House of Illusions

House of Illusions opens on Gedge's vividly recreated Egypt, sixteen years after Thu's banishment. During her exile she writes an account of her court life and the betrayal for which she seeks revenge. Taking place three thousand years ago, ancient Egypt's daily life and customs are woven into the story. In a world without soap and little water, natron served quite well. Gedge is able to get into the mind of the courtiers and their attitudes to their servants. While beneath the ?masters?, these ?inferior? beings are very much a part of the family.