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El maestro de Keops
Spanish
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2011
18 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Albert Salvadó
35 books15 followersAlbert Salvadó i Miras (Andorra la Vella, 1 de febrer de 1951 - 3 de desembre de 2020). Fou un escriptor andorrà en llengua catalana i castellana.
Fou enginyer industrial i escriptor. Va escriure contes infantils, assaigs i novel·les. Destaquen especialment les seves novel·les històriques, en les que barreja la realitat, la ficció i el misteri, tot envoltant-los de sentiments que, segons ell, són el gran motor de la nostra vida.[1] Té obres publicades en català, castellà, anglès, francès, portuguès (Portugal i Brasil), txec, eslovac i grec modern.
Durant el període 2003 -2007 fou conseller menor del Comú d'Andorra la Vella.
Va morir el 3 de desembre del 2020 a causa d'un càncer que patia des de feia anys, malaltia a la que va dedicar un llibre explicant les seves vivències titulat Vols viure?.
Fou enginyer industrial i escriptor. Va escriure contes infantils, assaigs i novel·les. Destaquen especialment les seves novel·les històriques, en les que barreja la realitat, la ficció i el misteri, tot envoltant-los de sentiments que, segons ell, són el gran motor de la nostra vida.[1] Té obres publicades en català, castellà, anglès, francès, portuguès (Portugal i Brasil), txec, eslovac i grec modern.
Durant el període 2003 -2007 fou conseller menor del Comú d'Andorra la Vella.
Va morir el 3 de desembre del 2020 a causa d'un càncer que patia des de feia anys, malaltia a la que va dedicar un llibre explicant les seves vivències titulat Vols viure?.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 21, 2019
Andorra. What do you think when you hear the country's name? I don't know about you, but my mind's a blank. So here are some interesting facts:
- Andorra has the highest life expectancy in the world.
- The country has a confusing political system with the President of France and the Bishop of Spain holding top positions.
- It's a tax haven.
- Andorra is not a member of the EU but is treated like a member when it comes to trade in some sectors. (You loser, Britain!)
With such benefits, you would expect the damn place to have produced some fine literature. I haven't been able to find anything that has been translated into English except The Teacher of Cheops, which is by an Andorran author but is not even set in the country. I have not been able to find anything in non-fiction either about Andorra. Truly puzzling!
But Albert Salvadó is not a good representative of the country. The story is set in Ancient Egypt, in the reign of Snefru of the Fourth Dynasty. The narrative follows the exploits of Sedum, a slave, who gains his freedom and then goes on to become the Pharaoh's treasurer. Sedum battles wits with Ramosis, the head priest of Ra, and palace intrigue reigns. Thrown in is a lot of sexism in the form of "women who meddle in what is not their concern" and "old men coveting young girls who are out to destroy the kingdom" *eyeroll*
The story and the setting had possibilities, but the author was unable to bring anything to life. The characters were flat, the narrative was tediously boring, and even Ancient Egypt was unable to do anything to salvage this book. When you only continue to read because there really isn't another book available by an Andorran author and you want to write your damn review, it spells a big fail for the book.
The research appears to be decent, but the narrative still didn't give me a sense of the period. I was also puzzled why Cheops (Egyptian name: Khufu) was alone called by his Greek name throughout the book, while everyone else was referred to by their old Egyptian names. It was very odd and annoying. There were interesting points that could have been elaborated, but instead Salvadó chose to simply go with the age-old trope of wicked females out to get the poor old rich powerful men. This theme should just be murdered with an axe and buried at sea now.
Do let me know if there is another book in English (I'll settle for French too) by an Andorran author. Or even just a NF book about the country. I'd be grateful!
- Andorra has the highest life expectancy in the world.
- The country has a confusing political system with the President of France and the Bishop of Spain holding top positions.
- It's a tax haven.
- Andorra is not a member of the EU but is treated like a member when it comes to trade in some sectors. (You loser, Britain!)
With such benefits, you would expect the damn place to have produced some fine literature. I haven't been able to find anything that has been translated into English except The Teacher of Cheops, which is by an Andorran author but is not even set in the country. I have not been able to find anything in non-fiction either about Andorra. Truly puzzling!
But Albert Salvadó is not a good representative of the country. The story is set in Ancient Egypt, in the reign of Snefru of the Fourth Dynasty. The narrative follows the exploits of Sedum, a slave, who gains his freedom and then goes on to become the Pharaoh's treasurer. Sedum battles wits with Ramosis, the head priest of Ra, and palace intrigue reigns. Thrown in is a lot of sexism in the form of "women who meddle in what is not their concern" and "old men coveting young girls who are out to destroy the kingdom" *eyeroll*
The story and the setting had possibilities, but the author was unable to bring anything to life. The characters were flat, the narrative was tediously boring, and even Ancient Egypt was unable to do anything to salvage this book. When you only continue to read because there really isn't another book available by an Andorran author and you want to write your damn review, it spells a big fail for the book.
The research appears to be decent, but the narrative still didn't give me a sense of the period. I was also puzzled why Cheops (Egyptian name: Khufu) was alone called by his Greek name throughout the book, while everyone else was referred to by their old Egyptian names. It was very odd and annoying. There were interesting points that could have been elaborated, but instead Salvadó chose to simply go with the age-old trope of wicked females out to get the poor old rich powerful men. This theme should just be murdered with an axe and buried at sea now.
Do let me know if there is another book in English (I'll settle for French too) by an Andorran author. Or even just a NF book about the country. I'd be grateful!
June 14, 2016
The early part of the book read like a non-fictional account of Egypt 26ooBC. Then there was a bizarre sex scene (there were a few others in the book) and the character of Natia is introduced. Natia is a slave and in this one encounter gives birth to Sedum. Sedum somehow learns to read, write and become an expert in accountancy. He soon becomes the tutor of the Pharaohs sons - Kannefer and Cheops. There is the usual intrigue in this type of novel, this time the high priest plots to enshrine the power of his religion over the Pharaoh. But the writing is unemotional, there is little tension built and it is more of a historical reenactment that also discusses the Seven Hermetic Principles (cos Sedum escapes from Egypt and lives the rest of his life as Hermes Trismegistus).
September 23, 2019
Libro cortito que se lee muy rápido.
Una historieta entretenida de leer, que sin embargo me ha aportado muy poco.
El más flojo del club de novela histórica.
No ha terminado de convencerme, para el potencial que pudiera haber tenido el tema.
Valoración: 5/10
Lectura: Septiembre 2019
Como no permite la opción de 2,5, lo dejo en 2. No es que sea un mal libro, simplemente es un libro que no voy a recomendar para conocer esta cultura.
Una historieta entretenida de leer, que sin embargo me ha aportado muy poco.
El más flojo del club de novela histórica.
No ha terminado de convencerme, para el potencial que pudiera haber tenido el tema.
Valoración: 5/10
Lectura: Septiembre 2019
Como no permite la opción de 2,5, lo dejo en 2. No es que sea un mal libro, simplemente es un libro que no voy a recomendar para conocer esta cultura.
August 30, 2025
The Teacher of Cheops by Albert Salvadó isn't bad, but I wonder if something just got lost in the translation to English. I normally like stories set in Ancient Egypt, but this one wasn't worth it for me. I definitely wouldn't have bothered with this one if it wasn't for the Read Around the World Challenge.
May 9, 2013
Albert Salvadó is an Andorran novelist; The Teacher of Cheops is the only one of his books to be translated into English, and it is, unsurprisingly, my book from Andorra for the Read The World challenge.
It is, as the title suggests, a historical novel set in ancient Egypt. It tells the story of a slave, Sedum, who gains his freedom and rises through the 4th Dynasty equivalent of the Civil Service; along the way he is tutor to the young Pharaoh-to-be, Cheops.
It was OK. I can’t get very excited about it, but apart from a rather self-indulgent plot twist at the end, it was fairly inoffensive.
It is, as the title suggests, a historical novel set in ancient Egypt. It tells the story of a slave, Sedum, who gains his freedom and rises through the 4th Dynasty equivalent of the Civil Service; along the way he is tutor to the young Pharaoh-to-be, Cheops.
It was OK. I can’t get very excited about it, but apart from a rather self-indulgent plot twist at the end, it was fairly inoffensive.
November 14, 2025
Definitely a book I only read for the country challenge. 100% plot, slightly grew on me more at the end.
Andorra
Andorra
April 24, 2022
Andorra. This book took me some time to finish. It feels a bit sad that the only Andorran book translated to English is a book where the story takes place in ancient Egypt. I would have liked to know something about Andorra. I enjoyed parts of this story, but as a whole the story is only okay. I give it 2.5 stars.
Next up - Angola!
Next up - Angola!
Read
January 11, 2018Read The World: Andorra.
Not going to finish this but read about 30%. It's weird reading a book picked to represent Andorra that's about Egypt 4500 years ago.
Not going to finish this but read about 30%. It's weird reading a book picked to represent Andorra that's about Egypt 4500 years ago.
August 12, 2023
Read Around the World: Andorra
August 23, 2025
Una historia interesante. Un libro rápido de leer, que va al grano. A gusto de quienes prefieren descripciones sencillas. El final muestra que no siempre lo que el autor muestra es lo que realmente sucede tras bambalinas. Hace un buen uso de este elemento. El final me ha gustado bastante.
September 6, 2025
Um! Well that was something
October 21, 2025
Read Around the World: Andorra
This one made me question my completionist approach to the challenge already.
This one made me question my completionist approach to the challenge already.
October 20, 2020
La primera impresión no es muy positiva, en el árbol genealógico encuentro un error tipográfico “cadaso” en lugar de “casado”, empiezo la lectura y sorpresa, me encuentro un “regreseba” en lugar de “regresaba” ...el corrector de la edición no estaba muy fino.
🖋 Obra corta, 256 páginas, de fácil lectura, que nos narra con un lenguaje sencillo algunos hechos acaecidos durante el reinado de Snefrú primer faraón de la IV dinastía del 2613 al 2585 AC. La historia no me ha acabado de llenar, está llena de clichés: malos muy malos, y buenos muy buenos, esclavo que consigue llegar a lo más alto, ...Por la reseña me esperaba más información sobre Keops y la construcción de la pirámide y más de una obra que recibió el premio Nestor Lujan.
🖋 Sedem hijo de esclavos, y nacido esclavo pero que ha aprendido a leer y escribir, es contable del noble Jeti, nomarca de la región de Elefantina cuando esta es atacada por los nubios. Toda la familia muere en el ataque, pero él sobrevive encerrado en el templo, donde lo encuentra el sumosacerdote de Ra, Ramosi, que acompaña al general Snefrú, yerno del faraón Huni.
🖋 Sedem convence a Ramosi de que es el contable de Jeti, siervo, pero no esclavo y se lo levan a Men-Nefer y empieza a trabajar como contable para Snefrú donde descubre que sus superiores se están haciendo ricos a costa del faraón.
🖋 A la muerte de Huni, no hay un successor declarado, pero Ramosi conspira con el visir y el consejo y consigue que Snefrú sea declarado faraón, a cambio de algunas prebendas.
🖋 Con el tiempo el faraón es nombrado por primera vez Hijo de Sol, y Ra pasa a ser el culto predilecto de Egipto, por lo que los sacerdotes de Ra incrementan su poder y riquezas. En esta época se producen dos campañas militares, una contra Snaí y otra contra Nubia, que el ejército de Egipto gana con facilidad. Nace Keops, tres años menor que Kannefer, el primer hijo de Snefrú.
🖋 Sedem es enviado a Jemenu para administrar los cultivos, el ganado y las casa que Snefrú poseía en esa ciudad, allí traba relación con Sebejhotep, sabio y sacerdote de Toth, patrón de médicos y escribas, que lo acoge como discípulo.
Pasado un tiempo es llamado por Heteferes, la mujer del faraón, para encargarle que sea el preceptor de Kannefer y de Keops.
🖋 Ramosi es nombrado visir a la muerte del viejo visir, y pasa a ser el personaje más poderoso después del faraón, que se dedica en cuerpo y alma a la construcción de su templo funerario dejando los asuntos de estado en manos de su visir. Cuando se descubre que los tesoreros del faraón se están haciendo ricos engañándole, este los sentencia a muerte y pone en su lugar a Sedem, que deja el cargo de preceptor de los hijos del faraón.
🖋 Snefrú se está haciendo mayor, sufre una enfermedad misteriosa de la que casi muere, se rumorea que Kannefer le ha envenenado. Aunque nadie lo acusa, el se retira y Snefrú nombra heredero a Keops. Al final se descubre que Seshat, la segunda esposa de Snefú y amante de Kannefer lo ha orquestado todo, sin el conocimiento de Kannefer.
🖋 Sebejhotep se esta haciendo demasiado popular, Ramosi ordena su muerte, intentando inculpar a Sedem. Muere Snefrú y Keops pasa a ocupar su lugar, nombrando a su hermano Kannefer visir y gran sacerdote de Ra.
🖋 Obra corta, 256 páginas, de fácil lectura, que nos narra con un lenguaje sencillo algunos hechos acaecidos durante el reinado de Snefrú primer faraón de la IV dinastía del 2613 al 2585 AC. La historia no me ha acabado de llenar, está llena de clichés: malos muy malos, y buenos muy buenos, esclavo que consigue llegar a lo más alto, ...Por la reseña me esperaba más información sobre Keops y la construcción de la pirámide y más de una obra que recibió el premio Nestor Lujan.
🖋 Sedem hijo de esclavos, y nacido esclavo pero que ha aprendido a leer y escribir, es contable del noble Jeti, nomarca de la región de Elefantina cuando esta es atacada por los nubios. Toda la familia muere en el ataque, pero él sobrevive encerrado en el templo, donde lo encuentra el sumosacerdote de Ra, Ramosi, que acompaña al general Snefrú, yerno del faraón Huni.
🖋 Sedem convence a Ramosi de que es el contable de Jeti, siervo, pero no esclavo y se lo levan a Men-Nefer y empieza a trabajar como contable para Snefrú donde descubre que sus superiores se están haciendo ricos a costa del faraón.
🖋 A la muerte de Huni, no hay un successor declarado, pero Ramosi conspira con el visir y el consejo y consigue que Snefrú sea declarado faraón, a cambio de algunas prebendas.
🖋 Con el tiempo el faraón es nombrado por primera vez Hijo de Sol, y Ra pasa a ser el culto predilecto de Egipto, por lo que los sacerdotes de Ra incrementan su poder y riquezas. En esta época se producen dos campañas militares, una contra Snaí y otra contra Nubia, que el ejército de Egipto gana con facilidad. Nace Keops, tres años menor que Kannefer, el primer hijo de Snefrú.
🖋 Sedem es enviado a Jemenu para administrar los cultivos, el ganado y las casa que Snefrú poseía en esa ciudad, allí traba relación con Sebejhotep, sabio y sacerdote de Toth, patrón de médicos y escribas, que lo acoge como discípulo.
Pasado un tiempo es llamado por Heteferes, la mujer del faraón, para encargarle que sea el preceptor de Kannefer y de Keops.
🖋 Ramosi es nombrado visir a la muerte del viejo visir, y pasa a ser el personaje más poderoso después del faraón, que se dedica en cuerpo y alma a la construcción de su templo funerario dejando los asuntos de estado en manos de su visir. Cuando se descubre que los tesoreros del faraón se están haciendo ricos engañándole, este los sentencia a muerte y pone en su lugar a Sedem, que deja el cargo de preceptor de los hijos del faraón.
🖋 Snefrú se está haciendo mayor, sufre una enfermedad misteriosa de la que casi muere, se rumorea que Kannefer le ha envenenado. Aunque nadie lo acusa, el se retira y Snefrú nombra heredero a Keops. Al final se descubre que Seshat, la segunda esposa de Snefú y amante de Kannefer lo ha orquestado todo, sin el conocimiento de Kannefer.
🖋 Sebejhotep se esta haciendo demasiado popular, Ramosi ordena su muerte, intentando inculpar a Sedem. Muere Snefrú y Keops pasa a ocupar su lugar, nombrando a su hermano Kannefer visir y gran sacerdote de Ra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
Albert Salvadó foi o único autor de Andorra que encontrei traduzido para o projecto "World Book Tour" e foi portanto a minha escolha para o mês de Maio.
Das várias escolhas disponíveis, optei por ler um livro ligeiro e pequenino, até porque foi um mês de mudanças a nível pessoal, e com pouco tempo para enveredar em leituras mais complicadas.
A expectativa cumpriu-se e o autor manteve um estilo ligeiro e corriqueiro numa história contada em jeito de conto e com bastante fluidez assim como rapidez narrativa. A sensação geral coincidiu mesmo com essa nuance, e não pude deixar de ler esta história com um enredo com um estilo narrativo semelhante ao aplicado quando contamos histórias a crianças. Ao longo das páginas vamos acompanhando a vida de Sedum, desde o seu nascimento até à sua morte, com vários saltos temporais e pouca profundidade e envolvimento emocional. Este personagem passará por várias etapas e desafios na sua vida, mediante o contacto que estabelece com diversas pessoas, algumas representando obstáculos à sua sobrevivência pacifica e bem intencionada, tão por si almejada. É uma típica história de triunfo da inteligência e bondade sobre a astúcia e ganância, com uma passagem de moral mais ou menos intencionada e transmitida tal e qual num cenário de fábula, com um herói sofredor e vitimizado pelo acaso, cuja sorte varia consoante as pessoas com que se cruza.
Naturalmente, passando-se no Antigo Egipto, não deixamos de ter contextualização social e comportamental que facilita a compreensão da realidade das personagens e o seguimento das suas histórias. Ainda assim, passam quase que despercebidas, de tal forma que retirando pequenos elementos, esta mesma história quase que poderia ter-se passado em qualquer contexto histórico.
Não será certamente um livro que me ficará na memória, mas não posso deixar de dizer que me diverti a lê-lo, nem que seja como elemento de descompressão (especialmente porque o comecei e terminei numa tarde em que estava extremamente cansada e a necessitar de desligar o cérebro da realidade por umas horas).
Sobre o autor: "Albert Salvadó (Andorra-a-Velha, 1 de fevereiro de 1951) é um escritor andorrano. Estudou engenharia industrial e escreveu contos infantis, ensaios e novelas.
Destaque para suas novelas históricas, onde mistura realidade, ficção e mistério. Suas obras foram publicadas em vários idiomas (catalão, castelhano, francês, português, grego, tcheco e outros) e ganhou numerosos prêmios. Entre eles: Prêmio Carlemany, Prêmio Fiter i Rossel do Círculo das Artes e das Letras, duas vezes o Prêmio Néstor Luján de novela histórica.", in Wikipedia - Cláudia
Das várias escolhas disponíveis, optei por ler um livro ligeiro e pequenino, até porque foi um mês de mudanças a nível pessoal, e com pouco tempo para enveredar em leituras mais complicadas.
A expectativa cumpriu-se e o autor manteve um estilo ligeiro e corriqueiro numa história contada em jeito de conto e com bastante fluidez assim como rapidez narrativa. A sensação geral coincidiu mesmo com essa nuance, e não pude deixar de ler esta história com um enredo com um estilo narrativo semelhante ao aplicado quando contamos histórias a crianças. Ao longo das páginas vamos acompanhando a vida de Sedum, desde o seu nascimento até à sua morte, com vários saltos temporais e pouca profundidade e envolvimento emocional. Este personagem passará por várias etapas e desafios na sua vida, mediante o contacto que estabelece com diversas pessoas, algumas representando obstáculos à sua sobrevivência pacifica e bem intencionada, tão por si almejada. É uma típica história de triunfo da inteligência e bondade sobre a astúcia e ganância, com uma passagem de moral mais ou menos intencionada e transmitida tal e qual num cenário de fábula, com um herói sofredor e vitimizado pelo acaso, cuja sorte varia consoante as pessoas com que se cruza.
Naturalmente, passando-se no Antigo Egipto, não deixamos de ter contextualização social e comportamental que facilita a compreensão da realidade das personagens e o seguimento das suas histórias. Ainda assim, passam quase que despercebidas, de tal forma que retirando pequenos elementos, esta mesma história quase que poderia ter-se passado em qualquer contexto histórico.
Não será certamente um livro que me ficará na memória, mas não posso deixar de dizer que me diverti a lê-lo, nem que seja como elemento de descompressão (especialmente porque o comecei e terminei numa tarde em que estava extremamente cansada e a necessitar de desligar o cérebro da realidade por umas horas).
Sobre o autor: "Albert Salvadó (Andorra-a-Velha, 1 de fevereiro de 1951) é um escritor andorrano. Estudou engenharia industrial e escreveu contos infantis, ensaios e novelas.
Destaque para suas novelas históricas, onde mistura realidade, ficção e mistério. Suas obras foram publicadas em vários idiomas (catalão, castelhano, francês, português, grego, tcheco e outros) e ganhou numerosos prêmios. Entre eles: Prêmio Carlemany, Prêmio Fiter i Rossel do Círculo das Artes e das Letras, duas vezes o Prêmio Néstor Luján de novela histórica.", in Wikipedia - Cláudia
May 2, 2018
Dull and pedestrian despite the ancient Egyptian setting.
Sedum was born nine months after his slave mother, Natia, was raped by another slave. Natia ends up nursing both her baby Sedum and the son of an Egyptian nobleman, Jeti, who had bought her. Jeti's son, Jian, was born on the same night as Sedum. Jeti's wife died in childbirth.
Jian is tutored to read and write and do math as he grows up. Inadvertently, Sedum learns literacy too since he sits nearby in the same room ready to serve Jian.
Sedum promised Natia that he would free himself if he ever saw a way to do so. Sedum gets his opportunity after he survives a Nubian attack on the city of Aswan which results in a massacre of Jeti's entire family and all of the other servants. Ramosi, a senior Egyptian priest, comes too late with an army to rescue Jeti and his household, but he takes Sedum with him back to Men-Nefer, where the Pharouh Huni lives. Sedum lies to Ramosi, claiming he was Jeti's accountant, which he proves by demonstrating his literacy and the education he accidentally picked up by being Jian's slave.
As the years pass, Sedum slowly gains prestige, wealth, a house and a wife, while adeptly surviving the different Pharouhs who comprise the Egyptian era known as the Fourth Dynasty (2613 to 2494 BC), a golden age of the Old Kingdom, and one of the dynasties described as the Age of the Pyramids.
This historical novel about a slave who becomes an accountant is incredibly lifeless. Frankly, I cannot understand why this book won any kind of award. The writing is leaden. The action is dampened and lackluster, which is amazing considering all of the multiple scenes of murder, torture and palace intrigue which goes on in the plot. There are sex scenes here and there which are strikingly lively compared to the rest of the novel, quite perky, if I may say so myself. However, no, I did not like this book.
Edit:
Rossdavidh commented below my review wondering if the dull writing could be due to that this novel is an English translation from the original Catalan (the author is from Andorra) and I believe that is entirely possible.
Sedum was born nine months after his slave mother, Natia, was raped by another slave. Natia ends up nursing both her baby Sedum and the son of an Egyptian nobleman, Jeti, who had bought her. Jeti's son, Jian, was born on the same night as Sedum. Jeti's wife died in childbirth.
Jian is tutored to read and write and do math as he grows up. Inadvertently, Sedum learns literacy too since he sits nearby in the same room ready to serve Jian.
Sedum promised Natia that he would free himself if he ever saw a way to do so. Sedum gets his opportunity after he survives a Nubian attack on the city of Aswan which results in a massacre of Jeti's entire family and all of the other servants. Ramosi, a senior Egyptian priest, comes too late with an army to rescue Jeti and his household, but he takes Sedum with him back to Men-Nefer, where the Pharouh Huni lives. Sedum lies to Ramosi, claiming he was Jeti's accountant, which he proves by demonstrating his literacy and the education he accidentally picked up by being Jian's slave.
As the years pass, Sedum slowly gains prestige, wealth, a house and a wife, while adeptly surviving the different Pharouhs who comprise the Egyptian era known as the Fourth Dynasty (2613 to 2494 BC), a golden age of the Old Kingdom, and one of the dynasties described as the Age of the Pyramids.
This historical novel about a slave who becomes an accountant is incredibly lifeless. Frankly, I cannot understand why this book won any kind of award. The writing is leaden. The action is dampened and lackluster, which is amazing considering all of the multiple scenes of murder, torture and palace intrigue which goes on in the plot. There are sex scenes here and there which are strikingly lively compared to the rest of the novel, quite perky, if I may say so myself. However, no, I did not like this book.
Edit:
Rossdavidh commented below my review wondering if the dull writing could be due to that this novel is an English translation from the original Catalan (the author is from Andorra) and I believe that is entirely possible.
April 8, 2025
Reading the World Challenge: Andorra 🇦🇩
"A fool follows the path marked out unquestioningly. A prudent man reads carefully. And a wise man writes. He who can write is free." - Albert Salvado, The Teacher of Cheops
Finding authors from Andorra with books translated into English served to be a difficult task. Within my Reading the World Challenge, I have a goal of finding books translated into English from the country's native language. Did you know the primary language of Andorra is Catalan? I always thought that was just a language for a small part or Barcelona, Spain. I knew this challenge would educate me in many ways, so I was pleasantly surprised. Anyway, let's get into THIS book.
This book was surprisingly erotic lol. It's interesting because I've never watched Game of Thrones, but it gave me GOT vibes. This novel is set in Egypt during the construction of the Great Pyramids and follows a slave stealthily taking advantage of situations to become a free citizen. Infidelity, infertility, morality, knowledge, and death are all themes explored by the author. An overarching topic is the idea that with power comes jealousy and corruption, leading to the murder of multiple characters in which I audibly gasped reading about.
All throughout, there is an underlying tone of teachable moments that are not only transferable to the characters within the story, but to readers across the world. In fact, in the epilogue, the author inserts the "7 Magic Principles of Knowledge", central to the Hermetic philosophy. These serve as flashbacks to the reader to further understand the events presented in the book. Overall, it's not what I expected out of this book, but I'm certainly pleased.
Next stop: Angola 🇦🇴
"A fool follows the path marked out unquestioningly. A prudent man reads carefully. And a wise man writes. He who can write is free." - Albert Salvado, The Teacher of Cheops
Finding authors from Andorra with books translated into English served to be a difficult task. Within my Reading the World Challenge, I have a goal of finding books translated into English from the country's native language. Did you know the primary language of Andorra is Catalan? I always thought that was just a language for a small part or Barcelona, Spain. I knew this challenge would educate me in many ways, so I was pleasantly surprised. Anyway, let's get into THIS book.
This book was surprisingly erotic lol. It's interesting because I've never watched Game of Thrones, but it gave me GOT vibes. This novel is set in Egypt during the construction of the Great Pyramids and follows a slave stealthily taking advantage of situations to become a free citizen. Infidelity, infertility, morality, knowledge, and death are all themes explored by the author. An overarching topic is the idea that with power comes jealousy and corruption, leading to the murder of multiple characters in which I audibly gasped reading about.
All throughout, there is an underlying tone of teachable moments that are not only transferable to the characters within the story, but to readers across the world. In fact, in the epilogue, the author inserts the "7 Magic Principles of Knowledge", central to the Hermetic philosophy. These serve as flashbacks to the reader to further understand the events presented in the book. Overall, it's not what I expected out of this book, but I'm certainly pleased.
Next stop: Angola 🇦🇴
February 20, 2024
Andorra // La elección de este libro fue simplemente por el vago contexto que me podría otorgar su titulo, así de cierta forma podía anticipar en donde se iba a desarrollar una historia de un autor que desconocía en su totalidad. Si bien Andorra cuenta con una tradición literaria no tan extensa en lo que respecta a la actualidad, las tradiciones orales forman los cimientos de la literatura de este país.
El maestro de Keops, es un libro de un autor que se repetía en varias listas que consulté acerca de escritores de este país. Retrata el ascenso de Sedum, el protagonista de la historia quien vive las miserias de la esclavitud hasta consolidarse a través de la trama muy cerca del poder de la sociedad del Antiguo Egipto. Es un libro de lectura muy rápida, sin tanto detalle minucioso, con una historia netamente lineal. Varios personajes van refrescando la historia contada, el caso de Sebekhotep, quien es el encargado de cambiar la forma de pensar de Sedum, entregándole un giro a la obra. Por otro lado Ramosí, es el antagonista, quien retrata todas las bajezas de la avaricia pero que logra disfrazarlas en su inteligencia letal. Creo que este es el tridente principal de la obra quienes con su inteligencia resuelven asuntos y/o ponen en aprietos a otros personajes.
Nota: Otro asunto destacable es la narración poética de los encuentros sexuales, adoro que no hayan sido descripciones literales y que se hayan encargado de enriquecer el lenguaje de un acto tan simple como el del amor y/o el placer.
El maestro de Keops, es un libro de un autor que se repetía en varias listas que consulté acerca de escritores de este país. Retrata el ascenso de Sedum, el protagonista de la historia quien vive las miserias de la esclavitud hasta consolidarse a través de la trama muy cerca del poder de la sociedad del Antiguo Egipto. Es un libro de lectura muy rápida, sin tanto detalle minucioso, con una historia netamente lineal. Varios personajes van refrescando la historia contada, el caso de Sebekhotep, quien es el encargado de cambiar la forma de pensar de Sedum, entregándole un giro a la obra. Por otro lado Ramosí, es el antagonista, quien retrata todas las bajezas de la avaricia pero que logra disfrazarlas en su inteligencia letal. Creo que este es el tridente principal de la obra quienes con su inteligencia resuelven asuntos y/o ponen en aprietos a otros personajes.
Nota: Otro asunto destacable es la narración poética de los encuentros sexuales, adoro que no hayan sido descripciones literales y que se hayan encargado de enriquecer el lenguaje de un acto tan simple como el del amor y/o el placer.
April 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️
This one was… interesting. My biggest struggle for Andorra was lack of Authors that had English translations to their book. So while I would’ve loved to read a story by an Andorran author set in Andorra, all I really had to chose from was Albert Salvadó who’s niche is Historical Fiction.
This one is set in Ancient Egypt and begins with the conception of the main character.
Literally.
You meet Natia a slave from Mesopotamia who was severely disfigured and more or less allowed herself to be assaulted because she ‘wouldn’t be touched by a man any other way so why not.’ Is the tone at least.
The book then follows the life of Sedum, a man born into slavery and finds his way to freedom after tragic events unfold. However, he is indebted to a high priest l, so his freedom isn’t exactly free.
As the name suggests he tutors the Pharoah Snefru’s sons Kannefer and Cheops, but I was expecting a bit more than a couple of pages depicting this. The focus was more on the drama of building pyramids, and the Pharaoh’s temper tantrums and other goings on behind palace walls.
I could see it being a mini series for the History Channel, the drama between high priests and accountants is what kept me reading if I’m being honest.
The writing might have been better in Catalan, the English translation was a bit lackluster making the spicy scenes more comical than anything.
It was a decent read, and Inwould recommend as a book to tick Andorra off your list. Otherwise, probably won’t revisit.
2/5
This one was… interesting. My biggest struggle for Andorra was lack of Authors that had English translations to their book. So while I would’ve loved to read a story by an Andorran author set in Andorra, all I really had to chose from was Albert Salvadó who’s niche is Historical Fiction.
This one is set in Ancient Egypt and begins with the conception of the main character.
Literally.
You meet Natia a slave from Mesopotamia who was severely disfigured and more or less allowed herself to be assaulted because she ‘wouldn’t be touched by a man any other way so why not.’ Is the tone at least.
The book then follows the life of Sedum, a man born into slavery and finds his way to freedom after tragic events unfold. However, he is indebted to a high priest l, so his freedom isn’t exactly free.
As the name suggests he tutors the Pharoah Snefru’s sons Kannefer and Cheops, but I was expecting a bit more than a couple of pages depicting this. The focus was more on the drama of building pyramids, and the Pharaoh’s temper tantrums and other goings on behind palace walls.
I could see it being a mini series for the History Channel, the drama between high priests and accountants is what kept me reading if I’m being honest.
The writing might have been better in Catalan, the English translation was a bit lackluster making the spicy scenes more comical than anything.
It was a decent read, and Inwould recommend as a book to tick Andorra off your list. Otherwise, probably won’t revisit.
2/5
July 21, 2025
The small nation of Andorra is nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. This tiny European state boasts one of the most unusual and rare political systems in the world. Andorra is governed not by a single head of state, but by two—each representing a different country. These leaders are known as the Co-Princes of Andorra. One is the President of France, a secular political figure; the other is the Catholic Bishop of Urgell, a region in Catalonia, Spain. Thus, the principality is symbolically ruled by both a secular head of state and a religious leader—residing in separate countries—due to historical arrangements that have endured through time.
Naturally, such a unique country piques one’s curiosity about its literature. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any digital editions of Andorran literary works. Only a single book surfaced on Amazon: The Teacher of Cheops by Albert Salvadó. Ironically, the novel is not set in Andorra, but in ancient Egypt.
The Teacher of Cheops recounts the story of Sedam, a slave who rises to become the teacher and advisor of Pharaoh Cheops. Set against a backdrop of knowledge, political intrigue, and conspiracy, the novel explores how an ordinary man can wield extraordinary influence. While the premise is compelling, the narrative is slow-paced, and the emotional detachment of its characters, along with a lackluster descriptive style, made it a rather underwhelming read for me.
Naturally, such a unique country piques one’s curiosity about its literature. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any digital editions of Andorran literary works. Only a single book surfaced on Amazon: The Teacher of Cheops by Albert Salvadó. Ironically, the novel is not set in Andorra, but in ancient Egypt.
The Teacher of Cheops recounts the story of Sedam, a slave who rises to become the teacher and advisor of Pharaoh Cheops. Set against a backdrop of knowledge, political intrigue, and conspiracy, the novel explores how an ordinary man can wield extraordinary influence. While the premise is compelling, the narrative is slow-paced, and the emotional detachment of its characters, along with a lackluster descriptive style, made it a rather underwhelming read for me.
February 11, 2023
This book was chosen for my reading the world challenge as the entry for Andorra. I learned of it through the reading the world blog. Finding books from the very small country of Andorra, let alone one written in the native language and translated to English was not an easy task for the blog writer, and again we can be thankful for e-readers and the doors they open.
The book is a fictional account from ancient Egypt. We follow the life of a young slave, Sedum, who through a stroke of luck uses his honour and wisdom to eventually live a life of freedom.
I am not well versed in Egyptian history which meant that I would not know in this book which parts are historical and which are fictional. That said, it was an interesting read and after a slow start for me the story gained my attention and I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The writing was a style I like, and the translation seemed to be very well done as the words in English flowed nicely.
The lower rating is only a personal reflection in my lack of interest in pharoahs, slaves, and ancient Egypt. The writing, however, would have garnered a 4 star from me.
Note to others reading the world - the author is from Andorra, but no part of the story takes part there.
The book is a fictional account from ancient Egypt. We follow the life of a young slave, Sedum, who through a stroke of luck uses his honour and wisdom to eventually live a life of freedom.
I am not well versed in Egyptian history which meant that I would not know in this book which parts are historical and which are fictional. That said, it was an interesting read and after a slow start for me the story gained my attention and I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The writing was a style I like, and the translation seemed to be very well done as the words in English flowed nicely.
The lower rating is only a personal reflection in my lack of interest in pharoahs, slaves, and ancient Egypt. The writing, however, would have garnered a 4 star from me.
Note to others reading the world - the author is from Andorra, but no part of the story takes part there.
May 26, 2025
Read for my read around the world challenge: Andorra. Unfortunately, of the 135 countries I've read so far, this is the worst.
The writing style resembles that of children's literature; however, the subject matter is wholly unsuitable for a children's book. Maybe that's the translation, but the structure was also very basic, the characters one-dimensional and the language simplistic.
The final denoument is so garbled, it needs the epilogue to explain what actually happened. To be honest, it wasn't really necessary because I'd worked out who the villain was as soon as he was introduced and by that point I didn't care if all the characters had jumped in the Nile and drowned.
I found the 2012 publication date surprising, given the work's misogyny, racial stereotyping, and homophobia. The treatment of rape is especially dated: she appreciated it because she had facial scarring and no one else would want her? No! It reads like something written in the 1970s.
I leave you with this quote as an example of how bad this book is:
"She knew how to treat Pharaoh, who was at that dangerous age when men become vulnerable and the desire to stay ever young makes them search for youth in the person lying beside them." 🤮
Surely Andorra has produced better than this.
The writing style resembles that of children's literature; however, the subject matter is wholly unsuitable for a children's book. Maybe that's the translation, but the structure was also very basic, the characters one-dimensional and the language simplistic.
The final denoument is so garbled, it needs the epilogue to explain what actually happened. To be honest, it wasn't really necessary because I'd worked out who the villain was as soon as he was introduced and by that point I didn't care if all the characters had jumped in the Nile and drowned.
I found the 2012 publication date surprising, given the work's misogyny, racial stereotyping, and homophobia. The treatment of rape is especially dated: she appreciated it because she had facial scarring and no one else would want her? No! It reads like something written in the 1970s.
I leave you with this quote as an example of how bad this book is:
"She knew how to treat Pharaoh, who was at that dangerous age when men become vulnerable and the desire to stay ever young makes them search for youth in the person lying beside them." 🤮
Surely Andorra has produced better than this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2022
Natia nascera na Mesopotâmia, mas após uma invasão àquela região foi capturada e tornada escrava, tendo sido levada para o Egipto. Uma noite foi surpreendida por outro escravo de cuja união resultou Sedum. Este, acaba por ascender a tesoureiro do faraó Seneferu, e a professor do futuro faraó Quéops (nome grego)/ Khufu (nome egípcio).
Este livro cativou-me desde o início, quer pelo contexto histórico e o enredo em torno do mesmo.
Ainda assim, o autor criou hipotéticas intrigas resultantes na edificação da Pirâmide Romboidal ou Curvada de Dahshur (cerca de 2600 a.C.) e a figura mítica de Hermes Trismegisto, ao qual são atribuídos os textos herméticos de nome "Corpus Hermeticum", até o "Livro dos Mortos" e o mais famoso texto que deu origem à alquimia, a "Tábua de Esmeralda".
Numa das ocasiões são mencionados os vasos canopos, sendo referindos apenas 3 quando, na verdade, são 4.
Apesar de ter sido bastante interessante e ter enredos entrelaçados que nos transportam para a Era das Pirâmides, houve qualquer coisa que não resultou.
Este livro cativou-me desde o início, quer pelo contexto histórico e o enredo em torno do mesmo.
Ainda assim, o autor criou hipotéticas intrigas resultantes na edificação da Pirâmide Romboidal ou Curvada de Dahshur (cerca de 2600 a.C.) e a figura mítica de Hermes Trismegisto, ao qual são atribuídos os textos herméticos de nome "Corpus Hermeticum", até o "Livro dos Mortos" e o mais famoso texto que deu origem à alquimia, a "Tábua de Esmeralda".
Numa das ocasiões são mencionados os vasos canopos, sendo referindos apenas 3 quando, na verdade, são 4.
Apesar de ter sido bastante interessante e ter enredos entrelaçados que nos transportam para a Era das Pirâmides, houve qualquer coisa que não resultou.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2020
Interestingly enough for this next addition to my Read the world Challenge (this is my choice for Andorra) this is yet another author not writing of his own country; the focal point for Salvadó's historical novel being Egypt rather than Angola and gives an insight into the lethality behind the glamorously finessed facade of the Egyptians, constructed on deceit and political machinations rather than perhaps the strength of the people.
Spanning numerous legacies this historical fiction borders on being slightly textbookish. The perfunctory or delineating manner in which lineage, dynasties and even other details are described is reminiscent of a educational resource. Even sexual encounters were heady with anatomical accuracy rather than emotion.
If you want to read more of my review or analysis of the book itself check out my blog www.getthelowdown.wixsite.com/mysite
Spanning numerous legacies this historical fiction borders on being slightly textbookish. The perfunctory or delineating manner in which lineage, dynasties and even other details are described is reminiscent of a educational resource. Even sexual encounters were heady with anatomical accuracy rather than emotion.
If you want to read more of my review or analysis of the book itself check out my blog www.getthelowdown.wixsite.com/mysite
January 10, 2021
#readtheworld Andorra
I'm admittedly a sucker for Egyptology and this was a nice, easy read. Set in Ancient Egypt at the time of the creation of the Great Pyramids, The Teacher of Cheops follows the story of Sedum, from his conception as a slave through his life as an accountant and teacher. Sedum's nemesis is that of the high priest and vizier to the Pharoah, Ramosi. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, Ramosi is basically the Egyptian version of Little Finger, playing the long game and manipulating everyone for his own benefit.
Sedum proves himself to be a worthy opponent of Ramosi, through sheer intellect and humility. I enjoyed the little prologue that ties Sedum to the Greek philosophers.
Was this the best written book? No, but it was enjoyable and had some nice little twists and turns.
I'm admittedly a sucker for Egyptology and this was a nice, easy read. Set in Ancient Egypt at the time of the creation of the Great Pyramids, The Teacher of Cheops follows the story of Sedum, from his conception as a slave through his life as an accountant and teacher. Sedum's nemesis is that of the high priest and vizier to the Pharoah, Ramosi. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, Ramosi is basically the Egyptian version of Little Finger, playing the long game and manipulating everyone for his own benefit.
Sedum proves himself to be a worthy opponent of Ramosi, through sheer intellect and humility. I enjoyed the little prologue that ties Sedum to the Greek philosophers.
Was this the best written book? No, but it was enjoyable and had some nice little twists and turns.
May 13, 2023
This is probably a 3 star book but the lessons at the end and the creativity of the author's note pushed it up a start. I read this for my Read the World with Me, Salvado is an Andorran author who wrote about Egypt. The title refers to the main character Sedum, who by circumstance was born and slave, found freedom, serves the pharaoh and is in the middle of a power struggle. Along the way he meets Sebekhotep who teaches him many lessons but cannot fully prepare him for his biggest challenge.
It was a fun read, there are some descriptive sex scenes and torture which make this more of an adult book, if case you were wondering age level. I found Sedum to be a likable character and I thought it was a believable tale. In the last chapter there are lesson and it was clever that if you write into Salvado's website with 2 conditions you learned he will give you the 8th principle, clever.
It was a fun read, there are some descriptive sex scenes and torture which make this more of an adult book, if case you were wondering age level. I found Sedum to be a likable character and I thought it was a believable tale. In the last chapter there are lesson and it was clever that if you write into Salvado's website with 2 conditions you learned he will give you the 8th principle, clever.
March 17, 2018
I thought that this was an okay story - I did learn a lot about Egyptians and the Pharaohs.
This is the first ebook that I have ever read (I bought myself a Kindle paperwhite for Christmas). I liked reading an ebook - but I do miss having a cover picture to glance at when I pick it up.
I am in the same company as of a couple of the other reviewers. I am reading this book as part of my quest to read a book by an author from every country in the world. This author is from Andorra and this is reportedly the only one of his books that was translated into English. Andorra is a tiny country located in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. I cannot find any link between the author and Egypt - only that he enjoys writing historical fiction.
This is the first ebook that I have ever read (I bought myself a Kindle paperwhite for Christmas). I liked reading an ebook - but I do miss having a cover picture to glance at when I pick it up.
I am in the same company as of a couple of the other reviewers. I am reading this book as part of my quest to read a book by an author from every country in the world. This author is from Andorra and this is reportedly the only one of his books that was translated into English. Andorra is a tiny country located in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. I cannot find any link between the author and Egypt - only that he enjoys writing historical fiction.
May 5, 2019
I’m currently doing a read the world challenge and this book appears to be about the only book written by an Andorran author that has been translated to English, so as my first preference is to read a book by an author from each country where possible, this was pretty much the only option! And it’s about Ancient Egypt!
This book is about Sedum, who is born a slave but manages to get an education, be freed and become an accountant to the pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty (who has the first pyramid built). There is a lot of plotting, manipulating and scheming that goes on and some quite barbaric methods of torture!
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting too much from this book as it doesn’t have great reviews, however I found it both interesting and engaging.
This book is about Sedum, who is born a slave but manages to get an education, be freed and become an accountant to the pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty (who has the first pyramid built). There is a lot of plotting, manipulating and scheming that goes on and some quite barbaric methods of torture!
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting too much from this book as it doesn’t have great reviews, however I found it both interesting and engaging.
August 12, 2025
Er is een schrijver die prachtig vertelt over de drie vrijwilligers uit Andorra die in de Tweede Wereldoorlog meevochten aan de geallieerde zijde of ééntje die een spannende thriller schrijft over een bolwerk van belastingontwijking of wellicht eentje die lyrische poëzie maakt over de bergtoppen die er voor zorgen dat Andorra la Vella af en toe alleen in de schaduw kan bestaan. Die schrijver bestaat, vast en zeker. Helaas is zijn of haar werk nog nooit naar het Nederlands of Engels vertaald en had ik als enige optie om uit Andorra het boek The teacher of Cheops te lezen.
https://open.substack.com/pub/dcjdevr...
https://open.substack.com/pub/dcjdevr...
May 31, 2017
[#40 Andorra] Well I liked this book way more than I expected based on the reviews on this very page. It’s a solid historical fiction novel, well researched, with a smart plot driven by sly characters. It dealt with an interesting time of Ancient Egypt, when Pharaoh became the son of Ra, which led to the building of the first pyramids. This book made me want to learn more about Snefru and Hetepheres’ reign, people I hadn't even heard of before opening it.
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