Awakening Osiris: A New Translation of the Egyptian Book of the Dead

I am not at all sure why I ordered this. But I am very glad that I did. I think I wanted a peek into our past, and what I got was a peek into ourselves. I've been reading one story at a time, giving it time to mellow, like a fine wine. I've been rewarded with surprises at every turn, some funny, some insightful. When I finish it, I have no doubt that I will begin again.

This is a truly wonderful, spiritual, engaging, and creative interpretation of the Egyptian Book of the Dead. It's a poetic prose narrative that never feels dry or outdated; the author succeeded in making something fresh and new of a very ancient, supremely wise text. The first time I read it, a few years ago, I was amazed that something called "The Book of the Dead" could be understood in such a vital, artistic, and mystical way, not just a set of funerary spells but as hymns and prayers to the Divine. It's the first and only book to make me choke up and cry on very many occasions because the words and ideals are so deeply moving, wise, and spiritual. I can say that even as an adult man. Now that I read it for a second time, I feel the same way, and it gives a new light and energy to my outlook on life, which has often suffered from despair and negativity on more than one occasion. I've expressed my opinion to a few friends before that if there was only one book that could be called the word of God(s), it must be "Awakening Osiris" (though this could be said of other Egyptian hymns and prayers as well). Recommended for anyone who has a spiritual interest in ancient Egyptian religious thought or Kemeticism, or general mysticism. The book is filled with proverb-like insights into metaphysics, human nature, ethics, nature of reality, theology, mythology, and love.It should be noted that the book is not a literal translation of the Book of the Dead and the reader may wish to examine Faulkner's translation for a more literal reading.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. The syntax is pure magic, vivid and stirring on a soulful level. This book helps quell fears of "the end" through a unifying message that we are all connected, and I often return to it for meditation and guidance. Ellis did a truly amazing job bringing these words to the modern age.

This book is an unexpected delight! It's based on the author's translation of "The Book of Going Forth by Day" and it's a poetic translation, a deep and writerly treatment of the source text. Wonderful! The segments read like meditations, and that's exactly what I use them for: poetic reverie and meditation. One of my greatest wishes for the modern polytheistic/Pagan renaissance is that more works of literary substance and beauty arise from new travelers on the old ways...and this book is a perfect example. Very beautifully done.

A totally fascinating woman and an amazing account of her life and her journey to become Om Sety. There are several accounts of her life from the news and documentaries but this is her story as she told it to the author. If you are interested in Egyptology or biographies of people who have a very different life experience this book will captivate you.

Wow, what an amazing collection of poetic work. Said to be the most sensitive translation of the ancient Heiroglypics, this book takes a surprising look at grief, the passing of loved ones, and how we continue on in the land of the living. I cannot recommend a more appropriate book for healing grief. The Egyptians were experts on the topic, why re-invent the wheel? This might be a really nice gift for someone who has lost a loved one.

This isn't a novel so the buttons above don't really apply. This is a re-imagining of the Book Of The Dead as poetry. In fact it's plausible that the original was intended to be less instruction manual and more poetry, or a poetic instruction manual. I have read other interpretations and enjoyed the fresh view!

The prose in this book is very beautiful, poetic. When reading it, I was moved many times.

What an amazing translation of the Egyptian book of the dead, or as it should be known, the Egyptian book of going fourth by day, Beautiful, poetic, profound, and moving, as a practitioner of the craft for the past 38 years, I have studied the esoteric aspect of Egypt, I have the Wallis Budge translation, which is very good, Academic and a little stiff, and very valuable, so I'm not knocking the academic translation. The Normandi Ellis translation is stuff of the heart, it is a book that will always be at my side, I highly recommend this book.

A wonderful rendering of the Egyptian Book Of The Dead in really beautiful poetic prose from a lady who clearly understands and empathises with the text. This is not a dry literal translation of the text into modern English (I recommend Faulkner's excellent translation for that), but a rendering of the meaning and feeling behind it in beautifully poetic prose. I'd recommend this tremendously to anyone with an interest in Ancient Egypt and an appreciation of beautiful and moving poetic prose. It also makes a great accompaniment to a more standard and literal translation, like the Faulkner one I already recommended, as one gives you the literal meaning and the other conveys the feeling.

Wonderful book, written in a way that is easy to understand by an author who loves and knows her subject enjoyed it very much

A lyrical study of the Book of The Dead or should I say The Book of Coming Forth by Day. Don't buy this if you are looking for a strict translation - this is pure poetry and very evocative. Great for reading aloud to study groups and for pathworkings - I am enjoying it!

This is a beautifully poetic and utterly readable translation of the Book of the Dead - inspirational and enlightening, it really is one that you may find yourself returning to again and again.