Jacco Dieleman

The Ape Who Guards the Balance, the tenth historical mystery novel by Elizabeth Peters, is set during the 1906-1907 Egyptian excavation season. The narrative follows archaeologist Amelia Peabody and her family as they navigate a complex plot involving master criminal Sethos, who uses a women's suffrage protest in London as a cover for stealing Egyptian antiquities. After an attempted kidnapping, the family returns to Egypt, where they become entangled in further intrigue.

In Egypt, the family encounters various characters and events, including a significant papyrus acquisition and an attack. The focus shifts to archaeological pursuits in Luxor, where Professor Emerson faces restrictions but eventually gains access to a royal tomb. The discovery of a new tomb, KV55, and its subsequent identification as potentially belonging to Queen Tiye, adds to the unfolding mystery. The story weaves together elements of crime, family dynamics, and the world of Egyptology, touching upon real-world archaeological contexts.

The title, The Ape Who Guards the Balance, directly references the ancient Egyptian deity Thoth. Thoth, often depicted with the head of an ibis or as a baboon/ape, is the divine scribe responsible for recording the judgment of the dead, specifically the weighing of the heart against a feather of truth. This symbol appears in the novel, notably as a carved pendant of a baboon given to Ramses, representing Thoth and his role in the afterlife's judgment.

The novel's plot unfolds with Amelia Peabody's involvement in a London women's suffrage protest, which is revealed to be a ploy by the criminal Sethos to steal Egyptian artifacts. Following an attack and escape to Egypt, the family becomes embroiled in both criminal activities and archaeological endeavors. Professor Emerson's excavation efforts in the Valley of the Kings, particularly his work in KV5 and the discovery of KV55 by Ned Ayrton, form a significant backdrop. The book connects to real Egyptological events, referencing the actual discovery of KV5 by Kent Weeks and Theodore Davis's handling of his excavation at KV55.

Beyond the central mystery and archaeological elements, the novel explores themes of romance and jealousy, particularly through Ramses's evolving feelings and his perception of David as a rival for Nefret's affection. The story also touches upon social issues like women's suffrage and racial/cultural equality, as Amelia grapples with her prejudices regarding the romance between Lia and David. The narrative highlights the maturing of the younger generation, Ramses, Nefret, and David, adding depth and emotional resonance to the adventure.