150 - A Change in Altitude; Anita Shreve

 

Having read all of Anita Shreve's previous novels, I was anxious to begin her new book: A Change in Altitude. 

Set in the late 1970's, Margaret and PatricK McCoglan are a young married couple from Massachusetts who decide to spend a year in Africa. Patrick is a doctor who plans to do research on equatorial diseases, and will conduct free clinics around the country for those in need.

 In Africa, the couple meets Diana and Arthur, a British couple, who convinces them to climb Moun t Kenya with them. They will be accompanied by an expert guide. When a tragic accident occurs during the climb, the blame seems to be directed toward Margaret.  It is that event that causes Margaret to re-evaluate her marriage.

Aphoto journalist back in Boston, and now with lots of free time on her hands. She must learn the do's and don'ts of the culture where she now lives. At one point Margaret's camera is taken from her, as in Masai culture, women are not allowed any possessions. She is offered a job as a photographer with the Kenya Tribune, a controversial publication, which she accepts. Her first assignment is to cover a plane crash where people have died. It is through this job, and new relationships she has formed, that Margaret begins to see Africa, as well as her marriage in a new light. Before the year is out the couple decides to try and climb Mount Kenya once again in remembrance of the tragedy which occurred one year earlier.

My thoughts: The author did an amazing job making the reader feel a sense of place. Every part of Africa, was so vividly detailed. As a reader, I really enjoyed the author's writing style, her use of irony, metaphors and foreshadowing throughout the story. There were, however, things I did not like as well. None of the characters were likable, and although there was some action in the story, the novel just never had that "wow" effect. The book was easy to put down, and I never felt like I really cared about what happened next.

Having read ALL of this author's previous books, I ultimately was disappointed by A Change in Altitude.  My recommendation--if you are a huge Shreve fan "read it, and decide for yourself".  If you have never read this author before, try some of my favorites by Shreve:  Strange Fits of Passion, Eden Close, Resistance, or Testimony.  Each is a story that has stayed with me for a long time.