Diary of the Boy King, Tut-Ankh-Amen

by June Reig

A fictionalized diary kept by Tutankhamen during his ninth year, the year he became King of Egypt, about 1334 B.C.

Library Binding

First published December 1, 1978

Reviews

[Dichotomy Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book randomly popped into my head today as it was the first "non-fiction" book that I loved as a child (it is actually fiction, but in my innocence, I considered it "true"). I didn't think I would be able to find it, as the only thing I remembered was the subject matter and that it was in diary form. Lucky for me everything I knew happened to be in the title.

My 5 star rating is definitely based on what 10 year old me thought.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been interested in Tutankhamen and more broadly the 18th dynasty since my senior year of high school. So when I saw this 1978 historical novel, Diary of the Boy King Tutankhamen by June Reig, I had to read it.

Diary of the Boy King... covers roughly a year, starting just before the coronation and through the first few months of Tutankhamen's reign. Reig's entries include common every day events along with historically significant moments. Some of the entries have little drawings to illustrate some of the items found in Tutankhamen's tomb. The diary helps to put these pieces of treasure into a more human context.

From the dozen or so historical fictions I've read where Tutankhamen is a character, Reig's depiction is the most genuine. She manages to walk the line between little boy and powerful monarch.

The book ends as it must with a brief note from Ankhenesamen mourning her husband's early death and wondering about her future and the kingdom's future. I knew the ending was coming but it still left me feeling a little sad.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in a box of books from my grandparents' house when I was young. I thought it was a fascinating (though fictional) look at what Tut's life might have been like. Helped fuel my Egypt obsession phase.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this when I was a kid. there was a melancholy about it. just really well written.