PRAISE FOR
THE CAIRO CODEX,
the first novel in The Justine Trilogy and winner of the Silver Nautilus Award and the Bronze IPPY Award, 2014
“. . . A rather remarkable diary—one with profound implications for religious communities already roiling with discontent . . . the novel delivers a tautly suspenseful historical tale. In particular, Lambert sharply ties together early Christian beliefs with the plight of females in traditional societies, and effectively depicts the fears unleashed when entrenched beliefs are challenged . . . She keeps a sure hand on the romance plotline, letting it percolate and flare . . . An engaging thriller/romance, and a smart evocation of modern Egypt.”
—Kirkus Review
I loved Linda Lambert’s daring novel, The Cairo Codex, winner of the bronze Independent Publisher (IPPY) award for historical fiction. Her knowledge of the religious and political struggles in Egypt is uncanny, as well as timely. It will make a great movie!
—Jim Barnes, Editor and Awards Director IndependentPublisher.com
“This page-turner will keep you on the edge of your seat! The contents of the codex are so startling to both Christian and Muslim faiths that their disclosure triggers violent reactions. The Muslim Brotherhood is further provoked to action as it prepares to take over the political reins of the country. This discovery will challenge accepted belief in history and religion. It will also raise questions of just how much knowledge the world deserves—or is prepared—to receive. THE CAIRO CODEX is the first in what will be THE JUSTINE TRILOGY.”
—Arab Vistas Today
“The author of THE CAIRO CODEX shows a surprisingly in-depth, and even prescient, knowledge of modern Egypt and the conflicts between the Muslim Brotherhood and other segments of society.”
—Historical Novel Society
“THE CAIRO CODEX is a riveting novel that portrays the unique bonds between two powerful women separated by millennia. Their relationship foreshadows a seismic shift in the Egyptian landscape. A splendidly researched and original historical novel that evokes the beautiful prose and exotic setting of The Red Tent.”
—Jeffrey Small, best-selling author of The Jericho Deception and The Breath of God
“Lambert’s life in Egypt was the stimulus for this multilayered historical novel. It combines the three great religions of the Middle East with modern and historical characters, suspense, and the challenges of life and politics in present-day Egypt. This creates an altogether fascinating narrative that is hard to put down!”
—Dr. Waguida El Bakary, former Associate Dean, American University, Cairo
“The most rewarding experience for any author is to know that you have written a great book and that perceptive readers will be able to share your story and enjoy your talent. Such is THE CAIRO CODEX—a spellbinding novel of Egyptian history, religion, romance, and politics.”
—David Appleby, composer, author of Bravo Brazil! and Music of Brazil
“I loved THE CAIRO CODEX. After reading the prologue, I was hooked and immediately felt propelled into Cairo. The writing is strong, as are the characters and story. Brava! I’m looking forward to the next adventure of Justine Jenner.”
—Paul Williams, archaeologist, US Department of Interior
Also by Linda Lambert:
The Cairo Codex
A Rapture of Ravens
The Constructivist Leader
Who Will Save Our Schools
Women’s Ways of Leading
Building Leadership Capacity in Schools
Leadership Capacity for Lasting School Improvement
PUBLISHED BY WEST HILLS PRESS
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced—mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying—without written permission of the publisher. Trademarks: West Hills Press, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of West Hills Press, LLC, and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Cover images ©123rf.com/Aleksandar Mijatovic
All of the characters and events in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 by West Hills Press, Atlanta, Georgia
All Rights Reserved
ISBN-13: 978-1-9335-1249-5
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
I dedicate this novel, The Italian Letters, to my husband, Morgan Dale Lambert, and to our magnificent memories of Italy. He is my friend, mentor, muse, and lover, as well as father, grandfather and great-grandfather to our shared and extended family members. Whatever role he assumes, he does so with tenderness, grace, and empathy. Morgan is that rare and exceptional human being who knows how to love unconditionally. His circle of care radiates out like a wave from the most intimate of personal relationships to the country and the world.
Contents
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16