TEARS OF THE MAASAI

The adventurous story of an Australian ex-pat describes in rich detail the people and environment he encounters in 1980s Kenya. The whimsical yet ironic excerpts from a fictional East African guidebook sound just right, especially when contrasted with other goings-on, such as ivory smuggling, political corruption, and the prevalence of AIDS. Native Australian David Tredinnick’s narration is spot-on. His vocal variety and pacing enhance the story, and his characterization of the main character dramatizes his humanity and vulnerability. Tredinnick’s African tribal accents are somewhat uneven, but that’s easy enough to overlook. Overall, the novel provides an exciting and multilayered glimpse of Africa. R.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2010]