Cry of the Kalahari

By: Mark Owens, Delia Owens

Narrated by: Donna Postel, Sean Runnette

Length: 14 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is the story of the Owens' travel and life in the Kalahari Desert. Here they met and studied unique animals and were confronted with danger from drought, fire, storms, and the animals they loved. This best-selling book is for both travelers and animal lovers.

©1984 Mark and Delia Owens (P)2019 Tantor

Classic Book & Very Highly Recommended

This a classic that I first read decades ago: I’ve really enjoyed reading it again as an audio book. Any one interested in Africa, ecology or travel adventure should enjoy this book.

A few years ago I listened to “The Old Way” by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. In her book, she describes the life of the Kalahari people as experienced by her family in the early 1950’s. By the time the Owens arrived in the Kalahari during the mid 1970’s, the Bushmen had been driven off the land and it had been turned into a game reserve. In a way, I found this book to be a continuation of Elizabeth Marshall Thomas’s story of the Kalahari , its’ people and its’ animals.

As for the narration, it is excellent. Sean Runnette is one of the best narrators available. Donna Postel is also a very good narrator who speaks American English with a very slight Southern accent. Speaking as a Canadian and a reader of 200 plus audio books a year, I find her accent very acceptable and, in no way whatsoever, objectionable.

This is an audiobook I would enjoy listening to again.

Fantastic

I was Leary to get into a documentary story of this length but my curiosity about Delia Owens being spurred by my reading of “Where the crawdads sing” was strong and I wasn’t disappointed, this book was intriguing at every turn.

Couldn't listen, read the book instead

Sorry but the male narrator sound like he's got a mouth full of saliva and needs ro swallow .

I loved the book, but it was sad.

I wish there had been more happy stories about the animals. The sad ones were necessary, but depressing. All the vehicle problems started to get old as well. I was sick of hearing about them. Apart from that, this was a GREAT listen! Solid 4.7 on this book. I was NEVER bored and it kept me up all night listening. I learned so much! Thank you!

Good yarn

I loved the story. After researching the Owens, I am more skeptical of some of the stories. For example, one story of a lion kill by hunters was based on evidence on the ground and the authors guess based on evidence not on observation of the animals last hours.

The Owens seemed to have been asked to leave or left the country voluntarily which is not mentioned in book. Later, they left Zambia hurriedly and later several articles were written about the aggressive actions by Mark Owens to curb poaching.

After knowing more about their story, I began to wonder as I read how much was written to heighten interest and support for their work.

Fabulous sad thrilling and triumphant

Like poetry. Amazing writing and the best male narration I’ve heard in years.... and I devour audiobooks like meals. Just wonderful and adventurous! I’m in the middle of the book and I love it so much that I’ve stopped to write my first ever review.

1

I enjoyed this story and the issues outlined in preserving these species. I hope the problem has improved.

cry of Kalahari

i loved it! Adventure. Emotional highs and lows. Almost poetry at times. I love their books!

Hard to understand

Now,I LOVE accents..But not ion an audiobook..The woman that does the reading in half of this book,is very hard to understand. I grew up with multiple languages and accents being spoken{Geman,Polish,Yiddish,French,etc} but somehow? In an ausiobook? Its very distracting..FABULOUS story thoQQQ

An incredible story!

This is not a story like Nicole Kidman going to Africa.

These 2 young, idealistic scientists, fresh out of college and newly married, set out to the Kalahari to track the habits and migration of African wild animals.

Living the most basic life in a lean-to tent on a game reserve in an isolated and totally remote desert, their story of ingenuity and survival is fascinating. The animal stories are heartfelt and illuminating and very meaningful to the survival of the species.

I learned a great deal, all the while that I was reading their riveting stories.

An interesting note: The woman who existed for 23 years in the bush, is the real-life author of “Where the Crawdads Sing! Who knew??