Rated of 5
by Sylvia G. (Scottsdale, AZ) worthy, not perfect
This is a flawed but fascinating story of a group of paleontologists in Kenya in 1961. I loved the African setting, the inclusion of the Masai, and the sexual jealousies and competition between the scientists. The biggest problem in the novel is pacing. There are periods of extreme tension and excitement and then periods of dull almost repetitive exposition. Then there's the end which has more drama than necessary...however it passed the number one test for any book... I couldn't put it down. Would make a great movie.
Rated of 5
by Froma F. (Boulder, CO) Good but not great
An engaging but not compelling book, I enjoyed but didn’t adore The Clouds Beneath the Sun. Written from the perspective of an outsider, one gains an outsider’s knowledge about Kenya on the verge of independence, the Maori people, and even the archeology that is at the heart of the story. I never felt that I inhabited the world described.
Although the story is set in 1961, the reminders of what was happening politically in the world at that time felt contrived - inserted into the story rather than an intrinsic part of it. I felt that I was told too much about the characters rather than being allowed to discover who they were and minor characters were undeveloped. The setting was beautiful and I would love to visit many of the places described. At over 450 pages, I also felt that the book could have used some editing. Still, these are quibbles. The plot was good, the writing flowed smoothly and it was a pleasant if not exciting read. A good but not an excellent book.
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of 5
by Sylvia G. (Scottsdale, AZ) 
