Out of Africa & Shadows on the Grass

By: Isak Dinesen

Narrated by: Susan Lyons

Out of Africa:
In this audiobook, the author of Seven Gothic Tales gives a true account of her life on her plantation in Kenya. She tells with classic simplicity of the ways of the country and the natives: of the beauty of the Ngong Hills and coffee trees in blossom: of her guests, from the Prince of Wales to Knudsen, the old charcoal burner, who visited her: of primitive festivals: of big game that were her near neighbors--lions, rhinos, elephants, zebras, buffaloes--and of Lulu, the little gazelle who came to live with her, unbelievably ladylike and beautiful.


Shadows on the Grass:
Isak Dinesen takes up the absorbing story of her life in Kenya begun in the unforgettable Out of Africa, which she published under the name of Karen Blixen. With warmth and humanity these four stories illuminate her love both for the African people, their dignity and traditions, and for the beauty and wildness of the landscape. The first three were written in the 1950s and the last, 'Echoes from the Hills', was written especially for this volume in the summer of 1960 when the author was in her seventies. In all they provide a moving final chapter to her African reminiscences.

A compelling story

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I read it, keeping in mind the times in which it was written and from the perspective of the author who lived during it. I would definitely recommend. A poetic narrative.

What an amazing woman.

Liked it all. Better than the good movie. You got to see the woman and the real experience.

A heartwarming story of love and loyalty.

I loved her descriptions of both nature and people. She has great insight and a wonderful command of the English language!

Beautiful writing, didn’t love narration

This is an honest, personal, and sometimes poignant account of the writer’s years in Africa. Some of Isak Dinesen’s observations are “politically incorrect” for our era, but don’t miss the astounding beauty of her storytelling. And be sure and listen to the follow-on narrative, Shadows on the Grass.
I would recommend a version of this book with a different narrator. Although she is technically excellent, her voice is a bit high and grating for me.

Superb

A marvelous story teller and human being, Karen Blixen brings alive her time in Kenya after WW I. Her generosity of character and superb descriptions of her friends and servants...Somalians, Masai, Kikuyu and Europeans...enriches the reader and shatters preconceptions.