West with the Night by Beryl Markham is an autobiographical account of the author's life growing up in colonial Kenya in the early 1900s. The book is a beautifully written memoir that captures the spirit of Africa and the adventurous life of the author.

Markham was a woman ahead of her time, living a life that was not typical for a woman of her era. She became a renowned aviatrix, horse trainer and adventurer in Africa, earning the admiration of many, including the famous author Ernest Hemingway.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different part of Markham's life. The first part details her childhood in Kenya and the various experiences that shaped her into the adventurous and independent woman she would become. The second part covers her experiences as a horse trainer and her attempt to become the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. The final part showcases her amazing and daring adventure as a pilot delivering mail throughout Africa.

Markham's writing is lyrical, with vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa, bringing the continent to life for the reader. Her intimate knowledge of the African landscape and people is evident in her storytelling, making the reader feel as if they are right there with her on her adventures.

This book is not only a thrilling adventure story, but it also represents a feminist perspective in a time when women were expected to conform to strict societal norms. Markham broke these norms, blazed her own trail, and achieved what few women of her time ever did.

In conclusion, West with the Night is a must-read book for anyone who loves adventure, history, and aviation. It is a brilliant memoir that will transport the reader to Africa and inspire them to chase their own dreams, no matter how unconventional.