I recently finished a biography of Isak Dinesen by Judith Thurman.  Isak Dinesen is the pen name of Danish author Karen Blixen.  Blixen's most famous book is "Out of Africa", her memoir of the 17 years she spent in British East Africa, now known as, Kenya. It was published in 1937.  The book was made into the Academy Award winning film, of the same title, staring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.  Blixen's next most famous work is "Seven Gothic Tales."  These dense, dark stories are a challenge, but worth the effort.  The photo above of Karen Blixen, her mother, and an odd driver displays the author's whimsical side, one facet of her complex personality.