Empress of the Nile

Empress of the Nile by Lynne Olson is a captivating biography that tells the awe-inspiring story of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, a trailblazing French archaeologist whose passion and tenacity were instrumental in one of the most ambitious and high-stakes archaeological rescue missions of the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, this gripping narrative brings to life an extraordinary chapter in history when fifty nations rallied to save ancient Egyptian temples from being submerged by the construction of the colossal Aswan High Dam.

Desroches-Noblecourt emerges as an indomitable force who refused to capitulate to the immense challenges posed by the rescue effort. The book takes readers through the intricate and arduous process of dismantling and relocating the ancient sandstone structures, a feat that required unparalleled technical precision and international cooperation. Despite a world consumed by the Cold War, Desroches-Noblecourt managed to unify diverse global powers to salvage a priceless part of humanity’s cultural heritage.

The narrative also delves into Desroches-Noblecourt’s formidable personal journey. As a courageous member of the French Resistance during World War II, she suffered imprisonment at the hands of the Nazis, yet her spirit remained unbroken. This resilience lent her the fortitude to confront and negotiate with formidable leaders like Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and French President Charles de Gaulle, ensuring the preservation of the temples.

Olson poignantly captures the nuances of Desroches-Noblecourt's character: her fearlessness, her unyielding dedication to Egyptology, and her stance against centuries of Western exploitation of Egyptian relics. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Olson ensures that Desroches-Noblecourt is not merely remembered as an academic but celebrated as a cultural custodian who championed the cause of preserving Egypt’s ancient legacy.

Evan Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of First: Sandra Day O'Connor, praises Olson’s storytelling prowess, stating: "Lynne Olson's many fans know her gift for storytelling and for bringing to life heroes who may not be well known but who demand—indeed, rivet—our attention. Who else but Olson could have found Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, a beautiful and brave French Resistance fighter brazen enough to tell her Gestapo interrogators to stand up when a woman enters the room, and who happens to be a kind of female Indiana Jones working behind the scenes—alongside Jackie Kennedy!—to save the ancient temples of Egypt? Readers will devour this wonderful book."

Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace, adds: "Empress of the Nile is an exhilarating, in-depth look at a woman whose courage never faltered, whether she was facing Nazi interrogators, backstabbing archaeologist colleagues, or the imminent destruction of the Egyptian monuments and artefacts she held most dear. Olson's richly detailed, heart-stopping biography takes the reader for a magnificent ride."

Toby Wilkinson, New York Times bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt and Tutankhamun's Trumpet, underscores Desroches-Noblecourt’s significance, noting: "Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt was one of the leading Egyptologists of the twentieth century, yet her remarkable achievements have received little attention. Lynne Olson has done her justice with this comprehensive biography."

Empress of the Nile doesn’t just recount historical events; it celebrates the indomitable human spirit and highlights the crucial role one woman played in preserving the wonders of ancient Egypt for future generations. This is a must-read for history enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, and anyone inspired by tales of extraordinary resilience and cultural preservation.