Reviews

Out of Africa by Karen Blixen, Isak Dinesen

patsmith139's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

There is some truly magnificent, poetic writing on show here. Some of it moved me to tears-Blixen's reflections on the fate of two captive giraffes and her obvious and understandable sense of loss when she finally has to leave Kenya for good. I particularly like the section titled "From an Immigrant's Notebook" consisting of short and illuminating reflections on so many aspects of her time in Africa. However for some reason I didn't love this book. From modern eyes some of it didn't sit well-in particular the eviction of the 'Natives' from their own land (although Blixen reflects on this herself right at the end of the book)and the shooting of the wildlife. Nor do you really get a sense of Karen Blixen herself. I certainly need to find a good biography and find out more about her.

nikla88's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

La mia africa è uno dei titoli più azzeccati della letteratura, incarna perfettamente l'essenza del libro.
Se avete visto il film o avete ricamato una storia romantica dalla copertina, state sbagliando strada. Infatti questa serie di racconti, che non si può neanche definire romanzo, non ha come protagonista una storia d'amore ma l'Africa, i suo colori, profumi e abitanti.
Non c'è un filo temporale preciso ma pezzi di vita dell'autrice che piano piano sopraggiungono alla sua mente.
Purtroppo non sono mai stata in Africa ma piacerebbe capire e vedere cosa rimane di quel luogo descritto così bene dall'autrice, se le tradizioni Kikuyu e Masai resistono ancora oggi o sono solo un ricordo per turisti.
Le mie tre stelle derivano dal fatto che mi ci è voluto più di un mese a finire questo libro, la mancanza di un filo logico e di una storia lo rende particolarmente noioso e anche prolisso in alcuni punti.

msmagoo502's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful informative reflective

4.25

bravelass85's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

4.0

An interesting (at times, super problematic) perspective from a colonialist into gaining and losing a farm in Africa.

viis97's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional

3.5

lindareno's review against another edition

Go to review page

Just didn't hold my attention! There wasn't a storyline that grabbed me and made me want to finish it.

jennieleigh's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Loved it. Some odd moments, but overall highly educational about the time and the place. Some of the descriptions, especially of animals or landscapes are true poetry.

The thing I find oddest is how she never addresses that its unusual to be a woman on her own in the leadership position. At that time, it must have been rather rare?

misfitmoxie's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

5.0

kto2459's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective relaxing slow-paced

3.75

corneliabull's review against another edition

Go to review page

Fin bok, likte ganske godt! Litt tung å lese, men det gikk fint:) litt sjalu på hun dama egt, og ganske sykt at dette var livet hennes på tidlig 1900-tallet