Sobek, the Egyptian god of the Nile
This ancient god, inspired by the fearsome crocodile of the Nile, was worshipped for thousands of years.
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A legendary love story: Abelard and Héloïse
Let me take you back in time, to the 12th century, and tell you a story that has become legend. This is a true story, and it has inspired many stories since.
The exquisite sculptures of Antonio Canova
Two hundred years after his death, the works of this Italian sculptor continue to awe and inspire.
To sleep, perchance to dream
Where does a dream end and reality begin? Can a dream not only come true but be true?
Timeless views from the River Nile
Drifting serenely along the waterway that is the source of life – the perfect way to see the age-old beauty of Egypt.
Papyrus: the ‘paper’ of Ancient Egypt
The Nile was the source of life in Egypt – and of the all-important papyrus plant.
Floriography and the symbolic meaning of flowers
Throughout history, people have seen flowers as not only beautiful but also symbolic.
Springtime captured in poetry
Spring: beautiful, hopeful and a great source of inspiration for poets…
Do you read classic literature?
On why we may not read classic literature – and how we may do so.
The lost pleasure of handwriting
‘I have found that when I am writing something emotional, I must write it the first time directly with hand on paper. Handwriting is more connected to the movement of the heart.’ So wrote Natalie Goldberg in Writing Down the Bones, and I quite agree. For me, handwriting has such soul.
The Temple of Isis, Philae
This ancient temple, devoted to the mother goddess, is a uniquely precious site in Egypt.
Comparing Egyptian, Roman and Greek gods
Did the ancient civilisations have similar deities?
A legendary love story: Tristan and Isolde
So many of our modern-day love stories are inspired by legends, stories that have been passed down from generation to generation, and so it is with the tale of Tristan and Isolde.
‘Dressing’ my heroines
The women in my novels are strong and independent, so why not stylish as well?
Colour symbolism in Ancient Egypt
What did the colours used in Ancient Egyptian art mean to the people of this civilisation?
The ‘false’ doors of Ancient Egyptian tombs and temples
What was the symbolism of doors that led nowhere?
Agatha Christie: Taking inspiration from the Nile
A passion for Egypt inspired this prolific English novelist to write one of her most famous crime stories…
Lessons from great philosophers
Born in every generation are the wise people, the thinkers, the guiding lights who can show us the path ahead…
Why did Egyptian pharaohs build pyramids – and why did they stop?
Pyramids are emblematic of Ancient Egypt. But what was their purpose, and why did the kings stop building them?
Why are we so fascinated by history?
What draws us to the stories and experiences of those who came before us?
The curse of the pharaohs
Are those who disturb the tombs of the ancient pharaohs destined for misfortune?
Literary tourism: The best places to visit in England
If you love English literature, then these places belong on your ‘visit someday’ list…
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The repatriation of artefacts
Should museums return artefacts to their country of origin?
7 things you may not know about the Mona Lisa
A ‘sphinx of beauty who smiles so mysteriously…’ – Théophile Gautier
Autumn captured in music
Sit back, close your eyes and let music infuse you with the beauty of the season…
The sacred animals of Ancient Egypt
From the ibis to the baboon, the crocodile to the cat, these are the most sacred animals of the Ancient Egyptian religion…
My top five romantic spots in Paris, City of Love
In this favourite destination for romantics, love is all around…
Together at last: love stories built on reunion
Sometimes hope for the future lies in reconnecting with the past…
The Taj Mahal, a symbol of enduring love
In Agra, India, on the banks of the river Yamuna, stands this Wonder of the World.
The Valley of the Kings
Welcome to one of the most famous and most visited sites in Egypt…
Perfumes of Ancient Egypt
In my novel Song of the Nile, I draw inspiration from the fragrances of Ancient Egypt.
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The sun gods of ancient religions
‘If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.’ – Napoleon Bonaparte
For the love of period properties
What better backdrop for romance than a beautiful and soulful home?
Egyptomania and its influence on Western architecture
How has Ancient Egypt inspired the buildings around us?
Everyday phrases we owe to Shakespeare
Did you know that many common English phrases originated in the Bard’s writings?
An interview with Aida, heroine of Song of the Nile
What lies beneath the surface of this fiercely independent young woman?
The rewards of mindful reading
Rather than striving to read more books, how about really reading the books we choose?
New Year: the promise of a new beginning
‘The beginning is the most important part of the work.’ – Plato