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The Hidden Series #Book 1 of Part 1
The Hidden
2013 Winner — Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award — Mystery & Thriller
A university professor is brutally murdered in Egypt’s Sinai desert in 1940, leaving behind his new bride, the beautiful young Aimee Ibrahim. As Aimee tries to unravel the web of lies and secrets surrounding her husband’s death, she unwittingly becomes a pawn in a revolutionary plot against Egypt’s king. With the discovery of a twenty-year-old diary, the mystery only deepens. As Aimee gets ever closer to the truth, she discovers startling parallels between her own life and that of the mother she never knew.
Unfolding in the city’s brothels, hashish cafes, and jasmine-scented colonial mansions, The Hidden is a gritty, sensual tale of revolution, betrayal, and the lengths we will go to for love—and truth.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2013
37 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Jo Chumas
11 books55 followersPublishers Weekly on The Hidden
This sophisticated, first-rate mystery novel/political thriller takes place in Cairo, Egypt. It alternates points of view and shifts time frames to create an outstanding narrative with nail-biting suspense. Yet, it is much more than a clear-cut thriller.
It offers a penetrating account of Egyptian culture, the role of women in society, and the profundity of love. The story begins in 1940. Haran Issawi, chief advisor to King Faruk, discusses with his top security men newly discovered intelligence of an assassination plot against him to be carried out by the Group of the X, a proletarian nationalist organization that seeks to overthrow the Egyptian government.
Meanwhile, Aimee Ibrahim, the young and alluring widow of Azi Ibrahim, an academician who was mysteriously murdered, is asked to come to the university where Azi taught to collect his belongings. A parcel wrapped in brown paper and tied with string entices Aimee. She opens it and discovers her mother's diary, written 20 years ago. Aimee never knew her mother, Hezba Sultan, who was born into royalty as the only daughter of Ali Sultan Pasha.
Now, with this relic of Hezba's past in Aimee's possession, she speculates about what secrets it may reveal. Aimee also wonders why Azi had Hezba's journal and why it was hidden at his office. Aimee is invited to the launch party of a poetry book written by the university's up-and-coming literary talents where she meets Farouk, who is the editor of the Cairo newspaper, The Liberation, and, unbeknownst to Aimee, one of the notorious "ringleaders" in the Group of X. Even though the encounter irritated Aimee -- she didn't like the way Farouk stared at her -- she couldn't stop thinking about him after their goodbyes. Farouk, too, was enchanted. Their friendship blossoms, yet can they trust one another?
Hezba's flawless diary entries are incorporated into the novel, and they welcome readers into the fascinating yet brutal world of Egyptian harem life in the early 20th century. Hezba's writings tell of her nature as a defiant, impatient and desperately unhappy woman who seeks freedom beyond the strictures of the palace and the societal limitations placed on women. Circumcised at age five and married at age 11 to 50-year-old Khalil al-Shezira in a political maneuver arranged by her father, Hezba's joy is her secret love affair with Anton Alexandre, a member of the Rebel Corp which is agitating for revolution against the British occupation of Egypt. Hezba aligns herself with Alexandre's rebel activity, and, as the novel switches back and forth in time, it becomes increasingly intriguing how crucial Hezba's journal is to the unfolding of events in 1940.
This is a novel that keeps readers guessing -- presumed allegiances are not always what they seem to be when bombs explode and characters are killed and truths are revealed. This is an excellent, well-written, and forceful work of fiction
For more information on Jo visit her website www.jochumas.com
This sophisticated, first-rate mystery novel/political thriller takes place in Cairo, Egypt. It alternates points of view and shifts time frames to create an outstanding narrative with nail-biting suspense. Yet, it is much more than a clear-cut thriller.
It offers a penetrating account of Egyptian culture, the role of women in society, and the profundity of love. The story begins in 1940. Haran Issawi, chief advisor to King Faruk, discusses with his top security men newly discovered intelligence of an assassination plot against him to be carried out by the Group of the X, a proletarian nationalist organization that seeks to overthrow the Egyptian government.
Meanwhile, Aimee Ibrahim, the young and alluring widow of Azi Ibrahim, an academician who was mysteriously murdered, is asked to come to the university where Azi taught to collect his belongings. A parcel wrapped in brown paper and tied with string entices Aimee. She opens it and discovers her mother's diary, written 20 years ago. Aimee never knew her mother, Hezba Sultan, who was born into royalty as the only daughter of Ali Sultan Pasha.
Now, with this relic of Hezba's past in Aimee's possession, she speculates about what secrets it may reveal. Aimee also wonders why Azi had Hezba's journal and why it was hidden at his office. Aimee is invited to the launch party of a poetry book written by the university's up-and-coming literary talents where she meets Farouk, who is the editor of the Cairo newspaper, The Liberation, and, unbeknownst to Aimee, one of the notorious "ringleaders" in the Group of X. Even though the encounter irritated Aimee -- she didn't like the way Farouk stared at her -- she couldn't stop thinking about him after their goodbyes. Farouk, too, was enchanted. Their friendship blossoms, yet can they trust one another?
Hezba's flawless diary entries are incorporated into the novel, and they welcome readers into the fascinating yet brutal world of Egyptian harem life in the early 20th century. Hezba's writings tell of her nature as a defiant, impatient and desperately unhappy woman who seeks freedom beyond the strictures of the palace and the societal limitations placed on women. Circumcised at age five and married at age 11 to 50-year-old Khalil al-Shezira in a political maneuver arranged by her father, Hezba's joy is her secret love affair with Anton Alexandre, a member of the Rebel Corp which is agitating for revolution against the British occupation of Egypt. Hezba aligns herself with Alexandre's rebel activity, and, as the novel switches back and forth in time, it becomes increasingly intriguing how crucial Hezba's journal is to the unfolding of events in 1940.
This is a novel that keeps readers guessing -- presumed allegiances are not always what they seem to be when bombs explode and characters are killed and truths are revealed. This is an excellent, well-written, and forceful work of fiction
For more information on Jo visit her website www.jochumas.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 22, 2013
The Hidden is the first novel I've read by Jo Chumas and it won't be the last. The Hidden is captivating from page one. Before long, the end of the book is near and I'm left wondering what a heck of a ride.
The novel begins 1940 with the murder of Aimee Ibrahim's husband Azi. From the first chapter it is obvious there will be tons of mystery and intrigue surrounding his death. An unsuspecting Aimee goes to the university, where her late husband worked, to retrieve her husbands' belongings and is surprised to find a diary. This is no ordinary diary. It is the diary of her mamman Hezba Iqbal Sultan Hanim al-Shezira. The Hidden turns into two seperate stories that run parallel courses.
Hezba's journal tells of her life during 1919, with her abusive husband and secret love interest, Alexandre, who's anxious to begin Cairo's revolution. Hezba is drawn to him as she wants to be heard as well. She's convinced that once the old ways are done with, her female voice will be heard. Hezba isn't interested in being one of the wives' of a man who treats her as if she is nothing. She wants a free Egypt where women and men are on level playing fields. Free of religion, customs, and restraints. Hezba's story is inspiring and worthy of the equal attention given to it.
Aimee seems to be on the same journey of finding her voice when her husband is killed. Without much family, she's uncertain of what to do next. In the '40s, much hasn't changed. Women are still second class citizens who's only purpose is to keep house and bear children. In an effort to solve the mystery that was her husband, she enlists the help of an older man named Farouk. He's as perplexing as her late husband Azi, but they have an undeniable connection.
Jo Chumas manages to write a gripping, multi-layered novel that adds up to so much more than a bunch of suspenseful moments. The characters in The Hidden all have their motivations that are the bigger story for me. The fight for equality politically, socially, and economically is more than worth having. Each character, even the bad guys, have relatable motivations. Their struggles all seem real even when their methods of action are detestable.
My one gripe with The Hidden is that there was a cryptic message that was found in Azi's things. I'm not certain I ever found the reason or purpose for that message. It's noticeable because a few chapters are devoted to finding code-breakers. Help please someone! Anyone!
The Hidden is a fast-paced, historical suspense thriller that I highly recommend. Palpable characters, an exotic setting, and great writing makes me a new fan of Jo Chumas.
The novel begins 1940 with the murder of Aimee Ibrahim's husband Azi. From the first chapter it is obvious there will be tons of mystery and intrigue surrounding his death. An unsuspecting Aimee goes to the university, where her late husband worked, to retrieve her husbands' belongings and is surprised to find a diary. This is no ordinary diary. It is the diary of her mamman Hezba Iqbal Sultan Hanim al-Shezira. The Hidden turns into two seperate stories that run parallel courses.
Hezba's journal tells of her life during 1919, with her abusive husband and secret love interest, Alexandre, who's anxious to begin Cairo's revolution. Hezba is drawn to him as she wants to be heard as well. She's convinced that once the old ways are done with, her female voice will be heard. Hezba isn't interested in being one of the wives' of a man who treats her as if she is nothing. She wants a free Egypt where women and men are on level playing fields. Free of religion, customs, and restraints. Hezba's story is inspiring and worthy of the equal attention given to it.
Aimee seems to be on the same journey of finding her voice when her husband is killed. Without much family, she's uncertain of what to do next. In the '40s, much hasn't changed. Women are still second class citizens who's only purpose is to keep house and bear children. In an effort to solve the mystery that was her husband, she enlists the help of an older man named Farouk. He's as perplexing as her late husband Azi, but they have an undeniable connection.
Jo Chumas manages to write a gripping, multi-layered novel that adds up to so much more than a bunch of suspenseful moments. The characters in The Hidden all have their motivations that are the bigger story for me. The fight for equality politically, socially, and economically is more than worth having. Each character, even the bad guys, have relatable motivations. Their struggles all seem real even when their methods of action are detestable.
My one gripe with The Hidden is that there was a cryptic message that was found in Azi's things. I'm not certain I ever found the reason or purpose for that message. It's noticeable because a few chapters are devoted to finding code-breakers. Help please someone! Anyone!
The Hidden is a fast-paced, historical suspense thriller that I highly recommend. Palpable characters, an exotic setting, and great writing makes me a new fan of Jo Chumas.
September 27, 2013
Absolutely mesmerizing! I could not put this book down. The story alternated between the journal that Aimee’s mother had written for her daughter in 1919 , and Aimee’s present-day life in 1940.
This book explores the treatment of women in the Muslim faith, particularly harem life. Aimee’s mother, Hezba is the daughter of a sultan who is wed to a much older man when she is only 11 years old. The marriage is a political one and her husband is terribly cruel. Hezba wants to be free – free from her marriage and the confines of harem life. She wants to be free to work, free to love the man she wants and speak her mind. You will be appalled at the kind of treatment husbands were allowed to give their wives in the 1920’s, you will sorrow with her and rejoice with her. Chumas brings Hezba to life.
Aimee’s life shows the progress that was made between the 1920’s and the 1940’s. It explores the political upheaval that Egypt was in at that time. Aimee discovers a truth about her own past that was hidden from her. The conclusion of the mystery of the death of Aimee’s husband is painful for Aimee and you will feel that pain with her.
Chumas is a master story-teller and keeps the reader guessing. The weaving together of Hezba’s diary writings and the events unfolding 20 years later beautifully complement one another bringing the story to a complete whole.
The Hidden is the winner of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2013 – Mystery and Thriller. This book has become one of my favourites and I will definitely be reading it again!
This book deserves 5 stars!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
This book explores the treatment of women in the Muslim faith, particularly harem life. Aimee’s mother, Hezba is the daughter of a sultan who is wed to a much older man when she is only 11 years old. The marriage is a political one and her husband is terribly cruel. Hezba wants to be free – free from her marriage and the confines of harem life. She wants to be free to work, free to love the man she wants and speak her mind. You will be appalled at the kind of treatment husbands were allowed to give their wives in the 1920’s, you will sorrow with her and rejoice with her. Chumas brings Hezba to life.
Aimee’s life shows the progress that was made between the 1920’s and the 1940’s. It explores the political upheaval that Egypt was in at that time. Aimee discovers a truth about her own past that was hidden from her. The conclusion of the mystery of the death of Aimee’s husband is painful for Aimee and you will feel that pain with her.
Chumas is a master story-teller and keeps the reader guessing. The weaving together of Hezba’s diary writings and the events unfolding 20 years later beautifully complement one another bringing the story to a complete whole.
The Hidden is the winner of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2013 – Mystery and Thriller. This book has become one of my favourites and I will definitely be reading it again!
This book deserves 5 stars!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
October 11, 2013
The questions are many in this thriller that will keep the reader racing for answers until the very last word.
The action begins in Cairo, and immediately the reader will see that this is much more than your usual mystery. Egyptian culture is a primary focus, delving into the woman’s role in society.
To begin with, the chief advisor to King Faruk is talking with his security men as they come upon a plot to assassinate the Egyptian ruler. The murder is to be completed by an organization called the ‘Group of the X’ who want to overthrow the present government.
As the politics rage in one area, a professor is murdered in the Sinai desert. This professor, Azi Ibrahim, has left behind his young widow, Aimee, who is asked to come to the university and pick up her husband’s possessions.
Among these possessions Aimee finds an old diary written twenty years ago. Turns out, the diary belonged to the daughter of Ali Sultan Pasha, a royal family line, and the author of the diary is Aimee’s own mother - a woman she never actually knew. Aimee wonders what her husband was doing with this book and her list of questions begins to grow.
Attending a party for the university’s literary-folk, Aimee meets the editor of ‘The Liberation,’ Cairo’s newspaper, who is also one of the leaders in the mysterious ‘Group of the X.’ The editor takes a shine to Aimee, although trust is not an option for either.
Taking readers back in time, this tale is much like a Technicolor movie; a harem in the early 20th century is uncovered, and the life of an unhappy woman who seeks freedom from the palace is brought to light.
Although the narrative can slow a bit in places, watching how the diary helps solve a murder as bombs explode and allies turn into enemies in the 1940’s is extremely interesting.
The action begins in Cairo, and immediately the reader will see that this is much more than your usual mystery. Egyptian culture is a primary focus, delving into the woman’s role in society.
To begin with, the chief advisor to King Faruk is talking with his security men as they come upon a plot to assassinate the Egyptian ruler. The murder is to be completed by an organization called the ‘Group of the X’ who want to overthrow the present government.
As the politics rage in one area, a professor is murdered in the Sinai desert. This professor, Azi Ibrahim, has left behind his young widow, Aimee, who is asked to come to the university and pick up her husband’s possessions.
Among these possessions Aimee finds an old diary written twenty years ago. Turns out, the diary belonged to the daughter of Ali Sultan Pasha, a royal family line, and the author of the diary is Aimee’s own mother - a woman she never actually knew. Aimee wonders what her husband was doing with this book and her list of questions begins to grow.
Attending a party for the university’s literary-folk, Aimee meets the editor of ‘The Liberation,’ Cairo’s newspaper, who is also one of the leaders in the mysterious ‘Group of the X.’ The editor takes a shine to Aimee, although trust is not an option for either.
Taking readers back in time, this tale is much like a Technicolor movie; a harem in the early 20th century is uncovered, and the life of an unhappy woman who seeks freedom from the palace is brought to light.
Although the narrative can slow a bit in places, watching how the diary helps solve a murder as bombs explode and allies turn into enemies in the 1940’s is extremely interesting.
October 4, 2014
Well you have to love it when you win a Goodreads giveaway, get sent the wrong book, read it, & are pleasantly surprised at your luck. That's just what happened to me with this book. I won another book called Hidden but was sent this 1 by mistake. It was better than the book I really won!
This book alternates between Egypt in the 1920s & Egypt at the turn of the century. It is told alternately from the perspective of Aimee & a journal written by Hezba a few decades before.
It wasn't hard to figure out the plot, but I am happy to say that it didn't make the book any less engaging even after I had its number. The story is very well written even though I wish I hadn't figured it out as soon as I did. The characters are fascinating & the plot moves along at a nice clip with just the right number of twists & turns. I hope Chumas continues writing like she did here.
This book alternates between Egypt in the 1920s & Egypt at the turn of the century. It is told alternately from the perspective of Aimee & a journal written by Hezba a few decades before.
It wasn't hard to figure out the plot, but I am happy to say that it didn't make the book any less engaging even after I had its number. The story is very well written even though I wish I hadn't figured it out as soon as I did. The characters are fascinating & the plot moves along at a nice clip with just the right number of twists & turns. I hope Chumas continues writing like she did here.
December 10, 2024
I won this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program back in 2013. I'm sorry it has taken me this long to read and provide a review. I hope this review is helpful to you, but that you are able to pick up a copy of your own to provide your own review too.
I'm wondering if the edition provided to me wasn't final (and educated guess says "yes") due to the typos. One being the diary entries not following chronologically; one might says August 23rd then the next would be August 19th, yet the storyline continues linear.
I felt the length of this version was a bit long and chapters short (55 chapters in this version). Unsure of the final edition but felt this story could be cutdown or chapters combined. There was a lot of build up and felt the current storyline was trying to explain itself while syncing with the diary entries.
The diary entries were very well written! I actually found myself wanting to read the diary entries more and see that unfold then the main, current storyline.
Again, the main story line dragged a bit for me, contained too many characters, and characters with the same names... it was a bit much and confusing. Even when Amie says "oh it's not the man who kidnapped and tortured me. It's a common name." Yes, it made the anticipation of who she was going to see, potentially a dangerous distant family member, heightened. But given all the other names and trying to keep characters straight in my head while reading, I would have preferred the cousin containing a different name.
And when the "big reveal" was released, I felt as though it wasn't as big of a shock as it could have been. Given all the background and build up, I had figured out the connections to our main character, Amie.
Again, my educated guess is I read a pre-final version so maybe the final has changed a bit from my review here.
2.5 out of 5 stars
I'm wondering if the edition provided to me wasn't final (and educated guess says "yes") due to the typos. One being the diary entries not following chronologically; one might says August 23rd then the next would be August 19th, yet the storyline continues linear.
I felt the length of this version was a bit long and chapters short (55 chapters in this version). Unsure of the final edition but felt this story could be cutdown or chapters combined. There was a lot of build up and felt the current storyline was trying to explain itself while syncing with the diary entries.
The diary entries were very well written! I actually found myself wanting to read the diary entries more and see that unfold then the main, current storyline.
Again, the main story line dragged a bit for me, contained too many characters, and characters with the same names... it was a bit much and confusing. Even when Amie says "oh it's not the man who kidnapped and tortured me. It's a common name." Yes, it made the anticipation of who she was going to see, potentially a dangerous distant family member, heightened. But given all the other names and trying to keep characters straight in my head while reading, I would have preferred the cousin containing a different name.
And when the "big reveal" was released, I felt as though it wasn't as big of a shock as it could have been. Given all the background and build up, I had figured out the connections to our main character, Amie.
Again, my educated guess is I read a pre-final version so maybe the final has changed a bit from my review here.
2.5 out of 5 stars
April 15, 2021
A page turning story of Amiee's and her mother's Herzba's journey toward learning the truth of her husband's murder and the struggle for women's rights, respectively. This story is told through the pages of Herzba's diary and through Aimee's search. War and love and the lost thereof is interwoven into this historical fiction which is set in Egypt in the early 1900's.
November 16, 2013
This was an enjoyable espionage/thriller. I debated between 3 and 4 stars, and ended up rating it with a 3 1/2*** because of lack of character development. This novel consisted of two plots. One was in the Egypt of 1919 against British colonial rule. The other in the Egypt of 1940 involved a plot against a high government official, with the hope of revolutionaries this would spark a coup.
The heroine, Aimee, receives the diary of her mother, Hezba, daughter of the sultan and one of his wives, written in the autumn of 1919. These two plots switch from one to the other. The author has a gift for description; you are drenched in the atmosphere of both British colonial and of 1940's Egypt. I was reminded of older Hollywood espionage movies--think The Third Man, but set in another place and time. The story started slowly and was confusing at first; I nearly gave up. But I persisted and I'm glad I did. The story got better and better as it went along. I read it in a matter of hours. I received this as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Both subplots involve a nationalist terrorist organization and a momentous event intending to overthrow the government. Two benefits: perhaps women will gain more rights, and the fellahin will be treated fairly. As Aimee reads more and more of the diary, we see her mother's and her lives parallel each other uncannily. There are spies, double agents, murder, treachery: all the elements of a good thriller. People are not what they seem. The action becomes heart-pounding towards the conclusion. A shocking secret is revealed, one which really surprised me and I didn't see coming!
I felt descriptions were vivid, in Hezba's diary, as well as in Aimee's story. The novel was written well and the story was quite good. Only well-rounded characters and the character development were lacking. The author describes them well physically, but I felt they were only types, vehicles to move the story along. I had no empathy with any of them. I thought it strange some of the Arabic names were written in British transliteration, and some, like Rachid, the eunuch, were written in French transliteration. I wish there had been a 'List of characters' with names and what function they served in the story:
e.g., Farouk - newspaper editor
As I was reading and first came upon a name and the role of the character, I kept a crude list for myself and would refer to it as I read.
I wish there had also been a glossary of Arabic terms. Some I already knew; some were explained in the text but you had to look very closely; and some you'd just have to guess the meaning. Also, I thought the cover of the copy I received: a bound notebook against a black background, was uninviting. The other cover of variant editions: the black mosque silhouette against a red background--a fire perhaps?--was much better.
Recommended for lovers of espionage/thriller novels.
The heroine, Aimee, receives the diary of her mother, Hezba, daughter of the sultan and one of his wives, written in the autumn of 1919. These two plots switch from one to the other. The author has a gift for description; you are drenched in the atmosphere of both British colonial and of 1940's Egypt. I was reminded of older Hollywood espionage movies--think The Third Man, but set in another place and time. The story started slowly and was confusing at first; I nearly gave up. But I persisted and I'm glad I did. The story got better and better as it went along. I read it in a matter of hours. I received this as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Both subplots involve a nationalist terrorist organization and a momentous event intending to overthrow the government. Two benefits: perhaps women will gain more rights, and the fellahin will be treated fairly. As Aimee reads more and more of the diary, we see her mother's and her lives parallel each other uncannily. There are spies, double agents, murder, treachery: all the elements of a good thriller. People are not what they seem. The action becomes heart-pounding towards the conclusion. A shocking secret is revealed, one which really surprised me and I didn't see coming!
I felt descriptions were vivid, in Hezba's diary, as well as in Aimee's story. The novel was written well and the story was quite good. Only well-rounded characters and the character development were lacking. The author describes them well physically, but I felt they were only types, vehicles to move the story along. I had no empathy with any of them. I thought it strange some of the Arabic names were written in British transliteration, and some, like Rachid, the eunuch, were written in French transliteration. I wish there had been a 'List of characters' with names and what function they served in the story:
e.g., Farouk - newspaper editor
As I was reading and first came upon a name and the role of the character, I kept a crude list for myself and would refer to it as I read.
I wish there had also been a glossary of Arabic terms. Some I already knew; some were explained in the text but you had to look very closely; and some you'd just have to guess the meaning. Also, I thought the cover of the copy I received: a bound notebook against a black background, was uninviting. The other cover of variant editions: the black mosque silhouette against a red background--a fire perhaps?--was much better.
Recommended for lovers of espionage/thriller novels.
October 25, 2013
This author is one of those individuals for me that no matter what they write, I will read it; no questions asked, no reading the back cover…period!
Aimee was raised by her Aunt Saiza, she was an orphan and never knew her parents. She was sent to France to be schooled in the convent and after 14 years her Aunt summoned her home to Cairo because of the war. She was born in Cairo but did not remember it.
Aimee traveled back to Cairo with her friend Sophie and both loved the freedom and excitement of the invitations to parties, nightclubs and dances organized by Sophie’s Uncle. The freedom away from the convent was a needed change for the girls. It wasn’t very long before she met her future husband, Azi Ibrahim. He was a highly respected Professor of the University. He courted Aimee and made her feel loved and special and soon they were married with the approval of her Aunt. It wasn’t long after they were married that Azi was murdered.
Aimee was invited to travel to the University where her husband worked and pick up his personal effects and was very glad to escape from the daily grind and see her husband’s office. Once there she meets Azi’s boss, Professor Langham and has tea with him. The Professor talked about how popular Azi was and towards the end of the meeting he brings out a box and hands it to Aimee. This small box was all his personal effects. Aimee mentions that she is looking for work and asks the Professor if he can help or suggest a place at the University where she could go to find work. He tells her that Azi’s family would be taking care of her now and that she needn’t worry about things like working anymore. Unfortunately, there were no positions for women at the University, or very few other respectable places either. Azi’s parents were leaving for America and had not invited her to go along, so she really needed to find work to support her Aunt and herself. Soon their meeting comes to an end and Aimee takes the box and goes back to her home, not finding out anymore about the murder of her husband or any possibilities of a possible job.
While she is relaxing at home she opens the box and finds a book, a diary. It was the diary of Hezba al-Shezira, her mother. She read it for awhile and wondered what her husband was doing with the diary and decided she would talk to her Aunt about it when she saw her again. She hid the diary and got ready to go to a party that her husband had received an invitation for.
When Aimee leaves for this party she is a beautiful, immature and inexperienced young widow. But by the time she comes home that evening she is on the brink of becoming involved in a conspiracy and a plot for murder! As you read this excellent novel you begin to notice that there are two separate stories that are intertwined in history. I don’t want to say anymore and give away all the intrigue and adventure, this is a must-read!
I really loved this book and look forward to more novels from this author in the future. Definitely five stars!
Aimee was raised by her Aunt Saiza, she was an orphan and never knew her parents. She was sent to France to be schooled in the convent and after 14 years her Aunt summoned her home to Cairo because of the war. She was born in Cairo but did not remember it.
Aimee traveled back to Cairo with her friend Sophie and both loved the freedom and excitement of the invitations to parties, nightclubs and dances organized by Sophie’s Uncle. The freedom away from the convent was a needed change for the girls. It wasn’t very long before she met her future husband, Azi Ibrahim. He was a highly respected Professor of the University. He courted Aimee and made her feel loved and special and soon they were married with the approval of her Aunt. It wasn’t long after they were married that Azi was murdered.
Aimee was invited to travel to the University where her husband worked and pick up his personal effects and was very glad to escape from the daily grind and see her husband’s office. Once there she meets Azi’s boss, Professor Langham and has tea with him. The Professor talked about how popular Azi was and towards the end of the meeting he brings out a box and hands it to Aimee. This small box was all his personal effects. Aimee mentions that she is looking for work and asks the Professor if he can help or suggest a place at the University where she could go to find work. He tells her that Azi’s family would be taking care of her now and that she needn’t worry about things like working anymore. Unfortunately, there were no positions for women at the University, or very few other respectable places either. Azi’s parents were leaving for America and had not invited her to go along, so she really needed to find work to support her Aunt and herself. Soon their meeting comes to an end and Aimee takes the box and goes back to her home, not finding out anymore about the murder of her husband or any possibilities of a possible job.
While she is relaxing at home she opens the box and finds a book, a diary. It was the diary of Hezba al-Shezira, her mother. She read it for awhile and wondered what her husband was doing with the diary and decided she would talk to her Aunt about it when she saw her again. She hid the diary and got ready to go to a party that her husband had received an invitation for.
When Aimee leaves for this party she is a beautiful, immature and inexperienced young widow. But by the time she comes home that evening she is on the brink of becoming involved in a conspiracy and a plot for murder! As you read this excellent novel you begin to notice that there are two separate stories that are intertwined in history. I don’t want to say anymore and give away all the intrigue and adventure, this is a must-read!
I really loved this book and look forward to more novels from this author in the future. Definitely five stars!
November 26, 2013
(This review is a copy of what I posted on my blog, which is linked in my profile here on Goodreads.)
I once had a dreams of being an Egyptologist. I’m not ever going to be one, but I still very much want to visit the land of the pharaohs. With all that Egypt and its revolutions have been in the news lately, I started to realize just how much more there is to the country than I previously thought. So, when I got my copy of The Hidden by Jo Chumas, I was excited to discover a part of the story I hadn’t ever known much about.
The story is split between a diary written after World War I and events taking place in “real time” just before the start of World War II. I admit to knowing woefully little about those periods in the history of anywhere but Europe and the United States. Of course, Ms. Chumas’ story is fictional but I can promise that it seems so very real that it’s easy to imagine it happening. The research the author did is intense and, more than likely, I’m going to read research more about Egypt between the wars as soon as I’m done writing this review.
Aimee is the main character in the story. She’s a young girl, fresh both from a convent education in France and fresh into sudden widowhood after a brief and blissful marriage. She’s in the country of her birth but it’s very much a foreign country to her. All she wants to do is mourn her husband and find his killer. What she discovers is a longstanding world of political turmoil that engulfed her family generations before she was even born.
The enemies of the king think her husband shared secrets with her and they need those secrets badly if they have any hope of evading capture by the king’s advisers who, in turn, are just as convinced that Aimee possess secrets they need to capture the enemies of the king.
Aimee doesn’t know who to trust in a world where everyone has at least two code names.
The diary she receives from her husband in an odd, roundabout way ties everything together for her and helps her to know the mother she never knew. As it turns out, Aimee ends up as essential to the future of Egypt in the 1940s as her mother was to Egypt in the 1920s.
It’s a beautiful story of self-discovery in the face of grave danger.
This is one of the rare books where a reader wants nothing more than to stay up late to finish it at the same time that she wants to ration out the pages that are left to make the story last longer.
(I received a copy of Jo Chumas’ The Hidden through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.)
I once had a dreams of being an Egyptologist. I’m not ever going to be one, but I still very much want to visit the land of the pharaohs. With all that Egypt and its revolutions have been in the news lately, I started to realize just how much more there is to the country than I previously thought. So, when I got my copy of The Hidden by Jo Chumas, I was excited to discover a part of the story I hadn’t ever known much about.
The story is split between a diary written after World War I and events taking place in “real time” just before the start of World War II. I admit to knowing woefully little about those periods in the history of anywhere but Europe and the United States. Of course, Ms. Chumas’ story is fictional but I can promise that it seems so very real that it’s easy to imagine it happening. The research the author did is intense and, more than likely, I’m going to read research more about Egypt between the wars as soon as I’m done writing this review.
Aimee is the main character in the story. She’s a young girl, fresh both from a convent education in France and fresh into sudden widowhood after a brief and blissful marriage. She’s in the country of her birth but it’s very much a foreign country to her. All she wants to do is mourn her husband and find his killer. What she discovers is a longstanding world of political turmoil that engulfed her family generations before she was even born.
The enemies of the king think her husband shared secrets with her and they need those secrets badly if they have any hope of evading capture by the king’s advisers who, in turn, are just as convinced that Aimee possess secrets they need to capture the enemies of the king.
Aimee doesn’t know who to trust in a world where everyone has at least two code names.
The diary she receives from her husband in an odd, roundabout way ties everything together for her and helps her to know the mother she never knew. As it turns out, Aimee ends up as essential to the future of Egypt in the 1940s as her mother was to Egypt in the 1920s.
It’s a beautiful story of self-discovery in the face of grave danger.
This is one of the rare books where a reader wants nothing more than to stay up late to finish it at the same time that she wants to ration out the pages that are left to make the story last longer.
(I received a copy of Jo Chumas’ The Hidden through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.)
December 7, 2013
In The Hidden, there are two parallel stories being presented simultaneously: one is in a diary format circa 1919 and the other in narrative form beginning in 1940. This is an interesting approach in which the two stories eventually come together in unity. A thought comes to mind about the two periods in the story: as things change, the more they seem to be the same. The novel is put into perspective through its historical content that tells about life in Egypt during the years covered in the novel. Although beliefs and customs as they pertain to the story are integrated into and are an integral part of the story, personally I would have liked more detail about life, customs, traditions, and religeous and social beliefs. Perhaps the author felt more would detract from the story.
This is a mystery, adventure novel that is also the story of people: strong, believable characters. The plot moves along nicely, but its is somewaht complex (at least for me) and requires close attention, but this does not detract from the story. All things considered, I liked this novel and I believe you will, too; an excellent story well told. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, A Novel Not for Children (about good and evil).
This is a mystery, adventure novel that is also the story of people: strong, believable characters. The plot moves along nicely, but its is somewaht complex (at least for me) and requires close attention, but this does not detract from the story. All things considered, I liked this novel and I believe you will, too; an excellent story well told. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, A Novel Not for Children (about good and evil).
January 28, 2014
I might be judging too harshly, but when I think of historical fiction, I think "The Killer Angels" or "The Poisonwood Bible." I feel like both those books tell the stories of fictional characters while staying accurate to the historical accuracy of the time. I cannot say the same of "The Hidden." I have been to the Middle East, read parts of the Koran and a few histories of the region, but I would never claim to be an expert. This novel felt like Ms. Chumas was applying current issues and techniques of war (terrorism, feminism) in a historical context inappropriately. As a result, it just feels inauthentic. I must admit, I dislike female heroines who show so much weakness, fainting spells and stupid decisions do not help, and Aimee Ibrahim does both more than once. The story's turns are not bad, but not all together unforeseeable. Not a bad first outing, but didn't blow my skirt up either. Oh, and using an adjective as a noun in the title just bugs me. Worth a try, but if you want books on this region, try these: Middle East History in Novels
February 11, 2014
A great novel should transport you to a time and place. The Hidden took me straight to the heart of Cairo where the heat and the buzz of the streets, with all their sights, sounds and smells, were tangible. In 1940, Aimee Ibrahim is widowed and, with the authorities showing little interest, she sets out to discover who was responsible for her husband's death, only to find herself entangled in the plans of others seeking personal vengence and the warring leaders of an underground revoluntionary group. This is an epic tale of loss, love, revenge and revolution, where no-one is quite as they seem. The breadth and scope of the novel, together with tight management of a large cast, are two of Chumas's greatest achievements. As the story unravells, the parallells between the lives of Aimee and her dead mother Hezba (whose tells her own story through her diaries) become more and more stark. But what struck me most of all is that, with current unrest in the city, The Hidden seems particularly relevant at the present time.
November 11, 2013
I know the point of winning a book on Goodreads is to give an honest review, but why do I feel so guilty? Maybe its the nice note the author sent with the book (thank you!).
The truth is, I just am not going to finish this book. I am about 1/2 way. I could force myself to finish, but there are just too many books to read! Its not that the books isn't written well, its just that I am not interested in seeing where it goes. The best parts of the book are the mother's diary pages - but the fact that the daughter is living a "similar" life is uninteresting. Maybe its because I don't understand the political setting (Egypt in the 1940s). I am sure this book will interest some readers, because like I said, it isn't a bad book. Just not for me.
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to read.
The truth is, I just am not going to finish this book. I am about 1/2 way. I could force myself to finish, but there are just too many books to read! Its not that the books isn't written well, its just that I am not interested in seeing where it goes. The best parts of the book are the mother's diary pages - but the fact that the daughter is living a "similar" life is uninteresting. Maybe its because I don't understand the political setting (Egypt in the 1940s). I am sure this book will interest some readers, because like I said, it isn't a bad book. Just not for me.
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to read.
December 4, 2013
3.5 stars. First reads winner, so here is my unbiased view. I really like the blend of the main story woven with the diary of Aimee's mother. At the beginning I was not sure how these elements would connect, but as the chapters went on, the correlation became quite clear. It was also interesting to see how the government worked in both 1910's and 1940's Egypt. The power struggles of the characters was compelling, but as times the story moved a bit slowly for a suspense. I enjoyed the character development, especially Hezba through her diary entries. The biggest issue I had was that the ending didn't have the power I was expecting. I anticipated slightly more action than just a letter to tie up loose ends. Overall an enjoyable and interesting look into what Egypt and its government might have been like during this time period.
December 28, 2013
I was torn in the beginning of this book on whether to DNF due to the redundant writing style or to continue reading because of the captivating lives of the female narrators in the dual storylines. Needless-to-say, I kept reading, and overall, I very much enjoyed the book. I did find several of the events of the book stretching what is believable, yet I can't quite tell if it is my ignorance of Egyptian culture in the early 20th century that puts me in disbelief.
I wish that the beginning chapters were more polished, but I certainly recommend the book to any historical fiction fans that enjoy thrillers. I do give fair warning that some of the events in THE HIDDEN are violent and the way women are suppressed is difficult to read. It is more unbelievable that women in certain Islamic nations are still allowed to be treated like this.
(Full review to come)
I wish that the beginning chapters were more polished, but I certainly recommend the book to any historical fiction fans that enjoy thrillers. I do give fair warning that some of the events in THE HIDDEN are violent and the way women are suppressed is difficult to read. It is more unbelievable that women in certain Islamic nations are still allowed to be treated like this.
(Full review to come)
December 26, 2013
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I stuck it out to the end, and still was feeling "meh". I know that's not much to go on, but I hate to give away plot and/or spoilers that someone else has already written. The structure of the book flips between two distinct time periods in each chapter. At first the earlier time period seems like an afterthought, but by the middle of the book, it's the more interesting of the two. By that point, the reader has figured out the connection between the two storylines, but it's still interesting to see how Chumas brings them together. I didn't hate the book, but I can't say it's going to either become one of my favorites, or stick with me years from now.
March 9, 2014
In this dark thriller, political unrest, family mysteries, and betrayal weave together into an absorbing story. The unanswered questions kept me interested until the very end, which concludes with a very fitting final reveal.
Set in historical Egypt, the author's research into life back then, especially for women, is extensive and impressive. I appreciated that the author did not sugarcoat the difficulties of the time periods covered. Hezba's diary entries—the most enjoyable aspect of the novel—excellently portray the despair she feels over her situation, and how powerless she really is to change her circumstances.
I enjoyed The Hidden, and recommend this novel to anyone looking for a compelling historical thriller.
Set in historical Egypt, the author's research into life back then, especially for women, is extensive and impressive. I appreciated that the author did not sugarcoat the difficulties of the time periods covered. Hezba's diary entries—the most enjoyable aspect of the novel—excellently portray the despair she feels over her situation, and how powerless she really is to change her circumstances.
I enjoyed The Hidden, and recommend this novel to anyone looking for a compelling historical thriller.
May 1, 2014
A mercerising tale told from two points of view, one from the point of view of the Sultan of Egypt's daughter Hezba through her diary left for her daughter and secondly from the point of view of her daughter Aimee some 30 years later.
When newly we'd Aimee loses her husband she is determine to find out who killed him but in this quest she comes across her mothers diary and is caught up in the political struggle of the time. Aimee unearths more than she was expecting and the conclusion of this book is very thrilling indeed.
I'm not sure how much of this book is based in fiction and whether the political agendas or struggles bear any resemblance to real time issues but as a novel I thought this was very readable and it definitely kept me hooked.
When newly we'd Aimee loses her husband she is determine to find out who killed him but in this quest she comes across her mothers diary and is caught up in the political struggle of the time. Aimee unearths more than she was expecting and the conclusion of this book is very thrilling indeed.
I'm not sure how much of this book is based in fiction and whether the political agendas or struggles bear any resemblance to real time issues but as a novel I thought this was very readable and it definitely kept me hooked.
November 11, 2013
Not really for me though I did appreciate the feminist subtext overall I found the book a bit of a plod. the characters were often a little one dimensional and the language very hackneyed. I can see where the author was going with this but it just didn't work for me. The bouncing back and forth between sub-stories also I found a little dull. A bit like watching a tennis match. I was engaged in places, especially with the older female character, the mother. I found the later character very annoying and altogether unsynpathetic. Sorry but I don't like to give bad reviews but this book just didn't work for me.
January 23, 2015
An interesting read... Strong female protagonists, although not always acting in a totally logical way...eg Hezba's return to Cairo at one stage. However authors have total control over their characters and need to drive the story! While I guessed a number of key points in the book long before they were revealed.
I enjoyed the twin stories and how they reflect similar paths, but many years apart. Of course we now again see a different cause for similarly disturbing upheaval in Egypt.
I did not feel that the atmosphere of Egypt was really evoked as much as this amazing country deserves... However an interesting story, with some decent writing at times. Worth having a look
I enjoyed the twin stories and how they reflect similar paths, but many years apart. Of course we now again see a different cause for similarly disturbing upheaval in Egypt.
I did not feel that the atmosphere of Egypt was really evoked as much as this amazing country deserves... However an interesting story, with some decent writing at times. Worth having a look
November 19, 2013
If half stars were possible, definitely a 3.5 or even 3.75ish. Loved the premise of parallel between young Egyptian widow in 1940 and the diary of a young Egyptian princess in 1920s. But wish the "modern" woman had possessed half the determination of what turns out to be her mother. While the widow eventually takes action, I was bored by her at the beginning of the book because she came off like Bella in the Twilight series. Weird comparison I know. But she was just so blaaaahhhhh for a while.
December 5, 2014
I am ashamed to say that I had this book on my shelf for a while and as happen other books found their way in front...but then I found it and started to read...I could not put it down. I found the plot fast, so much so that the pages turned and I did not want to stop reading, despite tiredness and sometimes work!! The characters were brilliantly written and you fell into their worlds with then.
Jo Chumas has created a book that I would happily go back and read again, I cannot wait to read more of this highly talented lady.
Jo Chumas has created a book that I would happily go back and read again, I cannot wait to read more of this highly talented lady.
January 11, 2014
I started reading this in November after having read an epic 1000+ page fantasy novel. I got about 25% through and stopped - I'm really pleased I gave it a break because in doing so and picking it up again later, I feel that I did the book more justice. In fact I think this was a really good book, well written with movement between the current day and the past, and then bringing it all together at the end.
January 8, 2014
Well-researched, well-written, with characters I cared about so much I had to occasionally put the book down and walk away because I was so worried about them. Good action, good emotional pick-up. I bought it because it's a rare book that's set in 20th century Egypt, but ended up delighted by the story, the people, and the setting. Great job, Ms. Chumas!
April 25, 2014
I enjoyed bits of this book, but I found the two plots in different eras a little distracting. The 1919 story was strong enough on its own to carry the novel. I didn't enjoy the daughters story much and found myself skipping through a lot of it because, as others have mentioned, it be some a little dry in parts.
March 17, 2017
I didn't really want to write a review, but I feel there are some triggers folks should be warned for. I gave it two stars because The Hidden is not my cup of tea, those who are into stories about spies and espionage may enjoy it more. I mainly want to point out that the book contains at least two brutal rape scenes and....MAJOR SPOILER....father/daughter incest that is never fully consummated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2014
Good read
this is a good book to read having illustrated the actual position of Egypt during the first half of nineties and their struggle for freedom. The author has narrated the sequence in a very simple language.
this is a good book to read having illustrated the actual position of Egypt during the first half of nineties and their struggle for freedom. The author has narrated the sequence in a very simple language.
havent-finished
November 28, 2013Received free from Goodreads First Reads. Review to come.
October 8, 2015
Liked this book very much. History, Mystery, Romance, all of the above.
Can't wait for the next book from this very talented writer.
Can't wait for the next book from this very talented writer.
October 22, 2013
I enjoyed it. It has great settings and the research is impeccable.
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