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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Interessant, aber auch beunruhigend in seiner vollständigen Problem- und Privilegienblindheit (britische Landnahme in Kenia, Reiche-Leute-Beschäftigungen in der Kolonie, schwarze Diener, Elefantensafari, Elfenbein). Wird sich so mit hundert Jahren Abstand mein gesamtes Leben lesen? Fünfzig? Jetzt schon? (Also abzüglich so Dinge wie erste Atlantiküberquerung mit dem Flugzeug natürlich, die hier vorbildlich beiläufig und unspektakulär beschrieben wird.)
Beautifully written story - chapters can stand on their own as individual stories.
After carrying this book around with me for 20+ years, I finally got to it. Let's be clear from the get-go: a memoir about a well-connected, well-to-do white woman in colonial Africa in the early 20th century is going to be problematic. And there are plenty of things available to NOT like about Beryl Markham and her circle (her very British view on Africa and native African people, elephant hunting, etc.). Yet, despite itself, this is still a stunning memoir. She was clearly quite the woman. It's also a beautifully written book (though a little choppy at times). Chock full of big adventures, feats of daring and bravery, and lots of thumbing her nose at the men who tried to get in her way, Markam's book takes us on a wild ride. I found it became a little less engaging when she left the horses behind and picked up as an aviatrix: the story lost some of the joy and propulsion it had early on. Still, a worthwhile read. And, let's be honest, the fact that Hemingway rather famously called her "a high-grade bitch" (while also talking about how jealous he was of her writing) endears her to me even further.
Beryl Markham details her life of adventure growing up in Africa with vivid imagery, thoughtfulness, and humor.
Beryl Markham grew up in British East Africa in the early 1920s on her father's mill, one of the largest in Africa. Beryl spent time exploring and hunting with the locals and never seemed to shy away from an adventure. She left home at 18 and became the 1st female horse trainer in Africa, and after some success she abruptly left the trade to become a pilot for hunters on safari and become the 1st solo flyer to fly from Britain to North America.
This is a memoir, not a biography so there is not much of an overarching story line but rather a collection of short stories from her life. She is clearly an interesting individual and her writing style is plain yet thoughtful which makes reading it enjoyable; however learning more about her online after the fact was even more fascinating because she was quite controversial and not universally beloved. On the whole an interesting and unique read. Since this book raised to prominence because Earnest Hemingway was a fan, so I'd say this pairs nicely with his work.
Beryl Markham grew up in British East Africa in the early 1920s on her father's mill, one of the largest in Africa. Beryl spent time exploring and hunting with the locals and never seemed to shy away from an adventure. She left home at 18 and became the 1st female horse trainer in Africa, and after some success she abruptly left the trade to become a pilot for hunters on safari and become the 1st solo flyer to fly from Britain to North America.
This is a memoir, not a biography so there is not much of an overarching story line but rather a collection of short stories from her life. She is clearly an interesting individual and her writing style is plain yet thoughtful which makes reading it enjoyable; however learning more about her online after the fact was even more fascinating because she was quite controversial and not universally beloved. On the whole an interesting and unique read. Since this book raised to prominence because Earnest Hemingway was a fan, so I'd say this pairs nicely with his work.
Interesting book, especially after reading Circling the Sun.
An interesting memoir of the life of Beryl Matkham, racehorse trainer, and early aviator
I listened to this book in unabridged audio book format (read by Anna Fields) and also reread sections in ebook format. The audio book is well done (though there is a quick reference to “CD 6” that betrays that this title was book on disc before being transferred to pure digital format. The book runs about 9 hours. I then skimmed the ebook to reread favorite passages and see the spelling for the names of people and places.
I had forgotten why I had requested this title from my local library, and so when I was listening to it, I was initially thinking “This fictional novel sure reads like a memoir!” When I got to my destination and climbed off my motorcycle, I then discovered that this was indeed a memoir penned by Beryl Markham. I must have come across the title because she was an early aviator, having taken to flying in British East Africa while growing up in the early 20th century (in what is now Kenya), and I like learning about daring exploits. The book was interesting, though reading memoirs from this time period gives one pause, when the author is so patronizing (& at times insulting) about indigenous African tribes. Learning about Beryl Markham’s childhood and professions as a racehorse trainer (taking after her very proficient father) and later as a bush pilot taking hunters out into remote areas to hunt big game was in truth fascinating.
The book ends with the author detailing her solo flight between Europe and North America. Without a doubt, Beryl Markham was an adventure seeker and lived an adventurous life. No doubt this is what drew me to placing a hold for her book from my library. I enjoyed the book.
I listened to this book in unabridged audio book format (read by Anna Fields) and also reread sections in ebook format. The audio book is well done (though there is a quick reference to “CD 6” that betrays that this title was book on disc before being transferred to pure digital format. The book runs about 9 hours. I then skimmed the ebook to reread favorite passages and see the spelling for the names of people and places.
I had forgotten why I had requested this title from my local library, and so when I was listening to it, I was initially thinking “This fictional novel sure reads like a memoir!” When I got to my destination and climbed off my motorcycle, I then discovered that this was indeed a memoir penned by Beryl Markham. I must have come across the title because she was an early aviator, having taken to flying in British East Africa while growing up in the early 20th century (in what is now Kenya), and I like learning about daring exploits. The book was interesting, though reading memoirs from this time period gives one pause, when the author is so patronizing (& at times insulting) about indigenous African tribes. Learning about Beryl Markham’s childhood and professions as a racehorse trainer (taking after her very proficient father) and later as a bush pilot taking hunters out into remote areas to hunt big game was in truth fascinating.
The book ends with the author detailing her solo flight between Europe and North America. Without a doubt, Beryl Markham was an adventure seeker and lived an adventurous life. No doubt this is what drew me to placing a hold for her book from my library. I enjoyed the book.
Beryl was an amazingly courageous and independent woman (and child) and extremely insightful. I'd love to learn more about her from others point of view.
"You can live a lifetime and, at the end of it, know more about other people than you know about yourself. You learn to watch other people, but you never watch yourself because you strive against loneliness". My favorite quote from my favorite chapter, "west with the night".
"You can live a lifetime and, at the end of it, know more about other people than you know about yourself. You learn to watch other people, but you never watch yourself because you strive against loneliness". My favorite quote from my favorite chapter, "west with the night".
Phenomenally well written! I don't usually highlight passages when I read, but Beryl Markham uses absolutely fantastic phrases and analogies, honestly I've highlighted entire pages. An incredible memoir of a remarkable woman.
Update: I noticed a lot more ugliness on this reread but I still think it’s incredible.
Update: I noticed a lot more ugliness on this reread but I still think it’s incredible.