Wildflower

Wildflower is the story of Joan Root, one half of a great wildlife film-making partnership, with her husband Allan. They produced some of our best-loved documentary films and changed the way we view nature – especially the wildlife inhabitants of Africa.

But this is Joan’s story. She was born in Nairobi to a British father and South African mother and lived much of her life in Lake Naivasha, on a beautiful 80-acre property. She was brought up to be self-reliant and was an only child. Her idyllic life and film-making partnership changed after 20 years, when Allan met Jennie Hammond, whom he would later marry. Joan had to find her own voice – which she did thorough conservation work, especially the safe guarding of Lake Naivasha’s fish habitats.

Mark Seal captures the essence of a shy and introverted girl, for a time obscured by her flamboyant husband, who remains a strong and resolute woman, until her untimely death. This book is enriched by a cast of real life wildlife personalities, such as David Attenborough, Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, and Joy and George Adamson. This engaging read truly illuminates your sense of wonderment at wildlife – and at this determined woman.