In Search for Khnum
In Search for Khnum, a novel by writer and Egyptologist Hussein Bassir, is the first book with a Pharaonic setting among contemporary Egyptian literature in the style of ‘90s generation’. It is arguably the first work of his own literary style and also his first experiment in regenerating the Pharaonic inspiration for modern Egyptian belles-lettres following the innovations of Naguib Mahfouz that were published in the first half of the twentieth century. This novel was published at the start of 1998 by the Egyptian organization of the Department of Culture. The reception which it received from readers and critics since its appearance has meant that it became out of print in record time. Plot summary The events of the novel take place in Ancient Egypt and in particular during the transitional period after the New Kingdom, towards the start of the Third Intermediate Period, during the 21st Dynasty (c. 1070-945 BC). At this time, Egypt was ruled by the High Priests of the god Amun-Ra, who dwelt in the traditional capital Thebes, which was also known as Waset in ancient times, and is known today as Luxor. This period is known as one of theocratic rule, due to the religious