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.

69 people found this helpful

Great narration of so-so memoir

I enjoyed OUT OF AFRICA more for the narration than for the content. The content of this short personal memoir is itself very worthwhile. I seldom allow narration to impact my overall rating, but in this case it does.

10 people found this helpful

Wonderfully Descriptive & Acted

Ms. Harris' reading of this famous work by Isak Dennison's memoir of her life in East Africa is tender yet gripping. The writing is one of the best examples of Dennison's much renowned descriptive prose. One feels as though one shares the experiences of this wonderful land.

13 people found this helpful

A beautiful story teller

I loved this audio book. The reader brought such character of Isaac dennison to be real. I could truly see thru her eyes the wonders of Africa.

20 people found this helpful

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!

2 people found this helpful

Very abridged

I was extremely disappointed when I realized this was an abridged version of this book

2 people found this helpful

‘Out of Africa’ read by Julie Harris.

One of the great literary experiences for someone like me who has a passion for books related to travel. Julie Harris’ performance conveys both the strength and the sensitivity of this most significant story.

8 people found this helpful

earthy and sensual

It's a love story of Africa. Once I realized that it was this rather than an affair, I could relax and enjoy the story.
The narrator was quite good.

20 people found this helpful

Captivating!

Loved every warm, beautiful, heart breaking moment. Listened to this story on a cold winter weekend. Just the ticket!

4 people found this helpful

Excellent Performance

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

4 people found this helpful