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A review by jedore
West with the Night by Beryl Markham
informative
medium-paced
I actually added this book to my reading list on three separate occasions…first more than 20 years ago when I started paying attention to strong women, again when I flipped through the pages of “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die,” and a third time last January after I finishing (and LOVING) the fictionalized version of Beryl’s life (“Circling the Sun” by Paula McClain).
I had two expectations about this book: 1) I thought it would be mostly about Beryl’s transatlantic solo flight (only the very end covered this incredible feat…and definitely in short) and 2) I thought I would love it (I much preferred Paula McClain’s story).
While Beryl was an excellent writer in terms of language, for me, too much of the book was focused on Africa and she skimmed over the relationships in her life. This is the biggest reason it didn’t get a higher rating from me. (My guess is that’s exactly why Paula McClain was inspired to write her version.)
Beryl’s love of Africa is infectious, so I would highly recommend that anyone going to East Africa read this book on the plane ride over. Although it’s doubtful I’ll ever get there, Beryl definitely made me question this decision. If I could time travel back to the 1920s-1930s, my choice would very likely be a different one!
I had two expectations about this book: 1) I thought it would be mostly about Beryl’s transatlantic solo flight (only the very end covered this incredible feat…and definitely in short) and 2) I thought I would love it (I much preferred Paula McClain’s story).
While Beryl was an excellent writer in terms of language, for me, too much of the book was focused on Africa and she skimmed over the relationships in her life. This is the biggest reason it didn’t get a higher rating from me. (My guess is that’s exactly why Paula McClain was inspired to write her version.)
Beryl’s love of Africa is infectious, so I would highly recommend that anyone going to East Africa read this book on the plane ride over. Although it’s doubtful I’ll ever get there, Beryl definitely made me question this decision. If I could time travel back to the 1920s-1930s, my choice would very likely be a different one!