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perri 's review for:
Out of Africa
by Isak Dinesen, Karen Blixen
There's a lot in this book that makes a modern reader blanch. Dinesen's description of the "natives" sounds patronizing at best, racist at worst. It's conflicting because even when her descriptions are cringe worthy, her love of the land and the people are obvious. I would say she also makes sweeping generalizations about many national characteristics including her own Danish roots but still... The cruelty to animals was hard to read about. Dinesen seems to feel it too, although she accepts it with resignation. Of course, she also participates in safaris and shoots lions who are taking out livestock. It seems unfair to judge the book by today's morality
I did like reading about a strong willed independent woman from this time period (the 20s) Much of her book are memories gathered into chapters. Toward the end, though , some of her reflections are unrelated and many are just a few pages long. I didn't mind, but it made the book easy to put down. Her last chapter of leaving her beloved farm and Africa are deeply affecting though restrained. Actually, I think that's a good description of the whole book. I was expecting to read about a torrid love affair based on what I've heard about the movie, but that part is oblique. Not a word about hair washing. Again, maybe a reflection of the age. Overall, I'm glad I read this modern classic. It took me to a new place and a different time.
I did like reading about a strong willed independent woman from this time period (the 20s) Much of her book are memories gathered into chapters. Toward the end, though , some of her reflections are unrelated and many are just a few pages long. I didn't mind, but it made the book easy to put down. Her last chapter of leaving her beloved farm and Africa are deeply affecting though restrained. Actually, I think that's a good description of the whole book. I was expecting to read about a torrid love affair based on what I've heard about the movie, but that part is oblique. Not a word about hair washing. Again, maybe a reflection of the age. Overall, I'm glad I read this modern classic. It took me to a new place and a different time.