The Flame Trees of Thika

The extraordinary adventures of a childhood in Africa, recalled in rich and loving detail. In an open cart Elspeth Huxley set off with her parents to travel to Thika in Kenya. As pioneering settlers among the Kikuyu people, they built a house of grass, ate off a damask cloth spread over packing cases and discovered -- the hard way -- the world of the African. Why You Should Read? Offers a firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs of early European settlers in Kenya. Provides a rare glimpse into the cultural interactions between settlers and the Kikuyu people. Presents a detailed and intimate portrayal of a childhood spent in colonial Africa. Features vivid descriptions of the Kenyan landscape and the everyday life of the early 20th century. About the Author Elspeth Huxley is a celebrated author and journalist known for her insightful portrayals of colonial life in Africa. Her experiences as a child in Kenya profoundly shaped her writing, providing a unique perspective on the complexities of cross-cultural interactions and the challenges of early settlers. Huxley's works are characterized by vivid descriptions, engaging storytelling, and a deep empathy for the people and landscapes she depicts. She is widely recognized for her contributions to African literature and her ability to capture the spirit of a bygone era.