Questions About Circling the Sun

by Paula McLain (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (22)

Do I need to read Karen Dinesen's Out of Africa, before Circling the Sun?

Johanna C. I highly recommend starting with West with the Night. Beryl is an amazing and complicated character that history has not been favorable to. Her writin…moreI highly recommend starting with West with the Night. Beryl is an amazing and complicated character that history has not been favorable to. Her writing is amazing and even Hemingway said he was ashamed to be called a writer after reading West with the Night. There's some controversy on whether or not she actually wrote it. I grew up in Kenya and know people who knew Beryl (who were also writers) and they are convinced that she did write it. I have read lots on the "happy valley" era and most do not necessarily portray Beryl favorably so I am interested to see how Paula McLain portrays her. (less)

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Is Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) portrayed in a positive or negative way? I like Beryl Markham but Isak Dinesen is my favorite author and I will pass on this book if her character is not written accurately.

Bob H Ms. Blixen seems a sympathetic character here; frankly I liked the fictional Beryl Markham here less than I liked the real Beryl Markham who wrote Wes…moreMs. Blixen seems a sympathetic character here; frankly I liked the fictional Beryl Markham here less than I liked the real Beryl Markham who wrote West with the Night. Different prose and somewhat different personality. I suggest you read this book as a period romance, fiction.(less)

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I recently re-watched Out of Africa with Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. One quick mention was made of George Markham, but nothing about Beryl. I realize that the movie was Karen's story, but much is mentioned about the other women of the community. Though we do meet many of the men. Do the Isak Dinesen writings talk more about the women?

Ms Lee Karen was not a fan of Beryl at all, so this is not too surprising that she was not included. Look on you tube for Paula's interview to learn more. …moreKaren was not a fan of Beryl at all, so this is not too surprising that she was not included. Look on you tube for Paula's interview to learn more. (less)

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Does anyone else think the cover looks like Taylor Swift's music video?

Heidi Now that you mention it, she (Beryl) does bear a resemblance to Swift.

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Maybe I didn't do my research but I didn't see anywhere (before reading) that this book paralleled Out of Africa. I enjoyed it very much but kept looking at the cover and the critic comments to see where I missed this! How did I miss this?

Lisa I missed it too. Totally taken by surprise with the connection to Out of Africa. I watched Out of Africa again and loved seeing the scenery and costum…moreI missed it too. Totally taken by surprise with the connection to Out of Africa. I watched Out of Africa again and loved seeing the scenery and costumes of the period. But, I believe you don't have to read one to enjoy the other. Both stand alone nicely, I think.(less)

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