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Penny Haw’s Follow Me to Africa is an inspiring and educational novel about Mary Leakey, the groundbreaking paleoanthropologist whose discoveries changed how many view human origins. Haw paints a vivid picture of the grit and glory of fieldwork in East Africa—complete with the heat, dust, and danger of the dig sites. It’s incredible to see how much Mary accomplished without a formal education. Her keen eye, intellect, and fierce independence set her apart in a field dominated by men.
I found the book fascinating for its historical and scientific detail, but it also reminded me that geniuses are often complicated people. While I admired Mary’s brilliance and courage, I was disappointed by her affair with the married Louis Leakey. That choice tarnished an otherwise inspiring story.
Even though I don’t share the evolutionary view behind her work, I respected her dedication, discipline, and determination. Haw does a wonderful job portraying Mary as both brilliant and human—a woman who unearthed not only fossils, but new possibilities for women in science.