What do readers think of The Clouds Beneath the Sun by Mackenzie Ford? Write your own review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An archeologist excavation in Kenya filled with brilliant paleontologists is the setting of the book…the characters' work, cultural differences, and inter-personal relationships encompasses the main plot. In the first few pages the main character, Natalie Nelson, is on her way from Cambridge University to the camp, and she comes across a herd of elephants actually carrying out a mourning ritual...her first glimpse of the mesmerizing sights and sounds of Africa. The descriptions of the wildlife in Africa and the land itself was vividly and beautifully described by Mackenzie Ford.

The book was a little slow, but does become a lot better in terms of "action" as you turn the pages to the final chapters....the focus of the archaeological dig, the murder trial, Natalie's turmoil dealing with it, the power of money, societal issues within Africa, relationship issues among a group of people working and living together, personal secrets, and family issues that included sibling rivalry, betrayal, and deceit keep your interest.

It wasn't a riveting novel, but it was intense at times, and it did bring you culturally into another very interesting society. The characters were well developed, and you could feel their pain, fear, triumphs, comradery, and all emotions that may have been felt from living in the middle of a beautiful, exotic African landscape. Being a passionate, knowledgeable paleontologist would have been even more helpful for enjoying the book.

My rating is a 4/5 because the "dig" was very interesting and the cultural aspect made you think how we are all the same, but also different. Even though the ending depicted the beautiful symbolism of the Maasai people, it will haunt you and make you realize what cunning, cruel, jealous, self-motivated creatures we humans can be.

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.

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!

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.