Tears of the Maasai

by Frank Coates

After a disastrous affair, Jack Morgan is at an emotional crossroads. When he's offered a UN posting in Kenya he grabs it, believing time spent on foreign soil will help him forget and move on. But Africa is a land of danger, adventure and temptation, and within weeks of arriving Jack is seduced - by the spectacular Serengeti National Park, the rich Kenyan culture, and a beautiful Maasai woman named Malaika. From an Australian author.

Genres: Africa, Historical Fiction, Fiction

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a bit slow to get into but once I found the rhythm of the story, I read it fairly quickly. I found the story about the challenges facing the Maasai over what has been a fairly short period of time quite compelling. Although the book is set in the 80s, I understand they still face many challenges to their way of life.

I did find the ending a bit weird.

I would read more by this author.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could commit a lot of sins but the fact that it's set in Kenya allows it to get away with occasional annoyances (like hello, how many times do we have to reiterate that she's an exotic, black, sleek African princess?). It basically comes down to what appears to be a eager effort on the part of the author to create really compelling, noble, tragic characters, who fall a bit outside the realm of believability as a result. I did think the ending was crap as well.

That being said I was interested throughout the entire book because it does have a fantastic setting and a lot of great story inspiration coming out of that. It touched on a number of issues common throughout East Africa that made for a compelling narrative, although again I have to gripe, you need not mention that they are a "zebra" couple oh so many times. I found myself grumbling at the characters for making race such a central point to their relationship, and essentially seeming to be quite proud of themselves for not letting it stand in the way. (Umhmm, exotic black African princess).

Complaints aside I liked the book. Put it in Baltimore, I might feel differently.

[Wyktor Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Aussie hounded by his recent past heads to Kenya to work for the UN and hopefully start a new life. He meets a stunningly beautiful Maasai woman whose family is the victim of a curse.
A sweeping novel of Africa in all it's glory, and showing some of the less glamourous things as well. It covers Maasai history and culture, the trials and tribulations of wading through officialdom in Africa, and the corruption inherent in the system. It takes you on safari, and onto the waters of Lake Victoria. The book also covers the African AIDS crisis and how if affects villages, clans, families, and Africa's future generations. Plus there's a love story chucked in for good measure.
Highly recommended.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had wanted to read this book because I am fascinated with other cultures and had never read anything about the Maasai before. The author does do a good job of giving you a good perspective of what the tribe was like even though this is fiction. I struggled with the plot sometimes and some threads of the story seemed left unfinished. I must admit that there were moments I wanted to give up reading but I persisted because I knew this was not the authors usual style. As this was the authors first book I know he has improved as Softly Calls the Serengeti was really good

[Heather Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike some reviewers who found this book unrealistic, having lived as an expat during the dregs of colonial days, I enjoyed it as a pretty realistic trip down memory lane. The hash harriers, the corruption, the dynamics between the races, the places, and extreme adventures. Less jarring than Wilbur Smith and good on history and culture of the Masai. I am lucky enough to have Masai friends and nothing written here conflicts with what they tell me.

[Shuk-Wah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging description of the Maasai, and life as an expat in Kenya in presumably the early 00s. But the supposedly "masculine" character of Jack and some of the try-hard writing of events makes it cringe. Also, Bear deserved more!

[GWEN WATSON · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish the book. Not my type of book as it turned out.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was great read, a bit boy meets girls etc, but still engaging. Ended in the air, let open could have a sequel. I will read more of this Aussie author. Coates has reseached well, and brought forward to colour of Africa, the myth, the culture, the troubles and challenges. Enjoyable.

[Janet Mcdonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenya.

[Felicity · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only thing I got out of this book was the Maasai proverb: "An elephant makes but a small hole in the jungle" (ie; seemingly important events may in time prove to be of little consequence).

[Riverina Regional Library]

Members of Riverina Regional Library reserve your copy now

[John Polson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had never heard of Coates - picked up the book because of the subject matter - and enjoyed it. Very well researched. I once spent a few months in Kenya - but discovered much from this book.

[Leah Cripps · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been so much better. Some of the writing was cliched, implausible and cringe worthy. I nearly did not finish this and feel that I still do not know very much about the Maasai.

[Elana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable, interesting and adventurous... Yet not a favourite.