Comments on: An Enigmatic Writer

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:27:44 +0000

I am guessing you might find Isak a favorite as well. I definitely think she is one of those writers who warrants a second and third reading. Just like a good piece of music, one can hear it over and over again. I think her stories and her life can bear that kind of repetition.

By: shiborigirl

shiborigirl — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:48:01 +0000

lovely and enticing post. i see i must add more of her books to my bedside stack, having read just a couple oh so long ago.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:38:31 +0000

How crazy is this? I never thought I would meet my twin in this obsession!! About four years ago we took a quick trip up to Denmark from Germany just so I could make the “pilgrimage” to her home. Honestly, it was the trip of my lifetime to see her home and feel her there. Unfortunately, we lost nearly all of the photos we took, save a few we had printed, when my husband’s computer crashed. I guess we have to go back. I am curious what your son does in Denmark. Copenhagen was recently voted the number 2 most liveable city in the world by the Financial Times this weekend. Zurich was number 1.

Yes, the hair washing scene is so beautiful. I also love her dinner party with Denys and Barkley Cole when she tells one of her lovely tales over wine, candles, china, and crystal. How about the flying scene with Denys? The service for Denys and her wavering speech, the sprinkling of the dirt over his casket, her walk up the hill is another. I can still hear the rustle of her skirt and the way she gently removes her hat.
It is all so beautiful that it is hard to imagine a life more romantic. Now I want to see the movie again.

We will have to chat further on this subject!

By: Mo'a

Mo'a — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:17:09 +0000

Be still my heart!!! I am a great fan of Isac Dinesen aka Karen Blixen. I have read most everything about her and by her.
My Son did one of his college papers on her…he now lives in Denmark.
We should get together and talk in quotes from “Out of Africa”
my Husband and I watch it at least every three months…it is like comfort food to us.
I think the hair washing scene, is the most romantic and sensuous scene I have ever seen in any movie. *Ahh!!*

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:06:57 +0000

I would guess that courage was her most obvious attribute. Adaptability, seeing beyond her pain (real or imagined), accepting fate as a lesson, etc. were a few more that defined her personality. I think I would start with a biography on her life. The Life of a Storyteller by Judith Thurman is probably a good place to start. And then maybe move on to some fiction. Did you see the film Babette's Feast? It was based on Dinesen's short story of the same name from Anecdotes of Destiny.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:59:34 +0000

You must have had a very good English teacher in high school. What a great book to offer at this age. I would think it would open many minds to many possibilities.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:52:50 +0000

I know you do not read much, but I do know, from reading your blog, what a gifted storyteller you are. And your writing is always rich, deep, philosophical, and often humorous. You are proof that one does not have to be a reader to be a great writer.

By: Pat Sieler

Pat Sieler — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:59:03 +0000

What a wonderful posting. I shall explore this author. What impressed me about “Out of Africa” was the woman’s courage. I seem to hold courage as a trait to be indulged as well as encouraged in life, and that this woman Isal Dinesen encapsulated it is fascinating to me. I can feel your enchantment with her.

By: Deb G

Deb G — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:27:13 +0000

The first thing I read by Isak Dinesen was Winter Tales. I was in high school and found it to be magical. I’ll have to find my copy and read it again, it’s been awhile.

By: jude

jude — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:27:06 +0000

thank you Phyllis. i am not much of a reader but this was a lovely post, and has tempted me to explore her art.