About VoyageMaster

How would you describe the style?

I would describe the style as a cross between Paulo Coelho, James Michener, and Joshua Slocum. It is like Paulo Coelho's books in that it is about a quest for self-discovery, Michener's books because it relies heavily on facts, and Slocum's book "Sailing Alone Around The World" because it's a seafaring yarn.

VoyageMaster by James Jarratt

Who should read it?

It was written for young adults because I think that they are too often dished up an un-interesting, two-dimensional version of Egyptian history. But people of any age can take something from it, as they do from Paulo Coelho's quest novels. Students of Egyptian history (older or younger) will gain a new understanding of and appreciation for life in 18th-dynasty Egypt.

Is it hard to read?

No, if anything it is deceptively simple in that the reader is likely to move along, enjoying the story, and only later noticing that he or she has learned something. The Introduction is a brief history lesson to give the book context. I realize a lot of people skip introductions but there is some very good background material in this one. In places, I've used footnotes because these are easier for readers than endnotes.

It is not intended as a textbook but there are enough resources in it to help students carry on with further research afterward.

Does the reader need to understand a lot about Egyptian history?

No, the footnotes are there to answer any questions. There are also maps in the back for those who are unfamiliar with the area, as well as a brief discussion of the Egyptian calendars, which can be a bit confusing.