justine's. I couldn't wait to get back to codex that I would skip a few pages in excitement. Overall, it was an interesting read. I recommend it to those who love historical fiction and/or love Egypt.
September 30, 2013
I received this book in a first-reads giveaway. I enjoy mysteries and thought this would be a good story. The book is split into two stories; one based in modern time and one in biblical times. Both stories were fine -- somewhat interesting and engaging. However, the layout of the book was such that time periods shifted frequently, even in the same chapter, which made it very difficult to get involved in either story. Just as one story would get moving...I'd be forced to switch back to the other time period. It broke up the flow of the narrative much more than I prefer which took away from my enjoyment of the book.
September 24, 2013
The Cairo Codex is a Dan Brown-style mystery/adventure. However, it does not have a whole lot of adventure, and the mystery isn't particularly gripping. The characters don't really grab you and it is lacking in deep emotion. It does, however, give an excellent description of modern day Egypt and its food. Essentially it is a travel guide disguised as a novel. I didn't hate it, but it didn't really grab me either. I didn't have any trouble putting it down and I probably won't read it again.
April 4, 2014
For the first 70% of this, it might as well have been called Justine's romantic adventures in Egypt. I was hoping for a thriller with a plot involving a possible diary of Mary of Nazareth. Instead we get this love story. When the codex does come front and center it becomes interesting, but of course we get a predictable ending. Not recommended.
December 29, 2014
I was really hoping that this would focus more on Dr. Jenner in the cave. Not the finding... I know the title is " The Cairo Codex" but I was expecting at least a little more build up of her time in the cave. I think I was hoping and wanting for more of a thriller, not so much the romanticism that was present.
March 6, 2015
Not Dan Brown, but enough elements to keep me interested: a female archaeologist, a early Christian treasure, a mystery, contemporary political struggles. Lots of good ingredients that loosely hold together.
May 31, 2018
I thought the book was okay but I felt it was misrepresented. It was made to sound like an archaeological thriller and really it was just a romance novel with some archaeology thrown in.
There are many other reviews written about this book that go into detail but I couldn't be bothered.
There are many other reviews written about this book that go into detail but I couldn't be bothered.
September 25, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. It was very interesting, and I will be looking for the next two in the series when they come out. Well worth reading.
December 9, 2013
I won this book here on Goodreads in a giveaway. DNF at 26 pages--there was way too much political and religious talk for my tastes unfortunately.
November 18, 2013
Well written with beautifully written descriptions. A bit slow paced for my tastes, but an interesting read.
September 7, 2013
One of the best books I've read! I highly suggest for lovers of historical fiction, international settings, and new views on religion. Fantastic! I don't even want to start another book!
April 12, 2015
I couldn't finish it. I couldn't get past the aforementioned stupidity.
May 28, 2017
Anthropologist Justine Jenner has come to Egypt in 2006 to work with a UNESCO project that is running village schools for girls. This is controversial enough in itself, but when a first century codex drops from wall niche at her feet during an earthquake, Justine embarks on an effort to prove that the little codex is actually the diary of Mary of Nazareth, Jesus's mother, written during the Holy Family's exile in Egypt. Soon everyone from the Ministry of Antiquities, to the Coptic Church to the Muslim Brotherhood is trying to suppress the diary. To further complicate matters, Mubarak is losing his grip on power and life for women in Egypt is becoming more restricted and less safe.
This is the first in a trilogy of books about Justine's quest. The philosophic questions about the role of religion in society, about how historians, linguists and archaeologists do their work, and about the complexity of modern Egyptian life make this novel fascinating.
This is the first in a trilogy of books about Justine's quest. The philosophic questions about the role of religion in society, about how historians, linguists and archaeologists do their work, and about the complexity of modern Egyptian life make this novel fascinating.
February 18, 2023
while visiting egypt an anthropologist is briefly trapped in a crypt where she comes across an ancient book. she hands it off to a scholar then spends a hundred pages dating, talking politics/faith, and buildings, despite claiming to be obsessed with the book which she does not even have.
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December 5, 2023book club selection
January 31, 2014
I won this as a Goodreads first reads giveaway.
This was an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first of a trilogy, and so I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Dr Justine Jenner is an anthropologist, born of an Egyptian mother and American father. Having grown up in America, she travels to a new job in Egypt to work with community schools educating Muslim girls. While visiting a crypt below one of the very old churches, an earthquake hits and she is briefly trapped. She grabs her scattered belongings and makes her way to safety. Two days later she discovers she has picked up a small leather bound book along with her belongings.
The book she found - the Cairo codex - turns out to be a very rare and ancient find. The political and religious upheaval in Cairo cause all sorts of issues, and put her in a dangerous position several times. Who can she trust to uncover what the book is really about?
That the crypt of the church was built on the site of the cave that the holy Family was believed to have lived in during their time in Egypt during Jesus' childhood, adds to the potential of the book.
Some great twists and turns as some of the contents of the book are discovered.
This was an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first of a trilogy, and so I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Dr Justine Jenner is an anthropologist, born of an Egyptian mother and American father. Having grown up in America, she travels to a new job in Egypt to work with community schools educating Muslim girls. While visiting a crypt below one of the very old churches, an earthquake hits and she is briefly trapped. She grabs her scattered belongings and makes her way to safety. Two days later she discovers she has picked up a small leather bound book along with her belongings.
The book she found - the Cairo codex - turns out to be a very rare and ancient find. The political and religious upheaval in Cairo cause all sorts of issues, and put her in a dangerous position several times. Who can she trust to uncover what the book is really about?
That the crypt of the church was built on the site of the cave that the holy Family was believed to have lived in during their time in Egypt during Jesus' childhood, adds to the potential of the book.
Some great twists and turns as some of the contents of the book are discovered.
July 1, 2013
This is an overall well-written book that examines a number of current social and politician issues in Egypt. The author takes the reader through the streets of Egypt in a well-described journey of discovery. The story is that of a young woman with strong connections to Egypt (mother is Egyptian and father is an archaeologist) back to the place of her childhood where she discovers an ancient diary which could overturn notions of beliefs of all of the major religious groups and the role of women in this society.
The author did a great a great job describing the area and introduced the reader to some interesting characters which she plans to explore in two more books in this trilogy. I am looking forward to reading them to see where Justine's curiosity takes her.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
The author did a great a great job describing the area and introduced the reader to some interesting characters which she plans to explore in two more books in this trilogy. I am looking forward to reading them to see where Justine's curiosity takes her.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
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