Beryl Markham was a woman ahead of her time. Born in England in 1902, she spent her childhood in East Africa among her father's racehorses. It was there that she first gained her love of adventure, which would serve her well throughout her life.

As a young woman, Beryl became a licensed racehorse trainer, and she soon made a name for herself in Kenya's colonial society as one of the few women competing in horse races. But it was her pioneering spirit that truly set her apart. Beryl was the first woman in Kenya to earn a commercial pilot's license, and in 1936, she became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean from east to west.

But it was as a writer that Beryl truly made her mark. In 1942, she published her memoir West with the Night, a stunningly lyrical account of her life in Africa and her adventures as a pilot. The book was met with critical acclaim, and to this day, it remains a beloved classic of travel literature.

Beryl was a force to be reckoned with, an independent spirit who refused to be constrained by society's expectations. Her life was one of adventure, of daring, and of following her own path. She was a trailblazer, a fearless pioneer, and a true icon of her time.

Today, Beryl's legacy lives on through her writing, her spirit, and her unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms. Hers is a story that will inspire generations to come, a testament to the power of determination, courage, and a love of adventure.