Joy to Read

This novel held my spouse's attention from start to finish. Here's her review:

Beryl, an English child, brought to Kenya as a very young infant, is quickly abandoned by her mother who returns to England with Beryl's brother. Her father raises her in a very hands-off manner letting Beryl run wild. She rebels at being sent to school in the capital, Nairobi, and hates the idea of wearing dresses, gloves and shoes. When her father loses all his money, she has very few choices and, at 16 years old, marries a local estate owner who is twice her age. It turns out to be a disastrous relationship and will be one of many she enters into. Beryl's real loves are horses, the African landscape and, later in life, flying. To her human relationships are much more complicated.

This novel is based on the real life story of an actual individual. The author's writing style is powerful and draws a clear picture of wealthy European life style in colonial Africa. Early on there are vivid descriptions of local tribes and their customs. There are many beautifully written passages setting scenes that make you feel that you are really there or wish you were there. It was an absolute joy to read.

Circling the Sun