This sequel to House of Dreams, also known as Lady of the Reeds, was actually written as a response to the overwhelming reader popularity of the character of Thu in the previous book. Gedge herself wrote that she had thought Thu’s story finished, but Thu proved so popular with readers that she decided to bring her back. Since in the previous book Thu unhistorically survives, the door was left open for a sequel, and here it is.Since in real life Ramesses III, Thu and Pentaweres were all actually killed as a result of the harem plot, I almost prefer to think of this particular book as indulgent pure fiction merely set in a historical setting. Gedge tells the story in first person, and switches between three different character perspectives in three distinct sections, which is a change from her usual style, but it works in this case. It allows the plot to unfold at the right pace and maintain the tension, whilst keeping a good deal of mystery involved. I say this every time about Gedge’s style of writing and use of language, but she’s just so consistent with it; the writing is nuanced, evocative, and subtle, and I found myself totally engrossed and reading House of Illusions was a truly enjoyable experience.It seems that some readers were rather switched off by the ending though. (view spoiler)[Hui and the other conspirators are finally found out, put on trial, and get their just deserts, whilst Thu is restored to her estates, wealth and titles, and Hui’s fate is put in her hands. She chooses to reconcile with the man she once loved, instead of decreeing death for him. I have to admit that did feel too good to be true, to me. I know she was desperate when she plotted the attempt on Ramesses III’s life, and used as a pawn by Hui and the others, but I’m pretty sure an Egyptian pharaoh would never restore her to her titles, land and wealth, or allow Hui to go free. (hide spoiler)]
An excellent sequel to the first "Lady of the Reeds" by Gedge. Obviously, read the first book in order for this book to make any difference. Quick and interesting, it will occasionally surprise you. It's also nearly impossible to read in multiple sittings--I was nearly unable to drag myself away from it, because when the story is put in motion, it's pretty much a nonstop course of events with little disconnect or break. You'll be holding your water in anticipation for a stopping point or pause that will nearly never come. This isn't a spoiler, necessarily, but it might be a question better put to those who have already read it:The book makes you question, ultimately, whether Gedge's intention is to subvert justice for a romantically satisfying conclusion, or whether she's suggesting a certain moral relativism in Egyptian philosophy and society. It's hard to answer, although I'm hoping it's the latter.
What do You think about House Of Illusions (2007)?
Pauline Gedge, as usual, is probably the best writer of "Egyptian Fiction". Her characters and scenes are equisitely detailed, whether she writes in the third or first person. House of Illusions continues the story of Thu, and her son, who were separated under edict of Rameses III. The ending and events, although near the end were rather fantastical and almost predictable. If you have not read Lady of the Reeds, then you probably would not enjoy this book as much, but as sequels go, it is quite well done.
—Francoise McKay
I love reading Pauline Gedge. Her novels are always so easy to read, but they're never simplistic, with complex characterisations and plots. Yet there's something about House of Illusions that just doesn't sit well with me, and it's that the ending feels very idealised. The two main figures of the conspiracy – the master puppeteer, Hui, and the assassin, Thu – are left to live their lives as they like with no recriminations. Thu, at least, was punished and I was rooting for her throughout House
—Lisa
A follow up to House of Dreams and every bit as good. I thought I had read this some years ago but if I did it was in my Dreams because I simply did not remember it. So I have read it now and sorted out my lists for this year.Set in Egypt at the time of Ramses it finishes the story of Thu a concubine of the great Ramses accused of trying to poison him. She is banished and made to serve 17 long years of hard labour to the priests. A very good story of retribution and discovery.Pauline Gedge writes really great stores and I wish to wrote more.
—Helen
