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There are currently 23 member reviews
for The Clouds Beneath the Sun
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Christine S. (Highland, UT)
Well Done!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me to a place with vivid imagery. It was educational and I feel like I know more about the 1960s in the political Kenyan setting, more about the beautiful landscape and wild animals of Africa, more about an excavating working archaeological team, more about tribal laws vs. written laws.
The story itself was secondary to all the other characteristics mentioned above. Waiting for the trial throughout over half of the book, turned out disappointing. The last chapters of the book were exciting, but it could have been written at a better pace. It felt as through the last chapters were packed into the book for tidying up all the loose ends.
All of this being said, I actually thought the story "might" have been based on an account of an actual dig. I haven't been able to find anywhere to prove my theory.
Well done!
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Marta M. (Tustin, CA)
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
I was intrigued with this book when I saw it on the First Impressions list. My daughter went to Kenya to work with Masai and Kikuyu orphans and had been there since January. This is how I like to learn culture and history, through a story. I enjoyed this book immensely but gave it a four because at times it dragged. With what my daughter was sharing with me I found the facts of the setting and the people to be spot on. I liked the writing and I thought the details of the dig to be enchanting.
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Hilary H. (Tucson, AZ)
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
I was anticipating liking this book as I've enjoyed a number of books set in various parts of Africa. Though I've not been to Kenya, I have been to other countries in southern Africa. The topic and setting were appealing. I found the first half of the book to be slow - a mix of historical fact, good description of the countryside, interesting views on politics and archaeology, and eventually a love story - but it could have moved a bit faster. Some of the characters are strongly developed though you are left wanting more about others. The trial near the end talked about the passion at the gorge but I think there could have been more about which to be really passionate. It was a good summer read. I liked it but didn't love it.
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Anne G. (Austin, TX)
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
I love most any book that can transport me to a place and a time other than my own; a book that I can get lost in. The Clouds Beneath the Sun is such a book. From the very first page I liked Natalie’s character and was interested in and intrigued by the excavation project she was joining as a team archaeologist. From the initial premise, the book expanded to deal with social customs of the Masai, local politics, romance, history, mystery, adventure and more. It may seem like an ambitious undertaking but Mackenzie Ford was definitely capable of dealing with every challenge. I was completely enthralled by the events of the story and think most everyone I know would enjoy this book. It would definitely make a good book club selection because of the variety of topics that could be discussed. The only negative: it ended too soon.
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Kay B. (Lake Jackson, TX)
The Clouds Beneath the Sun, McKenzie Ford
The story of a 28 year old British woman's participation on an archeological dig in Kenya was very enjoyable on many levels. Although the descriptions of her past relationships with her family and her lover drag somewhat the overall story is suspenseful and ends with many surprises. The way the author weaves together the theme of music with African history and politics and with archeology should keep most readers interested. Especially because of the family relationships of both the main character and the dig participants, this book would be an interesting one for a book club.
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Sandie F. (Eaton, OH)
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
Loved the African setting, the descriptive language made me feel like I was there. Reading about paleontology, Masai customs, western and tribal law was very interesting. The love story and details about each of the characters made this a book I didn't want to put down. A very enjoyable read.
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Jane A. (Lakeport, Ca)
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
A real non-stop read for me. The book's appeal is on so many levels: paleontology, Massai tribal customs and mores, Western jurisprudence vs tribal law, and, of course, the inevitable love triangle, with a sprinkling of aviation and scuba!
I found the plot to be well-paced throughout the story, with the unexpected 'kicker' at the end.
I can sincerely recommend this book!
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