Books

Blixen, Karen (1885 ? 1962) "When I left it? I never thought I would get over it" - Blixen reflects on her African Farm A fine two-page typed letter signed by Karen Blixen, 2nd September 1938. The author writes in Danish to a Mrs. Schou in relation to her most famous work Out of Africa [Danish title: My African Farm]. Blixen opens by thanking her correspondent for their letter, noting, "It is indeed nice for an author to gain understanding and appreciation, and to me it is of even greater importance when it concerns my African farm, because it stood, and stands, so close to my heart." She continues, "When I left it, and my parents out there, I never thought I would get over it - and I probably never will - but it is a great experience for me when people get to love and understand the places and the people I left via my book - and it seems as if part of all that once sank and disappeared has been conserved by me, despite my being in some sense completely unworthy." The author continues by offering thanks for a translation of Lady into Fox (the 1922 novel by David Garnett). "It is such a delightful book and as far as I know of I have never seen any book more masterfully transformed into another language." She also extends thanks for an invitation to Palsgaard. "I often went to Palsgaard as a young girl, with my aunt Christenze from Aakieaer, when Fritz Wedell lived there, and had a good time." Signed by Blixen in bold fountain pen ink, with an added post-script, ?I enclose an extract of David Garnett?s statements about Out of Africa [?My African Farm?] which I thought you might enjoy seeing. Usual letters folds and light toning, otherwise in fine condition. Letters by Blixen that refer to her most famous work are rare. Blixen?s Out of Africa, a memoir about the author?s seventeen years spent in Kenya, was turned into a multi-award-winning motion picture in 1985, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

Out of Africa is Karen Blixen's poignant memoir that details her life on a coffee plantation in Kenya. Through lyrical prose, Blixen reflects on the beauty, challenges, and friendships experienced during her stay from 1914 to 1931.