review by corinna on show 4th jan 2011
Delightful, easy little novel set in Kenya and reminiscent of Alexander McAll Smith. The author is a writer and naturalist.
The plot is as follows:- Reserved and honourable Mr. Malik lives in the capital city of Nairobi. Warm-hearted , 61 year old, short and brown he is secretly enamoured with Rose Mbika, a widowed white lady who leads their weekly bird walks.
Mr. Malik wishes to invite Rose to the annual hunt ball, a prestigious affair , but so does flashy Harry Khan recently arrived in the city. At the local club a wager is set, whoever sees the most birds in a week will ask Rose to the ball.
This challenge sets off a real race to count all the different birds and my goodness there are plenty of them!!!We are informed of all the various species and each chapter is illustrated with one of them. Every day the two contestants have to report to 3 club members and give their tally for the day. Harry Khan has the money to hire planes and guides, but Mr.. Malik has hidden depths and more unorthodox methods.
We learn much about the Kenyan way of life and how it impinges upon the actions of Mr. Malik and the unfolding drama. There is a nice little ending to the tale which puts everything into perspective.
This is a happy , gentle story which makes one smile at the end.
review by corinna
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment