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Product Description
Review
'A real crime book that is also a splendid biography, this is a poignant and gripping tale.' (CATHOLIC HERALD )
Book Description
A compelling story of African adventure, romance and intrigue, perfect for readers of bestselling true crime such as WHITE MISCHIEF and MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This a story about the life of Joan Root which ends with her violent death, murdered in her home. I saw a TV programme about Joan Root's murder soon after her death and when I discovered this book last month I hesitated before buying it. The story begins optimistically when the Joan and Alan, blessed with youth and good looks meet and marry in the privileged white Kenyan community. They build a life together in the wildlife wonderland on the shore of Lake Naivasha and become pre-eminent in Alan's field of wildlife film making.
However there is trouble in paradise. The glory of the career dims when they are unable to have a family; Alan is eventually drawn away from Joan and they divorce; the paradise that was Naivasha is invaded by alien horticulture and wildlife poaching which destroys the lake ecosystem and its dependent wildlife; the response to that only worsens the ever more poisonous relationships; violence and murder become common-place and eventually claims Joan as its most high profile victim.
Joan lived and died in the vain hope that Alan would return one day and he did but only after she is murdered.
So be prepared for a compelling read but there is no feel good ending to this story.
This is the third book I have read about Africa in recent weeks and the theme running through all of them is of the grinding poverty of the native African people; the degradation of the environment and the destruction of wildlife. Very sad but we need to know. Joan tried to do something to counter all of these and paid with her life.
However there is trouble in paradise. The glory of the career dims when they are unable to have a family; Alan is eventually drawn away from Joan and they divorce; the paradise that was Naivasha is invaded by alien horticulture and wildlife poaching which destroys the lake ecosystem and its dependent wildlife; the response to that only worsens the ever more poisonous relationships; violence and murder become common-place and eventually claims Joan as its most high profile victim.
Joan lived and died in the vain hope that Alan would return one day and he did but only after she is murdered.
So be prepared for a compelling read but there is no feel good ending to this story.
This is the third book I have read about Africa in recent weeks and the theme running through all of them is of the grinding poverty of the native African people; the degradation of the environment and the destruction of wildlife. Very sad but we need to know. Joan tried to do something to counter all of these and paid with her life.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
After spending many years in Kenya in the 70's, I just bought this book as a memory booster of my time spent there.
What a read! Not only is it very well written, but it is almost like a thriller & I just couldn't turn the pages quick enough. What an extraordinary life Jean Root had, with so much joy, but also a lot of heartache & a terribly tragic end.
But above all, it shows her passion for life & her dedication for her beloved Kenya.
What a read! Not only is it very well written, but it is almost like a thriller & I just couldn't turn the pages quick enough. What an extraordinary life Jean Root had, with so much joy, but also a lot of heartache & a terribly tragic end.
But above all, it shows her passion for life & her dedication for her beloved Kenya.
Format:Paperback
I'm currently on holiday in Kenya and read this book as it references many of the places we're visiting. I couldn't put this book down and I have since been totally consumed by Joan Root's incredible life and untimely death. This is a story of her amazing bravery, her compassion, her many skills and her dedication to the causes that were important to her. A remarkable and inspirational person who used her life in a purposeful and beneficial way to help others and to protect the wildlife she admired and loved. I'm not sure how I feel about Alan Root....I can't help but feel that he let Joan down and I feel so sorry that this remarkable woman was neglected in the later years on her life when she needed his support most. Overall, a brilliant read - well written and very thought provoking. Cannot recommend enough.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
My mother couldn't put it down
My mother is extremely picky about books, despite being a voracious reader. She is utterly brutal if a book doesn't please her, but this is one she really adored. Read more
Published 1 month ago by BJB
A woman with outstanding courage .
This is one of these books that one cannot put down. The sheer courage and determination of this woman never ceases to amaze. Read more
Published 8 months ago by warthog
WILDFLOWER
This book was first published on 2009, has 209 pages, 24 B/W photos, but no maps. JOAN ROOT was born on 18.1.1936 at NAIVASHA -Rough Water, as JOAN WELLS-THORPE to Kenyan parents. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Dr. S. S. Nagi
Absorbing
Sufficient to say that I'm glad I bought this book after reading about it in the "Daily Mail" Saturday Supplement.
Published on 11 May 2010 by Mrs. P. O'Neill
Wildflower ,Joan Root.
A dedicated,determined and courageous person,who loved the environment and those around her more than she loved herself.Joan is a true hero and deserves to be remembered.... Read more
Published on 1 May 2010 by John M.
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