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Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure

Julian Smith
Harper Perennial (2010)
ISBN 9780061873478
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (08/11)

This is a fantastic story of love.  One that I did not know if I would be able to enjoy. However, as Julian Smith tells the story of a little known explorer and intermingles it with his own story, it’s hard not to fall in love with "Crossing the Heart of Africa.” 

Ewart Grogan was an explorer in the 1800’s, who did everything from becoming the youngest member of the British Alpine Climbing Club, to attending Cambridge and ultimately crossing Africa – South to North.  He fell in love with a young woman of means and in order to win the respect and approval of her step Father, he begins his journey across Africa.

The author, Julian Smith, also crosses Africa.  He does this not by foot by motorbikes, trucks, busses and any other transportation he can find.  He is not crossing for respect and approval but to perhaps prove something to himself before he settles down and marries his fiancée, who is waiting back in the states for him.

Throughout the intertwined story, the reader is transported to both the Africa that existed in Grogan’s time; wild and unpredictable.  Then the reader sees the same locations as they are today; war-torn, poor and disease ridden.  It is both beautiful and sad at the same time.

The love story between both Ewart and Gertrude is touching but the story of Julian and Laura is current and real.  Their story is very raw and the author does not try to hide any flaws which endear their love to the reader.

"Crossing the Heart of Africa" grabs the reader and doesn’t let go.  The addition of photos and sketches adds to the amazing story.

Whether the reader has any desire to visit Africa or not is irrelevant as the story is so fascinating and engrossing that they will feel like they have been there right along Ewart and Julian!

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