The novel centers on a group of children who create an elaborate game centered around the ancient civilization of Egypt. Snyder successfully enthralls the reader with her masterful use of suspense and her ability to depict the imagination of children authentically.
In the novel, a young girl, April Hall, is sent to live with her grandmother in a California college town because her aspiring actress mother believes the child hampers her career. April becomes friends with Melanie Ross, who lives in the same building as her grandmother. The two share a fascination with ancient Egypt and decide to create an elaborate game where they pretend to be Egyptian royalty. They set up their 'Egypt' in an abandoned storage yard behind an antique shop. Eventually, other children from their apartment building join the game: Marshall, Melanie's little brother, and two more boys, Ken and Toby.
The game becomes more elaborate with time, incorporating rituals, hieroglyphic writings, and even imaginary offerings to the Egyptian gods. However, danger lurks when a local child murderer threatens the children's safety. This adds an element of suspense to the novel as the children try to keep their game a secret from the adults. At one point, a mysterious individual starts leaving artifacts in their game space, which frightens the children and piques their curiosity. It is later revealed that the "intruder" is the shop's owner, Mr. Ross, who appreciates their fascination with Egypt and wants to encourage their learning.
In the final confrontation, the murderer attempts to harm April but is thwarted by the intervention of Marshall's stuffed octopus, Security, who distracts the killer, enabling the children to escape and the police to apprehend the man. The novel ends with the children being allowed to play their game more openly and Mr. Ross providing them with more resources for their Egypt Game, signifying that their imaginative adventure will continue.
The Egypt Game is a compelling study of children's imagination and resourcefulness. It explores the depth of children's creativity and how it can be a source of learning and personal growth. Snyder's characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their unique quirks and personalities, which contribute to the realistic portrayal of the children's social dynamics.
Moreover, the suspense element is an important narrative tool that enhances the plot. The looming threat of the child murderer adds a layer of tension to the story, ensuring that the reader is always on the edge of their seat. This suspense is cleverly woven into the plot and serves to emphasize the dangerous reality that the children are oblivious to in their fantasy world.
Finally, the novel also subtly discusses the power of friendship and teamwork. Despite their initial differences, the children come together to create and engage in the Egypt Game. Through their imaginative endeavor, they learn to appreciate each other's strengths, and together they overcome challenges, ultimately becoming a tightly-knit group. Snyder uses their shared game as a platform to show how diverse individuals can work together to achieve a common goal.
