West With the Night

Synopsis

This volume tells the spellbinding story of Beryl Markham - aviator, racehorse trainer, fascinating beauty - and her life in Kenya in the 1920s and '30s.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Departure

Beryl Markham, a young English aviatrix, embarks on a solo flight from England to New York, aiming to become the first woman to cross the Atlantic east to west. She flies a monoplane named "The Vega Gull," facing treacherous weather and engine troubles along the way.

Real Example: In 1936, Markham set off from Croydon Airport in England, aiming to fly to New York via Iceland and Greenland. Her flight was hampered by fog, storms, and technical difficulties.

Chapter 2: Arctic Adventure

Markham encounters extreme conditions in the Arctic, including a near-fatal crash in Greenland. She meets Inuit people and witnesses the harsh realities of their survival.

Real Example: Markham's plane crashed due to icing on the wings. She survived and was helped by a group of Inuit who provided shelter and food.

Chapter 3: Newfoundland to New York

Markham continues her flight from Newfoundland to New York, battling strong headwinds and a deteriorating engine. She eventually lands at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, where she is hailed as a hero.

Real Example: Markham arrived in New York on September 5, 1936, after a 20-day flight. She was greeted with a ticker-tape parade and international acclaim.

Chapter 4: Africa

Markham returns to her life in Kenya, where she works as a bush pilot and trains horses. She becomes a skilled hunter and explorer, earning a reputation as one who pushes the boundaries of human endurance.

Real Example: Markham became a successful bush pilot, flying supplies and transporting passengers across East Africa. She also competed in horse races and became an expert in horse training.

Chapter 5: The Outbreak of War

With the onset of World War II, Markham becomes a flight instructor for the British Royal Air Force. She flies reconnaissance missions and helps transport wounded soldiers.

Real Example: Markham served as a flight instructor and pilot during the war. She had several close calls, including a crash landing that left her with a serious head injury.

Chapter 6: Post-War Life

After the war, Markham returns to Kenya and continues to fly and write. She is recognized for her pioneering spirit and her contributions to aviation and exploration.

Real Example: Markham wrote several books, including her autobiography, "West With the Night." She died in 1986, leaving a legacy as one of the most remarkable aviators and adventurers of all time.