Crossing Paths

by Susan Lewallen

Two girls are born in the new country of Tanzania, but into very different circumstances. Joy is a village girl, painfully aware of her limited education, a domestic worker often desperate for work to support her family. Neema comes from a powerful family, well-known for their work towards Independence. She becomes a doctor with an important position in the Ministry of Health. But each must struggle for self-respect and as they do, their lives intersect in a twist of fate, which changes them forever. Crossing Paths encourages readers to consider integrity in an unfamiliar culture — and reminds us that, across cultures, we are still more alike than different.

302 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2019

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in the nation of Tanzania, richly done.

[Barbara J. Alberts]

The making of a nation, its impact on a culture and its people, told through the lives of two women


Crossing Paths was the first book in quite a while that I just could not put down. Other reviewers cite the plot well about the trajectory of two women living in the new nation of Tanzania. A dramatic and heartfelt story written by a western, female, medical professional, the book embodies her witness to the challenges among the have and have-nots, particularly its women, and the devastating reality of corruption as a new nation takes hold. I think this story lends to fantastic discussion, therefore, it (along with the question the author presents at the end of the book) would make a terrific asset for a book club. Entertaining and thought provoking, the story provided more insight into global humankind; so many of us seem to share the same values and emotions, and trials as women (rich or poor) no matter where we might live. I look forward to reading Susan DeWallen's new book, Distorted Vision that is sitting on my desk!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in Tanzania exactly a year ago, in Moshi and the area where the book takes place. The book feels like a visit there. I enjoyed the cultural aspects especially of a Tanzanian trying to make sense of American customs. As for "crossing paths", that was rather a disappointment as I expected more from the 2 main characters. Not a perfect book but I read it in 2 days and it was quite enjoyable. Ann R loaned this to me. If you can find a copy of it, I do recommend it.

Word is that the author and her family have cameo roles as they are portrayed in the book as the American family with two boys.

[Lilita Hardes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story of two women of Tanzania giving a descriptive picture of life in this part of Africa. The women from entirely different socioeconomic classes, one from privilege and another from a simpler village lifestyle, meet unexpectedly. The meeting impacts the way they choose to move forward with their lives. A touching and poignant story about how events and the choices we make impact our lives. A well written story based on first hand experience that gives one a glimpse into life in Tanzania. An extraordinary first novel. I look forward to seeing more from this author.

[Derek Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edifying read!! Excellent!!!

I loved this book, truly. It is a clear and honest portrayal of life in a country in Africa - for those who are poor and those who more privileged. These groups exist in every country, including mine, along with racism and corruption in government. What we see in this story is how our circumstances can shape the choices we make, and how those choices, even good intentions, can produce terrible, far-reaching results, especially for those most vulnerable. We also see how easily good people can be corrupted...A truly sobering thought indeed!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for its authentic descriptions of the place and the culture. I thought Neema was a bit one dimensional and I would have like to know more about what happened to her. The characters of Joy and especially her father were a pleasure to come to know. All in all, it was a satisfying read and I certainly learned a lot about Tanzania. A splendid debut novel.

[Jean A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Susan Lewallen wrote a compelling story. It follows two Tanzanian women of different circumstances from childhood through mid-adulthood. The author’s gift of descriptive language transported me from the here and now to be with these characters as their stories progressed. There is much drama and there are many lessons learned. I recommend this book.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally found a book I could not put down. The characters jumped out at me making me feel like I knew them personally. The twists and turns surprised me enticing me to read on and find out what happens. I learned about a culture I knew little of and realized many similarities in my own world. A story of personal struggles and the rewards of kindness and respect.

[CHRISTINA GIULIANOTTI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

The more I got into the book the more I enjoyed it. When I got to the end, I felt that there was so much more of the story to tell. Maybe a second chapter?

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word.. Amazing 🥰

[Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing Paths is a compelling debut novel by San Diego writer, Susan Lewallen. The novel follows two women, Joy and Neema, from opposing social strata in Tanzania, both ambitious in each their own way, both intelligent and both with supportive parents. The stark contrast between the two women focuses on their innate characters, on how they perceive the world about them and how they cope with limitations on their lives simply because they are female. These two women’s lives intersect as a result of a tragic confluence of events.

What I find especially fascinating about this book, is Lewallen’s accurate portrayal of life in Tanzania. Particularly the pace of her novel echoes the pace of life in a country where cell phones live side by side with women walking to market in the mornings with bunches of fresh bananas balanced on their heads, where vehicles vie for road space with cattle herders. The lack of controls in a rapidly growing and changing country often lends itself quickly to corruption in many spheres of life and Tanzania was no exception. Lewallen drops nuggets of information about this country throughout the novel, allowing an intriguing peek into day-to-day living in a country largely unknown to the western world. Her rich knowledge of this country after more than twenty years of living in Africa, of venturing weekly into small villages is evident and makes this novel a noteworthy read and a page turner.

[Sue Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight into Tanzania which follows the lives of two girls from very different backgrounds. Joy is from an impoverished family and yearns to get an education and provide for her family. Neema is from the ruling class and lives a life of privilege and expectation. A compelling story that shines a light on Tanzanian society and culture and its impact on women and girls.

[world_citizen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing Paths was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and one I found hard to put down. It vividly captures the lives of two Tanzanian women from disparate backgrounds--the struggles they encounter as well as the successes and failures they endure. Having lived in eastern Africa for a number of years, I was impressed by the authenticity in describing the women’s lives, the details of the setting, and the historical accuracy. You don’t need to have an interest in eastern Africa to enjoy this book—anyone interested in the complexity of culture and human nature will learn from it.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read about two women in Tanzania who live very different lifes and handle life differently. The book tells a good deal about Tanzania with Mt. Kilimanjaro looking over at all times. The book covers poverty, education, women's roles, and corruption.

Highly recomment.