Reviews

I liked this story -- and Beryl! -- so much. I was baffled by other reviewers who labeled Beryl as selfish or daft or all manner of things they called throughout the reviews I saw. That just truly speaks volumes about mindsets.

The story certainly wasn't all roses, but I liked that just a handful of people around Beryl understood her and saw for her strength, resilience, and untamable spirit. Everyone else resented her for these qualities (to put it in modern terms, she had a lot of haters) because they couldn't beat her, nor be her.

I think my favorite part of the entire book was that, because she ended with just herself, she was truly able to prove to herself that *she* was really was all that she needed.

missyjohnson's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoy books about women ahead of their time and willing to step outside the norms. Beryl Markham is one of those women. I now plan to read her autobiography. My friend Kelly reminded me of Beryl's connection in the film Out of Africa. I think that I will watch that again. I will see it differently this time I am sure. My only frustration in the book was a few places where the multiple names/nicknames for people was a bit confusing. Karen/Tania/Isak or Blix/Bror or Denys/Finch Hatton etc. The Paris Wife is no my to read list. I will certainly read that by McLain.

eggjen's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this. I could relate to Beryl in a lot of ways, especially with her early family life - and I found myself rooting for her from cover to cover. She led a fascinating life that was both difficult and admirable. McLain's story is well written and absorbing.

peaknit's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book on audio. The English accent of the narrator added authenticity. The story was well told, very descriptive. That said, I didn't really like the main character, she lacked empathy perhaps as a result of her rather wild upbringing. She was selfish throughout much of the book. However, in spite of that, it was very interesting and believable. It has inspired me to read the book written by the real person depicted, Beryl Markham. The author did a great job pulling me in, making believe this all happened just as it is written. I may also rent Out of Africa for more background. I love when I end a book with the urge to go on and find more material, to learn more. Even if I don't think I would like Ms. Markham in person, she led an incredible life, hard in many ways. The glimpse into the English society in Africa was a bit astonishing in a slightly sordid way, which I admit I found intriguing.

jansbookcorner's review against another edition

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3.0

I read "The Paris Wife" by the same author in 2013 and thought it was a good book. Nothing spectacular, but good. I felt the same way about this book. It was an interesting story about Beryl Markham. It tells in historical fiction fashion, her life story from a young child in Kenya to an accomplished woman who is not only a horse trainer but a pilot. While her story is interesting, it's not spell binding. Overall an interesting read, but not at the top of my recommended list.

pam2375's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book! The descriptions of Africa were absolutely amazing.

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