West with the Night

By: Beryl Markham

Narrated by: Anna Fields

Beryl Markham, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west, describes her childhood on a farm in Kenya, her apprenticeship as a horse trainer, and her later career as a pioneer aviator who piloted passengers and supplies in a small plane to remote corners of Africa.

Of her memoir Ernest Hemingway said, "She has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer....[She] can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves writers."

©1942 Beryl Markham (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Outstanding

What a story! And beautifully narrated.... The beauty and adventure and exquisite language will carry you dream-like through this book, and you'll be glad you can listen again.

A short review of West with the Night by Beryl Markham

I think the West with the Night is marvelous. Beryl Markham's literary descriptions are thoughtful and witty. Her wonderful story about growing up in Africa, training horses, and learning to fly is told with humor and flair.

In the end, it was worth the effort...

Initially, the painstaking descriptions seemed tiresome to me, and the voice of the narrator seemed to lack any emotion or inflection. The character of the narration didn't change really, but I came to feel that it was a good fit for the main character, who was herself unusual and sometimes oddly detached from the events in her life, no matter how traumatic or tragic they might be. I eventually found the somewhat extensive descriptions to offer nuggets of wisdom, or wry observations on people and events, such that I began to appreciate them as the authentic voice of the central figure. From the larger perspective, the book frames a singular period in the development of Africa, takes us through the events and accomplishments of a rather remarkable woman, and the influences of the even more remarkable and honorable people among whom she lived. I enjoyed getting to know them, and felt their loss keenly as well. This was one case where my desire to always finish a book I have started - even when I'm struggling to get into the story initially - was well rewarded.

A masterpiece of prose

I'm not especially interested in Africa, planes or racehorse training but Ms Markham ' s prose made each ntriguing, and vivid . My only disappointment is that she wasn't more prolific. I love this book and will read it again. It should be taught in schools (get rid of Moby Dick!).

Exquisite

This is the most exquisitely written book I’ve ever encountered. This reading does it great justice.