Beryl Markham was an extraordinary woman who defied conventions in early 20th-century Africa and beyond. A pioneering aviator, accomplished horse trainer, and celebrated author, her life was as adventurous and captivating as the landscapes she inhabited. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Beryl Markham, drawing inspiration from her memoir West with the Night and the historical fiction novel Circling the Sun.
Beryl Markham’s story is one of resilience, independence, and a pioneering spirit. Born in England in 1902, she moved to colonial British East Africa with her father, Charles Clutterbuck, a respected racehorse trainer, at the tender age of four. While her mother returned to England shortly after their arrival, Beryl found solace and freedom in the wild African bush, developing a deep connection with the land and its creatures. She grew up with the children of the local village, an experience that shaped her into a self-reliant and adventurous young woman. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for a life less ordinary, filled with challenges and triumphs.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Beryl developed an exceptional talent for working with horses. At just 19, she became the first licensed female racehorse trainer in Kenya. Her success and tenacity earned her a reputation within Kenya’s vibrant European social circle, often referred to as the Happy Valley Set. Beryl’s life was marked by three marriages and a son, Gervase, from her second marriage to Mansfield Markham. However, her independent spirit often clashed with societal expectations. Despite personal complexities, including a significant love triangle involving Danish writer Karen Blixen (author of Out of Africa) and big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton, Beryl’s determination to forge her own path remained unwavering.
Beryl’s fascination with flight began during her affair with Denys Finch Hatton. She took flying lessons with British pilot Tom Campbell Black, finding solace and purpose in the skies after Hatton’s tragic death. This passion for aviation led her to become a bush pilot, spotting game animals from her aircraft for safari companies. However, her ambition soared beyond routine flights. In 1936, Beryl set out to achieve a groundbreaking feat: to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic from east to west, a journey no one had successfully completed. Departing from Abingdon, England, she faced treacherous conditions. Twenty hours into her flight, her plane’s fuel tanks froze, forcing a crash landing in Nova Scotia, Canada. Although she fell short of her ultimate destination, Beryl became the first woman and the first person to successfully complete a non-stop eastward flight to North America.
In 1942, Beryl published her memoir, West with the Night, chronicling her extraordinary life and adventures. Initially, the book received little attention and quickly went out of print. However, in 1982, a chance discovery of Ernest Hemingway’s letters brought Beryl Markham and her memoir back into the spotlight. Hemingway, a fellow writer, famously praised her work, stating, “this girl… can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers… it really is a bloody wonderful book.” This compelling endorsement spurred restaurateur George Gutekunst to champion the book, leading to its re-issue by North Point Press in 1983. The re-release of West with the Night became an unexpected bestseller, finally bringing Beryl the recognition and financial security she deserved in her later years. She passed away three years later, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of courage and an inspiring testament to a life lived on her own terms.
For those seeking tales of inspiring women and remarkable adventures, both Circling the Sun by Paula McLain and Beryl Markham’s own memoir, West with the Night, come highly recommended. They offer a glimpse into a bygone era and the life of a woman who truly dared to soar. Consider starting a book club with friends to discuss these captivating stories and celebrate women who lived life to the fullest.
