Mark Seal brings us the story of the world renowned naturalist, Joan Root, in a thoughtful and compelling narrative that is hard to put down. If you loved Out of Africa, you will find Wildflower irresistible. A terrific love story between Joan and Alan Root, fascinating bush stories and wildlife adventures across Africa...filming and bringing nature and wildlife to the rest of us. Joan's story is sad at times, encouraging at others, and her life and love of nature is one story that should never be forgotten. Her love of nature and of Kenya’s beautiful Lake Naivasha compels her to take personal risks that ultimately end her life, tragically. Mark Seal brings us this story in a thoughtful and meticulous manner researching Joan's diaries, friends, and most importantly the love of her life, Alan Root.
This book is a keeper, so run out to your local independent book store and grab a copy. I truly enjoyed the story of her life...an incredible woman. ( )

I had never heard of Joan & Alan Root before picking up this book which I was interested in reading of course for the animal stories within its pages.

When I was a few chapters into the story, it began to dawn on me what an extraordinary woman I was reading about and I want to share this with you guys in the hope we can let other people know about her and her extraordinary passion and commitment to saving her home (Lake Naivasha, Kenya) from ecological destruction for which, it is widely assumed, she was murdered.

Many in the wildlife filming trade considered the Roots to have been the best wildlife filming team in the 1960-70’s, with Joan often performing the more daunting role. Who was up a thorn tree ready to warn of a wildebeest herd thundering their way? Who had her goggles pierced when a hippo grew aggressive? Whose shoes melted when the hot volcanic lava on which she stood became too much for them?

On their first night as man and wife, a scorpion crawled into their tent and stung the bride, an ordinarily excruciating sting, for which, "she took a couple of aspirin and went to bed. She was completely fearless," Alan said. "She dived with sharks in the Galapagos, and crocs and hippos in Mzima, and handled dangerous snakes as easily as kitchen utensils, all with a grin and a shrug that said, 'Anything you can do, feller … '"

In 1963, they bought 80 acres on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, a place teeming with wildlife of all kinds, particularly birds, coming to the lake to drink. The lawns became a menagerie of orphaned wild animals which Joan fought with fierce determination to save. Sally, the orphaned hippo that would eat out of Joan's hand; Chekky, the displaced porcupine that would shake its quills in greeting; Rufus, the crippled bushbuck that would stand by Joan at the sink as she chopped vegetables for dinner—none of them pets but just recuperating visitors until they could make their way once again in the wild

Following their separation in 1981, Joan stayed on at the house and devoted the rest of her life to a courageous campaign against the multiplying flower farmers sucking up and poisoning the water from Lake Naivasha. By 2000, Kenya had become one of the world's major producers of cut flowers, and 80 percent of the country's export crop was coming from Lake Naivasha. Prime sections of lakeshore were covered with vast white plastic hothouses cutting off the trails animals used to come to the lake to drink. Influx of cheap labour brought with it increasing crime & poverty. In 1990 the population of Naivasha was 35,000; by 2002 it was nearly 300,000. Failing to find work many turned to the only means of subsistence they knew, fishing. Poachers plundered the lake, snaring not only fish but also their eggs, disrupting the natural growing cycle, depriving the fish eagles of food, and launching an ecological chain reaction.
Joan took a stand fighting for her beautiful lake and animals and ultimately paid with her life, probably by those who did not agree with her. Many believe it was a contract killing because of her conservation activities on the lake. Four men were charged with attempted robbery with violence, although the evidence against them was circumstantial & they were later released. They took nothing, except the life of a most admirable human being.

I was moved to tears by this passionate, courageous lady who stood up for what she believed in when everyone else thought it was all too hard or too dangerous. The ecological destruction on Lake Naivasha continues.

I hope you get a chance to read the copy we send you and if not, please give it to someone you think may be interested.

Movie rights have been optioned off and Julia Roberts has signed on to portray Joan Root on screen.