The Sacred River

Wallace (The Painted Bridge) captures the essence of Victorian-era Egypt in this charming tale of three women, all searching for their freedom. At 23, asthmatic Harriet Heron has long been considered an invalid in her native London. When her breathing problem worsens, she; her mother, Louisa; and her aunt Yael head for Egypt, where they believe the air will be better. Harriet is enchanted to finally see for herself the tombs and other ancient ruins. But during the journey, Louisa’s past and present merge with the arrival of the mysterious Eyre Soane, who is bent on revenge and threatens to reveal Louisa’s deepest, most shameful secret. But he won’t stop there—he also threatens to court the fragile Harriet as part of the price for Louisa’s earlier decisions. And deeply spiritual Yael, upon seeing the terrible poverty in Egypt, makes it her mission to feed the hungry natives and teach them basic childcare skills—but how will the budding revolution affect those plans? Wallace skillfully weaves all three subplots into a lush, original, and page-turning narrative—a lovely armchair journey to an Egypt of long ago. (July)