Out
Of Africa and Shadows on the Grass 
Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen)
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Vintage; Reissue edition (October 23, 1989)
ISBN: 0679724753
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Readability: 4 Stars
Content: 5 Stars
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“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills�
There was no fat on it and no luxuriance anywhere; it was Africa
distilled up through six thousand feet, like the strong and refined
essence of a continent.” — Karen Blixen
This classic of African literature is an absolute pleasure to
read. It is a simple book, not a tale of grand adventure or intrepid
Safari. Out of Africa celebrates the glory that is Kenya; the
vast wilderness, the abundance of exotic animals, and most importantly,
the cultural heritage of the Kenyan people. Blixen is obviously
passionate about Africa, and as primarily a single woman, she
manages a coffee plantation in the Ngong hills, on the slopes
of Mount Kenya. Out of Africa documents Blixen's life on the farm,
offering incredible insight into colonial Kenya. But the true
strength of the book lies in her intimate understanding and dedicated
commitment to the native Africans who work on and around her farm.
She is compassionate with the Africans and the reader is afforded
special insight into tribal culture. Out of Africa is an excellent
book, even if you have seen the movie. The book and movie actually
compliment each other well, each covering events that the other
neglected. Shadows on the Grass is a short supplement to Out of
Africa, focusing primarily on Blixen's sad and reluctant departure
from Kenya. A good portion of Shadows on the Grass about her faithful
Somali servant Farah, and is a remarkable testament to their dedicated
commitment to each other.
