Rating: 
Summary: Dream On
Review: Let's concede upfront that there are powerfully evocative scenes in this book of Africa's beauty (at least in that part of Kenya that used to be called, tellingly, the "White Highlands") and mystery. Let's also acknowledge that Gallmann's love for Kenya and her commitment to its land and people are genuine. And let's also sympathize with her for the terrible losses of her husband and teenage son (the former in a car accident, all too common in Africa; the latter to a snakebite, all too predictable if one is going to keep and handle some of the most deadly snakes on the planet). One is still left with the bizarre anachronisms of European privilege (virtually every white person seems to own an airplane and no one seems ever to work), condescending noblesse oblige (imagine, being polite to the African servant who brings you morning tea!), and the perpetuation of a way of life that pretty much disappeared years ago. When Elspeth Huxley, Beryl Markham, and Isak Dinesen wrote their vastly superior "Flame Trees of Thika," "West With the Night," and "Out of Africa," respectively, they detailed a Kenya in the days before World War II. Back then, a servant pouring brandy with a fez on might have seemed no worse than quaint. Today (and this book deals with life in the 1970s and 80s), it seems about as right as having your yardman call you "massa."
Rating: 
Summary: A Truthful Account of Beauty
Review: Kuki takes the unexplainable idea of AFRICA and develops its splendor through her personal experience. She does so with poetic grace and also an affinty for telling details. There is no excessive information, yet enough to develop her life. I recommend this book not only for the languid, poetic writing style (evoking the spirit of Africa in itself) but also for its story. A must-read.
Rating: 
Summary: THE MAL D'AFRIQUE
Review: A Venetian expatriate, Kuki Gallman has written the sensitive story of her life in a beautiful book, now an equally beautiful movie with Kim Basinger. Settled in Kenya with Italian husband Paolo in 1972, the latter dies tragically, leaving Kuki alone with her 14-y.o.son Emanuele, a baby in the making and 90,000 acres of land to mind. The newborn baby Sveva, however, and her new friends give Kuki new strength and hope, but Emanuele has a dangerous hobby, a passion that will prove ultimately deadly: the breeding of snakes. The author will again overcome tragedy by creating, via the memory of her husband and son, the Gallmann Memorial Foundation, dedicated to the preservation of the wonderful African nature. A moving and dramatic account of real life, full of humanity and ultimate determination.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing read
Review: I kept putting this book down after reading a paragraph or two. I thought the book would never end. Although some of the descriptions of Kenya were vivid and did evoke the feeling of being there, I really couldn't figure out why Kuki was there at all. At best she was a two dimensional character who evoked no empathy at all even through her many tragedies. The book merely scratched the surface of the people of Africa focusing instead on how Kuki viewed them or their roles to her. As a matter of fact the whole book seemed to be the Kuki story and not a very good one at that. At best it resembles an amateurish journal written by a self-focused, privileged class woman.
Rating:
Summary: I Dreamed Of Africa/Beauty & Sensibilities Lost
Review: Beauty and Sensibilities are often lost on the "Modern" World. Not this time! What a lovely read. From the heart. Descriptions of life, tastes and reflections of a land that has been maligned for so long. Ms.Gallman's beauty lies in her love of things dear to her heart and the compassion that she shows for living things. The two wonderful men in her life are made alive through her descriptive processes and her anguish jumps off the page. Thank you for writing such a lovely book from your heart. Que bella. Brava! You are a wonderful ambassador for Africa and for all of us who love and care for all living things.
Rating:
Summary: Passion beyond words....
Review: A truly passionate account of a woman in Africa, finding harmony and strength from her environment... the mystical and beautiful Kenya. This auto-biography, straight from the heart of Kuki Gallmann under an African sky, has opened my eyes and ears to her plight in saving what Mother Nature has given us. It reinforces one's desire for freedom and love, capturing the essence of the meaning of life..and everlasting love. A pure joy to read - thank you Kuki. Enkosi kakhulu!
Rating:
Summary: The most inspiring book, I have ever read.
Review: This book is a fresh breath of air. Before I read this book, I did not know who to look up to or who to model my life after. Kuki shows that life is a beautiful exsperience and to take each day as it comes. She shows us to follow our hearts. Kuki is a increditable woman. She is so strong, loving, thoughtful and has kept going after terrible odds. She shows how beautiful Africa is. I carry this book with me always as inspiration when things get tough. Her descriptions of her life and Africa are so good you feel as if you there and you want to reach out and thank her for the exsperience.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I started it one morning and could not put it down until I finished it that night. A powerful, beautifully written, and deeply moving book -- THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing and absurd
Review: I never ever laid down a book without finishing it before, but this time was the first time! I am a fan of Kenya and I have read almost all literature available on this subject. But Kuki Gallmann's book was a bore. She set off writing about her life at home, then the start of her life in Kenya. She writes about her love for this country and how beautiful she thinks it is. But she is unable to share the beauty with the reader, there are just empty words without compassion. And the book gets even worse, when she writes about her husband's soul that enters her unborn baby's body after his car accident. For me, that was a little too fantastic. And that was about it. I put it down and haven't picked it up since. And I am not planning to, either! It was just too bad!
Rating:
Summary: An Africa Story
Review: I DREAMED OF AFRICA certainly heads the list of quintessential I-had-a-farm-in-Africa stories. It is the story of a woman achieving her African Dream: affluence, heaven on earth, living harmoniously amidst nature in majestic houses, socializing with friends, and enjoying the love of family. The "picture-perfect" tapestry of this backdrop threatens to unravel with the deaths of her husband and son. The book largely becomes a shrine to her deceased son whose life, so tragically cut short, was filled with promise. The woman finds new reasons to live through her young daughter and her cause to protect the wildlife of Africa. I DREAMED OF AFRICA is no stranger to the conventions of rich-white-Africa-stories: most of the prominent characters are tall, blond, drive Land Rovers, wear safari outfits (of which khaki is a staple), and travel the African outback as if it is their backyard. Still, I DREAMED OF AFRICA is eloquently told, interesting, and educational (concerning human nature.) Hence, the five stars. Those who loved I DREAMED OF AFRICA might also be interested in RULES OF THE WILD by Francesca Marciano.
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