The Obamas

Documentary filmmaker Peter Firstbrook takes on not just the story of President Obama's family and ancestors in Kenya, but the history of the African nation itself. Firstbrook narrates his own work with a gentle British accent that's easy to listen to, even when he's reading records and other dry information. He provides fresh interviews with Obama relatives and others in Kenya, and covers the tragic aspects of Barack Obama, Sr.'s, life and other family stories well. His take on Kenyans' reactions to the American president is also interesting. However, Firstbrook's scope is too wide to meet the title's focus, and listeners may want to hear more on current life in Kenya. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine