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The Flame Trees of Thika
Conflicting Cultures
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The Flame Trees of Thika - Elspeth Huxley
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"...Through Elspeth Huxley's marvelous gift for description, early-twentieth century Kenya comes alive with all the excitement and naïve insight of a child who watches with eyes wide open as coffee trees are planted, buffalo are skinned, pythons are disemboweled, and cultures collide with all the grace of runaway trains. With a freewheeling imagination and a dry wit, she describes the interactions of Kikuyus, Masais, Dutch Boers, Britons, and Scots, mixing rapid-fire descriptions with philosophical musings..."
(E.B., p. 44)