Such a fun read for an epic historical novel. Waltari is a master storyteller, who can make you laugh, cry and care about his characters. Even though the protagonist, Mikael, is far from perfect and rather oblivious to his own shortcomings, I found myself attached to him and eager to see where his adventures through Europe would take him. Add to that his carefree companion and you have one great narrative! The kind of story that makes you long for adventures of your own, with a little less war and persecution maybe.