Review: A Change in Altitude By Anita Shreve

A Change in Altitude By Anita Shreve is a new novel that hit stores on September 22, 2009 which I have recently finished reading.



Synopsis:
Margaret and Patrick have been married just a few months when they set off on what they hope will be a great adventure-a year living in Kenya. Margaret quickly realizes there is a great deal she doesn't know about the complex mores of her new home, and about her own husband.

A British couple invites the newlyweds to join on a climbing expedition to Mount Kenya, and they eagerly agree. But during their harrowing ascent, a horrific accident occurs. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Margaret struggles to understand what happened on the mountain and how these events have transformed her and her marriage, perhaps forever.

A Change in Altitude illuminates the inner landscape of a couple, the irrevocable impact of tragedy, and the elusive nature of forgiveness. With stunning language and striking emotional intensity, Anita Shreve transports us to the exotic panoramas of Africa and into the core of our most intimate relationships.

My Thoughts:
Right away, I love the setting of this novel, Kenya in the 1970s. I noticed right away how much research was put into this from the history of Kenya to its culture, and more importantly the personal touch from Shreve as she herself lived in Kenya for a few years in the late 70s. Although honestly, the setting of this story and the plot itself seems more alive and detailed than the characters. This novel is shared in 3 parts and all throughout, there is a a fast moving plot as Shreve makes the mountain climbing adventure seem incredibly real. However, I do not feel as strong of an emotional connection to the main characters as I feel that I should. All of the characters are flawed in many ways, yet the relationships among the couples could stand to be more interesting. Readers will be intrigued by the struggles Margaret and Patrick face to keep their marriage together however there seemed to be so much more room to explore how all of the relationships in this story develop, whether good or bad. Overall, A Change in Altitude won't take your breath away but it is a good read.