Scan barcode
knod78's review
4.0
This book was a really good book to have as a subset timeline during the Out Of Africa timeline. I loved seeing these characters intersect. I loved being with her through her ups and downs and just wanting to scream to her, "DON'T." I loved her relationship with Ruta/Kibii and how he was there by her side in the end. I wondered would she finally find true love again.
My only issue with the book was that she dropped a few things like the dog and the horse she was desperately trying to tame at the end. I felt like the author just kind of said I'm done writing about these things and will just let them go for you to wonder what happened to these characters or plotlines. It happened a few times, which is why this book gets a 4. I also sometimes felt like the storylines between the two books were maybe too much alike when it comes to Denys Hutton's character. You find out at the end that Beryl is a real life character and maybe this is how it was, but the book is historical fiction. It's only a small gripe and I'm not sure I'm making sense with what I'm saying.
Sometimes when I read these books, I see myself in these strong female characters, head strong learning everything. But then I have to wonder would I ever be that brave to pursue it when society tells you that you can't, because you are a woman. As a woman of the current times, I can say yes easily, but I came after the time period when women could work and play sports and get divorces. So, you don't know if you will give in to societal pressure like Beryl did a few times.
Anyways. I loved this book. I would read it again.
My only issue with the book was that she dropped a few things like the dog and the horse she was desperately trying to tame at the end. I felt like the author just kind of said I'm done writing about these things and will just let them go for you to wonder what happened to these characters or plotlines. It happened a few times, which is why this book gets a 4. I also sometimes felt like the storylines between the two books were maybe too much alike when it comes to Denys Hutton's character. You find out at the end that Beryl is a real life character and maybe this is how it was, but the book is historical fiction. It's only a small gripe and I'm not sure I'm making sense with what I'm saying.
Sometimes when I read these books, I see myself in these strong female characters, head strong learning everything. But then I have to wonder would I ever be that brave to pursue it when society tells you that you can't, because you are a woman. As a woman of the current times, I can say yes easily, but I came after the time period when women could work and play sports and get divorces. So, you don't know if you will give in to societal pressure like Beryl did a few times.
Anyways. I loved this book. I would read it again.
sbonnecarrere's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
timna_wyckoff's review
4.0
Yes, I'm binge reading everything in sight this week. This is not my usual genre, but I really enjoyed it.
kathleenguthriewoods's review
5.0
My most trust-worthy book recommender told me to "Drop everything and go get this book!", so I did. It's wonderful. Absolutely gorgeous writing and an engaging story about a brave, adventurous, resilient, real woman.
Helps if you have seen the movie "Out of Africa," just so you have a visual reference for the places and some familiarity with other key characters.
Helps if you have seen the movie "Out of Africa," just so you have a visual reference for the places and some familiarity with other key characters.
raychul2992's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review
5.0
Terrific reading. You'll be shopping for "West With The Night," watching "Out of Africa" and rereading Isak Dineson.Better than "The Paris Wife".
nancy33's review
2.0
I listened to the first two discs but wasn't finding it very interesting, so I moved on to other books that I was looking forward to reading.
nbonz4's review
4.0
I decided to put myself out there and join a book club. When this book was chosen, one on my to-read shelf, I had no excuse not to join in for the month. So I spent the first couple of weeks getting to the halfway point, preparing for our first meeting. I enjoyed the story enough that I was even reading ahead of schedule. The wild spirit of the main character spoke to me. And the feel of her being wild in Africa was exciting! But then I went to the book club meeting. Not everyone felt the same way...
I was surprised to hear a perspective that viewed her in a selfish and negative light. It led to some intriguing discussion, but it also caused my enjoyment of the second half of the book to diminish. However, all that being said, I met some lovely ladies and did enjoy the evening. I will be reading with them again next month in fact!
I was surprised to hear a perspective that viewed her in a selfish and negative light. It led to some intriguing discussion, but it also caused my enjoyment of the second half of the book to diminish. However, all that being said, I met some lovely ladies and did enjoy the evening. I will be reading with them again next month in fact!
mmotleyu's review
4.0
Hmm, book club book that I chose because we liked McLain's earlier book about Hemingway's wife. I wish it included more about Markham's years as an aviatrix rather than that just being the epilogue. I enjoyed the beautiful writing and learning what a pioneer Markham was, in more areas than only aviation. I kinda don't like that Denis is basically the sun that she and Karen orbited, but of course there are multiple levels of meaning there. Her enduring friendship with her childhood friend Ruta was a lovely thread... so glad he did not become a romantic interest.