Beyond Mombasa

by Frank Coates

The epic new African novel from the bestselling author of Tears of the Maasai.

Beyond Mombasa tells the unforgettable story of Ronald and Florence Preston, the pioneering Victorian-era couple who, with the help of 1000 mutinous coolies, not to mention all manner of beasts, attempt the seemingly impossible - building a railway line from exotic Mombasa on the east coast all the way to Lake Victoria, deep in Africa's dark and wild heart.

In an era when the French were threatening the British stronghold over Africa, this intrepid couple defy the odds in their quest to accomplish the greatest engineering feat the world had ever seen. But to achieve their goal they must overcome innumerable challenges: inhospitable terrain, floods, droughts, illness, man-eating lions, political pressures, warring tribesmen, traitors from within, not to mention the huge personal strain put on their marriage ...

Beyond Mombasa takes the reader on an heart-stopping adventure across Africa - a land full of danger and colour, a land which has since the dawn of time resisted the white man's scourge, and a land where man is pitted against not only nature, but against himself.

Genres: Africa, Historical Fiction, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ned Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is based on the building of the Mombasa to Lake Victoria rail line, which at that date was quite an undertaking for England. The key figures, newly-weds and newly arrived in Africa, Ronald and Florence Preston are now a part of history. Ronald was the railhead engineer and Florence was the only British woman among several thousand men as the line moved westward. Ronald had many technical and personal obstacles to negotiate as Florence, despite the harsh conditions, remained a respected and admired lady while she supported Ronald.
An interesting book that is often difficult to put down, feeling part of the crew came quickly, I think because the primary story of building the railway is always going on in the background but there are so many enjoyable separate stories throughout the book.
Generally, the book was easy reading but there were several occasions where the author appeared to struggle with the explanation of simple matters.

[Bernice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional novel based on fact which I found an interesting read. The difficulties faced by Ronald Preston who accepted the role as railhead engineer on the Uganda Railway in the 1890’s would still be an almighty achievement if attempted today. Added to this challenge was the fact that he had very recently married Florence whose life to date was of a very different style in England.

Florence was determined to support Ronald and unlike most English brides refused to stay behind in England or in the more civilised Mombasa and choose instead to live beside him in what at times was very basic conditions at the railhead. Her ultimate hope was to eventually settle back into life in England with her husband where they would raise their family.

[Mwangi Gichinga]

Gichinga Mwangi

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this latest book by Frank Coates.It covered the building of the railway from Mombasa to Lake Victoria Africa.It was base don a true story of the trials,tribulations and huge effort it took to build the railway and I learned a lot about railway building.
Quite a nice story about the main characters Ronald and Florence(recently married) and their experiences in the wilds of Africa.
The story ends in such a way another could easily follow on.
It was an interesting read that I enjoyed

[Lizie · Rating 4 out of 5]

1890's Kenya and the construction of the Mombasa to Lake Victoria rail line provide the backdrop to this story of man pitted against nature, others and himself. Based on true events and people. A good read.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. It is at times a drag, the story gets stagnant and smelly, just like the dried up lakes in the Tsavo.

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book backgrounding the construction of the Kenyan railway.