Miniseries about Elspeth and her unorthodox parents. They decide to move the family to Kenya in order to start up a coffee plantation. The series follows Elspeth's amazing adventures as she makes friends with her new Kenyan and English neighbors. She also discovers nature in all it's glory and ferocity. As time progresses, the family's idyllic life is interrupted by World War I and the effect it has on the Commonwealth countries.
K**Y
beautiful scenery
Very interesting story, beautiful scenery
L**G
If I had to choose one video to keep...
What a joy it was to find this still available. I first read the book in the 70s, after finding it in Nairobi on my first visit. On hearing in the 80s that a TV adaptation was coming up I was wary, but it was beautifully done. It would be very easy for a film like this, seen through a child's eyes, to descend into gooey sentimentality, but it never does. The story is based on Elspeth Huxley's memoirs of her childhood in Kenya shortly before WW1, when her parents, with little money and a lot more hope than experience, set out to start a coffee farm. Every character, whether African or European, is perfectly cast. The scenery is beautiful, the storylines have everything from drama to pathos to humour (just check out poor Mrs Nimmo at her New Year's Eve party) and the music is hauntingly beautiful. Add to all that a most poignant love affair - what more can you ask? I envy anyone who's never seen this - you have such a treat in store.
Trustpilot
4 days ago
1 month ago
