A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve is a nuanced exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience, set against the breathtaking yet perilous backdrop of Kenya. The novel follows Margaret and Patrick, a young American couple who move to Nairobi in the late 1970s as Patrick pursues a medical research career.
Margaret, an aspiring photojournalist, struggles to adjust to their new life in a foreign country, which is both alluring and daunting. The couple is invited to climb Mount Kenya with another couple, an expedition that turns catastrophic and irrevocably alters their lives. The tragedy forces Margaret and Patrick to reevaluate their marriage, their values, and their understanding of themselves and each other.
Through vivid descriptions of the African landscape and a profound exploration of human emotions, Shreve crafts a story about personal growth, cultural dissonance, and the fragile balance of love. The novel examines how individuals respond to trauma and how relationships can survive—or falter—in its aftermath.
