Out of Isak Dinesen: Karen Blixen's Untold Story

Out of Isak Dineson in Africa spans from 1913 to 1931 about the life of Karen Blixen (the real name of author Isak Dineson). Blixen describes Kenya as the happiest period of her life – 17 years out of her life of 77 years. In her book, Out of Africa, there are omissions of her true relationships, especially with her husband Baron Blor von Blixen-Finecke (1886-1946), and adventurer Denys Finch Hatton (1887-1931). Donelson attempts to enrich what readers know of Karen Blixen through her novels, with information from letters, interviews, excerpts from her books, and the historical background to the events in Africa and Denmark.Donelson tries to untangle the complexities of Blixen's relationships with everyone – her brothers, her husband, her husband’s lovers, her farm staff, her doctors, her creditors, and her friends. She also tries to unmask a woman who took great efforts to keep much of her life secret. The book is chronological, with each year having a separate chapter, from 1913-1931, ending with the death of Denys Finch Hattan in a plane crash.The interesting chapters – and there are many – are about Denys Finch Hatton and his and her feelings for each other. Described as a Renaissance man, he too was an enigma. There is less of the romantic idealism of the book, Out of Africa, and more of the realities of living peripatetic lives. Other interesting chapters – about halfway into the book – include Blixen’s deepening commitment to writing and painting.While there is still much speculation about Karen Blixen, this is an engaging biography that is interesting to read, moreso because of the many times I have been to Nairobi, the Ngong Hills, and on the trails of Denys Finch Hatton. Some readers may find the attention to detail tedious – such as whether Denys rolled up the sleeves of his shirt or not, or whether Karin discussed monetary issues with him. Much more has been revealed about Blixen than I expected, and therefore it’s a good read, right to the end.

I bought this book in preparation for a trip to the Tanzania/Kenya area. I had read some of Dinesen's writings in the past and love the movie, Babette's Feast, based upon one of her short stories. Blixen was a complex person and I've always felt that I didn't get the 'whole picture' in the film 'Out of Africa'. I decided to read this rather than other writings by the author. I was not disappointed. It isn't a simple task to take such a complex personality and distill various facets into a cogent whole. Donelson does a good job at this, particularly giving some insights into the medical contradictions in her life. The one thing that I don't think works quite as well is Donelson's attempts to find the author's own personality/experience in various aspects of her writing. That seemed a bit of stretch at times. But, if you're looking for a good biographical read about a complex personality, and are interested in Eastern Africa during the 20's, you won't be disappointed.

Review of Linda Donalsen, "Out of Isak Dineson"If you loved Isak Dineson's (Karen Blixen) 'Out of Africa' this book by Linda Donalsen is an essential read. Not only is it beautifully and engagingly written but it describes the setting and the era superbly. The reader learns about the different lives of the aristrocacy and middle class, the Danish, the English and the different African tribes and the development of the city of Nairobi. The setting just before and after Wold War 1 and it's effects on East Africa are very interesting. The African landscape and climate and the differences between the coastal climate and the mountains, the vegetation and animal life are vividly drawn with just enough detail to excite the reader's senses and never ventures to the tedious. Donalsen also draws and fills out the characters in Karen Blixen's life with a superb elaboration of Karen Blixen herself.

This is a wonderful read, not only for women that loved Out of Africa both in print and film, but for any woman who is interested in crafting a legendary life out of the setbacks, disappointments and adventures of her own story. Karen Blixen did just that. Except for living amidst lions and buccaneering personalities, her life is not so different from many of our own. There were constant problems with money; there was societal failure; there wasn't a perfect romantic relationship, but Karen Blixen told her own story in the end. This biography lets us experience the process with her and gather the strength to create our own legend.

This book is a biography of the author of Out of Africa. The author is a woman who lived in Africa for many years and lived close to the house where Karen Blixen lived. She has done a lot of research about Karen and recorded it in this book. She only includes incidents that have been recorded in Karen's letters to her mother and brother, or have been authenticated in other sources. She does include the rumor that Dennis Finch Hatton was gay. I don't know if it's true or not, but it's interesting to read about it.

Long ago I had bought the book Isaak Denesen's African Cook had written. When I took a daughter to see the movie "Out of Africa", I fell in love with it. So when I saw this book on Amazon, I bought it. Sure enough it was better than the movie!It seems she and Finch-Hatten were together much longer than it seemed in the movie-17 years!Wonderful details and pictures!I looked up her home on Google Earth, and her home is now a museum and there are many pictures there to see.

An excellent well-researched biography of Karen Blixen aka Isak Dinesen; the acclaimed Danish writer. I have read other biographies of this lady and also her own poetic story called 'Out of Africa'. The movie 'Out of Africa' was just as memorable but neither entirely accurate. However Linda Donelson corrects these mysteries and shines a strong light on the rest of the long and troubled life of Karen Blixen after she returned to Denmark, her writings and her many friendships. I recommend people also read "Too Close to the Sun", the biography of English born aristocrat, Denys Finch Hatton, Karen's lover in Africa. A brilliant star-crossed love story of two remarkable people.

A very interesting background to a complex and bizarre character. It also painted a very good picture of life for the early Colonial settlers in Africa and how much benefit they brought to the country. It is a pity that most of the stories of that time are taken up with the hedonistic life of a few rich, aimless aristocrats. This book goes some way to providing a balance.

A very interesting read. I knew little about Karen Blixen and was not even aware that she was a "real" person. I just loved the film " Out of Africa". This book was so well written and held my interest throughout.

It was a very comprehensive book underlying the real events behind'Out of Africa'I have read 'Out of Africa' many times over the past 30years and it was interesting to read the background of the people and country involved.

Love all Karen Blixen and Isak Dinesen.Quick delivery. Thank you

pleased