glennameredith Review of The Flame Trees of Thika

The Flame Trees of Thika (1981– )

Pioneering in South Africa before the WW1 as seen through the eyes of a young girl

[10/10 · 26 March 2006]

This series that I first watched on PBS on television is so very excellent. At the time, I didn't know that it was based on a true story. It was exhilarating to see Hayley Mills as a Mother playing a realistic, gritty role and exciting to see the history of what life was like then. All of the characters added to the telling of this remarkable story. Elspeth, the young girl, was especially a standout for me as she adjusted to life in the rough and making friendships with the people from there and having experiences first hand.

I would certainly recommend this series to anyone who is interested in the history of South America, customs trying to be kept alive in a different culture and anyone who is a fan of Hayley Mills.

I would love to know what happened to the Family during and after the War!