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  • Out of Africa

  • By: Isak Dinesen
  • Narrated by: Julie Harris
  • Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (101 ratings)
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Out of Africa cover art

Out of Africa

By: Isak Dinesen
Narrated by: Julie Harris
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Summary

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.

What listeners say about Out of Africa

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • KJ
  • 09-01-18

Beautiful

Beautiful portrait of Africa, her landscape and people, a raw wilderness that you can't help but fall in love with. Shame it isn't much longer, but the author really captures and captivates her readers, and you go on this journey with her. Such a spotlight on colonial life and times. Beautifully read, although slightly over-read near the end. Slight feedback on the recording - I could hear voices in the background, but this didn't detract. So glad I read this book. Wonderfully, enchantingly wild and vivid.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I wanted more

Maybe Because this was the abridged version, it left me needing more. But all the same, a classic and having lived in Kenya, was grateful to hear this story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Abridged but worth a listen

I would have liked to have been able to listen to a full and unabridged version of the novel but it would be churlish to complain as this is an Audible freebie. The sense of country is captured and something of the people but the majestic sweep of the full narrative is missing. Made me appreciate, even more, the power off full and unabridged readings.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

I don't really get it 🤷‍♀️

It was well written..... I have no idea what else to say about it. It was Dinesen's personal account of a part of her life - I don't really feel that I can review what is just someone's own story.
It's always good to be able to see through others' eyes, although colonization sympathetic to the colonizers makes me feel quite uncomfortable.
I don't usually like abridged books but I'm glad that this one was abridged as it just seemed to go on forever.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

Enchanting story, beautiful writing, very good and adequate to the period and the story voice. Absolute delight. A gem.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful portrait of Africa

I adored this book! The imagery is so vivid and true, you are transported into her world so completely. You feel connected to the author and her deep love of the land, the people, the flora and fauna. I could listen to this over and over.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

interesting story marred by technical problems

was not sure about this at first but it grew on me and I became invested in the characters . however there is an annoying 'ghosting' a background sound that at times was distracting.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

loved the film and could hear the music

I am a huge fan of the film and i could hear the beautiful music played, from the film, in my mind throughout the book. I could hear the voices of the charactors from my memory and visualise the scenes.
By default, I love this book.
My wish would be to have the title music from the film played as an added extra during the reading. It is majestically fitting, especially the music played during their flights together.
If you have ever seen these parts of Africa, felt its climate and engulfed its beauty, you will know this book within your heart.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

I loved the book more than I love the movie .
The description is absolutely beautiful .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

very enjoyably.

a lovely reading which brings colour and emotion to the imagination. well worth it. I'm inspired to widen my choice of books.

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