Elspeth Huxley

The author, she is a child when she goes with her parents, Robin and Tilly, to a largely unsettled part of Africa. Elspeth is a bright child and is interested in everything, which makes her an apt student of her life in Africa. She is tenderhearted but seems to accept the fact that life in the wilds of Africa is brutal. Elspeth lives with her parents, though Tilly is much more responsible for her life, education and well-being than is Robin. When Tilly goes away on a safari, Elspeth is sent to stay with friends. Elspeth, under Tilly's tutelage, studies some educational material but seems to spend more time studying life in general. For example, when Tilly is sidetracked by the business of the farm, Elspeth colors, draws or even goes off on her own to play. She tends to have animals in her care and worries...