September 22, 2009

Anita Shreve's latest--A Change in Altitude Review


If you (like me) are a fan of Anita Shreve, then you are probably salivating over her new release, A Change in Altitude. And after Testimony, who wouldn’t be a fan? Shreve seems to be getting better and better. This novel centers on a late twenties newlywed, Margaret, who jumped at the chance to follow her husband to Kenya where he is doing medical research. One day Patrick announces that they are going to climb Mt. Kenya with their land lords and another couple. The climb is an arduous several day affair, so Margaret does have misgivings, but in the end is easily persuaded. Once on the expedition, small indiscretions on Margaret’s part have dire consequences and put a seemingly insurmountable strain on her marriage. As the cracks in her marriage widen, Margaret considers whether she can save her marriage, and as she explores her own passions, a part of her wonders if she wants to.

The muscle that Shreve typically flexes is her ability to instantly grab and hold the reader, but for me that didn’t happen here. Instead I found myself sort of plugging away at the first few chapters. However, Shreve is an excellent story teller, and so I soon found myself engrossed in Margaret’s emotional drama which was beautifully set by the harsh African landscapes and Keynes details. The fish out of water feel of an American in Africa is explored, and is thematically similar to The Poisonwood Bible by Kingsolver or Louise Dean’s The Idea of Love. The culture shock is just an element to Margaret’s characterization, and not the focus of her story, and thus Shreve forges something new. I was shocked to enjoy the action sequences as much as I did, and found Margaret’s insecurities scarily relatable and fascinating. Overall, I was surprised with the restraint and subtlety which Shreve used in composing this novel. Though A Change in Altitude wasn’t my favorite book by Shreve (that is a tie between Testimony and Fortune Rocks), it is still one of her best.

6 comments:

  1. I just started this one. I've read all of her books. Favs were: Resistance, Eden Close, and Strange Fits of Passion.

    I enjoyed your review, and guess I'll just have to read it and decide..LOL

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  2. I had mixed feelings about this one. I was unsure as I was reading it, but it's growing on me now that I have finished. I sped through it, but it definitely wasn't my favorite Shreve. Great review...

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  3. I just finished the book which I read in two sittings. Although I liked her inclusion of the culture and politics, I was at a loss since there were so many words and expressions unfamiliar to me. Unless you are well versed in African history and the various culture aspects, you are left feeling like you are missing something. It has encouraged me to learn more about this fascinating continent. A good read but not her best.

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  4. I just finished this one and loved it. (SPOILER ALERT!) But does anyone have any theories about what the ending meant? Getting to the summit with just the guide, thinking it was so "exhilarating" but not being able to see anything? Maybe I'm looking for some symbolism that isn't there.

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  5. I have to be honest and say that this book was a huge disappointment. I look forward eagerly to Anita's novels, but throughout this one i was askin myself if she had employed a ghost writer. Some of the dialogue was amateurish,and ill-written. So different to her usual output. having read a number of reviews I am heartened that I was not alone. let's hope she regains her former excellence.

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  6. I just finished the book. Difficult to get into, but I find myself thinking about the characters. The marriage seemed to lack any passions and Margaret was so very careless about her relationships with men. I believe a marriage can survive tragedy and even the suspect of dishonor...I am just not sure this one could/did.

    I loved the ending and think it is a symbol of M.'s redemption. Almost like she was in heaven. The view that she got was of her-self being healed and forgiven (IMO). Romantic that I am I also believe she finds R,

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