Chronicling the history of the Pamir Kirghiz tribe as they are buffeted by the political caprices of the 20th century, Ben Hopkins persuades his subjects to re-enact episodes in period styles and occasionally finds them as temperamental as mainstream stars.
Laudably, Hopkins avoids patronising his subjects, as he reveals how rapidly centuries-old traditions have been eroded and how quickly the younger generation has acclimatised to surroundings that its elders compare unfavourably to their lost mountain pastures. Affectionate, droll and sagacious, this is an estimable achievement.