I read these books avidly when I was about 12 or 13 and I also saw the series when it was first aired. I was quite eager to buy it when I saw it on Amazons and I am not sorry I did. I fall a bit into the middle - definitely not the best series I have ever seen but because it was made in the days when mini series were leisurely, there is so much beauty in the scenery and of course the beautiful horses.
One of the things I initially liked about it was the fact that Christina, Jack and William actually seemed quite young and acted their age - Christina being giddy, eager and impressionable. But that backfired as the series progressed and Christina didn't seem to mature much in her outlook (until the very end). Mark, though, because he looked so much older than the others (he probably was!!) was able to use his experience to change his character as the series progressed. Whereas I wondered about William - his one eyed devotion to planes seemed selfish, he didn't ever stop to consider that he had taken Christina away from all she loved - Flambards and horses. Unlike the other reviewer, I thought the series actually dragged, away from Flambards. "The Edge of the Clouds" trilogy could have done with some vigorous editing.
The thing I did love about the series was the beautiful horses - and I am definitely not a "horsey" person. Christina's first horse - can't remember her name but it was the most glorious horse - a combination of dapple grey and chestnut. The episode where it was going to be sold to the knackers had me crying my eyes out - fortunately the next episode had a happier ending.
Another thing that did bother me was the effect the War had (or didn't have) on the characters. If you have ever seen or read "Testament of Youth" you would realise the stress and strain going through the first World War had on most people. The episodes where William was away at war, life still seemed like a garden party to the people at home. But and it is a big But, the books were aimed at juveniles and teenagers hence the lack of characterization. I know I would not have liked reading chapters about Christina's grief. The last episode was worth the whole series as Christina finds love with the person she should have been with all along. Astoundingly, Christine McKenna (who played Christina) has not done much since "Flambards" aired in 1978 - in 1985 she made her last film appearance and she wasn't the star. Whatever happened to her??
Highly Recommended.
One of the things I initially liked about it was the fact that Christina, Jack and William actually seemed quite young and acted their age - Christina being giddy, eager and impressionable. But that backfired as the series progressed and Christina didn't seem to mature much in her outlook (until the very end). Mark, though, because he looked so much older than the others (he probably was!!) was able to use his experience to change his character as the series progressed. Whereas I wondered about William - his one eyed devotion to planes seemed selfish, he didn't ever stop to consider that he had taken Christina away from all she loved - Flambards and horses. Unlike the other reviewer, I thought the series actually dragged, away from Flambards. "The Edge of the Clouds" trilogy could have done with some vigorous editing.
The thing I did love about the series was the beautiful horses - and I am definitely not a "horsey" person. Christina's first horse - can't remember her name but it was the most glorious horse - a combination of dapple grey and chestnut. The episode where it was going to be sold to the knackers had me crying my eyes out - fortunately the next episode had a happier ending.
Another thing that did bother me was the effect the War had (or didn't have) on the characters. If you have ever seen or read "Testament of Youth" you would realise the stress and strain going through the first World War had on most people. The episodes where William was away at war, life still seemed like a garden party to the people at home. But and it is a big But, the books were aimed at juveniles and teenagers hence the lack of characterization. I know I would not have liked reading chapters about Christina's grief. The last episode was worth the whole series as Christina finds love with the person she should have been with all along. Astoundingly, Christine McKenna (who played Christina) has not done much since "Flambards" aired in 1978 - in 1985 she made her last film appearance and she wasn't the star. Whatever happened to her??
Highly Recommended.