I recently took a trip to Kenya, where I learned a great deal about the local fauna, and a small bit about its politics, and I never had to leave my backyard. This feat was accomplished via Nicholas Drayson's A Guide to the Birds of East Africa.
The plot centres around mild-mannered widower Mr. Malik, who has a good old-fashioned 'crush' on the widow Rose Mbikwa, organiser of the local bird watching society. When the outgoing Harry Khan returns to Kenya for a visit, Mr. Malik finds an adversary for Rose's attentions. Unbeknownst to Rose, this rivalry starts a wager stating that whichever man can spot the most number of birds over the next week will have the honour of asking Rose to the Nairobi Hunt Club Ball. The novel follows the mainly comical trials and tribulations of the competitors with vivid and often beautiful descriptions.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this wonderful, humourous, gentle story, so did my visiting in-laws. We practically did battle ourselves over who got to have the book. So don't tell anyone how enjoyable it is until AFTER you've finished.
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