West with the Night

Aside from the rather remarkable life story this lady tells, she gives a look at Africa during the early colonial period. She doesn't seem to view this period as a clash of cultures or as an environmental disaster, but her descriptive writing gives considerable insight into both. Her life story is even more interesting if you read her biography by Mary Lovell.

I'd never heard of Beryl Markham until a friend of mine loaned me this book. He thought I would enjoy it since I'd been to Africa and loved the places I visited. He was right! Markham grew up in Africa and her book relates many stories about those years. It also describes her encounters and adventures in the continent when she learned to fly and became a pilot as an adult. Much of the action takes place during the same time as "Out of Africa", and the two books share some characters. "West with the Night" is just as interesting, and an easier read. I've bought the book for several friends, wanting to share Markham's story with others that might enjoy learning about an independant and liberated woman that lived in an era when it was uncommon for a female to be either.

Beryl Markham's book West with the Night is a true story of how she lived and worked in Africa as a push pilot back in the 1930's -- almost amazing for a woman...what an experience alone-- what an adventure-- but her writing -- ahhh that's something amazing in itself....from dealing with the Blackwater Die to the lion who almost ate her to search for a Libyan port and a fallen colleague-- a beautiful book...each chapter is written almost like a true short story....she's a beautiful writer and to think this is a piece of our women's past that is here to still cherish-- belongs on the shelf of every women's studies office...great for a young woman to read....especially great gift to a chick going off to college.

West With the night is Beryl Markham's memoir of life as a bush pilot in 1930s Africa. The beautifully written prose paints evocative pictures of the Serengeti in the reader's brain, and each paragraph is dense and satisfying. A wonderful read, especially for fans of Out of Africa - and some of the same people are mentioned in this book.

If you really love this book, then don't read a biography of Beryl Markham. You'll only be disappointed.

The exceptional wordcrafting in West With The Night brings Africa alive and makes it almost a personal experience. Beryl Markham was a most interesting individual and her life growing up in Africa is the beautiful background for this book. I have only reread one book in my sixty-some years and this is it. I enjoyed it at least as much the second time around.

I recommend this book to anyone, especially those interested in Africa, horses, aviation or just splendid writing.