Out of Africa

By: Isak Dinesen

Narrated by: Julie Harris

Danish countess Karen Blixon, known as Isak Dineson, ran a coffee plantation in Kenya in the years when Africa remained a romantic and formidable continent to most Europeans. Out of Africa is her account of her life there, with stories of her respectful relationships with the Masai, Kikuyu, and Somali natives who work on her land; the European friends who visit her; and the imposing permanence of the wild, high land itself. Stage and television actress Julie Harris delivers a reading that is emotionally charged and reflective, recreating Dinesen's lively appreciation for the land she loved so much.

Public Domain (P)1985 The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

I did not expect to enjoy this

What made the experience of listening to Out of Africa the most enjoyable?

The voice talent of Julie Harris. True, she does not have any "accents" to make the reading more "credible" but her interpretation and delivery, especially the subtext, make the world of the book come alive. It was performed, not read.

Would you recommend Out of Africa to your friends? Why or why not?

I would. I was not a fan of the movie and only purchased this because it was on sale and I wanted to whittle down the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die list. I was expecting to slog through it and I was pleasantly surprised. It a great example of "the book is better" rule. That being said, I'm willing to give the movie another try based on this audio book.

Have you listened to any of Julie Harris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but definitely will seek her out for future purchases. I enjoyed her so much that I looked her up. Broadway stage legend and Kennedy Center Honoree. It's too bad that she's no longer with us, but there is a lot to choose from on the website.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Meryl Streep is almost as good as Julie Harris and Robert Redford is miscast. Oh, and there are lions."

Any additional comments?

Snark aside, I was really surprised and I enjoyed this book. I hope that there is an unabridged version that presents itself in the future. Though it will be a tough act to follow Julie Harris if it's read by someone else. I'm looking forward to listening to this one again.

Excellent Performance

I thought the narrator really elevated this memoir to the next level. I cried at the end.

A treasure! Yes, yes, yes!

I saw the movie before listening to the book. No matter. Lovely and wonderful, touching, oh my! And the story teller, so true to her task, made the whole experience absolutely heartfelt. Do listen to this tale! Worth every moment spent!

Well writ. Wonderfully read.

When one invests one's heart and soul in a place and that place is Africa, and you must give up and leave. Had heard of but knew nothing of the book, a true story of the author's life on her coffee plantation in Kenya, the land and people. Touching without being maudlin. Excellent narration. Well worth the comparatively short listening time.

FAB - U - LOUS!

Interesting story made even better by the
wonderful narrator who read with incredible feeling and emotion.