A Guide to the Birds of East Africa
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Review
"A Guide to the Birds of East Africa will appeal to Alexander McCall Smith fans, but definitely stands on its own and will beguile any reader who appreciates sharp wit and gentle charm." -Shelf Awareness
Richard Fortey
`Heart-warming, I was charmed . . . akin to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series with a flavour all its own'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I got this book knowing it was not what it said on the cover but a charming little tale of unrequited love set in Post Independence Kenya. I was not disappointed. Without spoiling the plot it revolves around two mature men and their quest for the hand of the same lady. If anyone is seeking salacious descriptions they should look elsewhere, it is not a steamy love romp.
There is a side plot where our hero, Mr Malick, is the writer of a birding column in the local paper. The 'joke' is that he is actually recounting misdemeanours of "Those in High places" but using bird names as pseudonyms for the guilty parties. The whole City knows this but no-one can name the source.
Having really enjoyed the plots and sub plots I am left wondering if one of the author's little jokes is on us and the whole book is a similar skit on life in modern Kenya?
Do buy it even if you have no interest in ornithology.
There is a side plot where our hero, Mr Malick, is the writer of a birding column in the local paper. The 'joke' is that he is actually recounting misdemeanours of "Those in High places" but using bird names as pseudonyms for the guilty parties. The whole City knows this but no-one can name the source.
Having really enjoyed the plots and sub plots I am left wondering if one of the author's little jokes is on us and the whole book is a similar skit on life in modern Kenya?
Do buy it even if you have no interest in ornithology.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a book that redeems one's faith in human nature, that will make you smile and make you feel good about life.
It is an unusual love story and introduces one of the most loveable characters, Mr Malik. He's no love god, he's a little tubby and has a rather alarming comb-over but he's brave and has the warmest heart. Mr Malik has fallen in love with Rose Mbikwa the leader of his Tuesday morning bird walk. He wants to ask her out but has competition from the flash Harry Kahn. They decide they'll have a bet; whoever spots the most birds in the week will ask Rose out.
It reminded me of Alexander Mccall Smith (but better written and funnier) and Marina Lewycka's Tractors in Ukrainian. I loved it and have been telling everyone I know to read it.
It is an unusual love story and introduces one of the most loveable characters, Mr Malik. He's no love god, he's a little tubby and has a rather alarming comb-over but he's brave and has the warmest heart. Mr Malik has fallen in love with Rose Mbikwa the leader of his Tuesday morning bird walk. He wants to ask her out but has competition from the flash Harry Kahn. They decide they'll have a bet; whoever spots the most birds in the week will ask Rose out.
It reminded me of Alexander Mccall Smith (but better written and funnier) and Marina Lewycka's Tractors in Ukrainian. I loved it and have been telling everyone I know to read it.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book by mistake; I really did want a bird book. However, do not dismay as birds are a central theme. I think the book evokes some of the character of modern-day Kenya very well, the characters are believable, the plot, gently twisting. The imagery is strong and colourful. I felt also that I was watching the film whilst reading the story. Warmly recommended for, lovers of Africa, birds and a good tale. I was very taken with the design of the book too, (hardcover edition).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Joy from start to end.
I picked this after a couple of book club reads with weighty issues and wanting a little light relief. Read more
Published 4 months ago by C. Glynn
Not what you might think
Don't let the title put you off! When my friend bought me this, I thought at first I'd got a birdspotting book. But it's actually a great novel. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Rose CT
Great read
This book is a great read, blending characters and experiences as diverse and exotic as the birds which have pride of place in the title. Subtle, funny, wry, uplifting. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Jenny
A delightful novel by someone who knows Kenya (and quite a lot about...
This novel brought back memories of our time in East Africa in the mid-90s. We were based in Uganda but made occasional trips to Nairobi (and the coast) to buy items that weren't... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Joseph Butterworth
Best pre-op read
This lovely book saw me through a 7-hour wait for an operation. I may have been hungry, thirsty, worried stiff and dressed in a hospital gown, but not bored. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Kayjoy
Charming, but not a bird reference book!
This is a very gentle fictional story centred around bird watching but it is NOT a reference guide as the title and cover may suggest. Read more
Published 22 months ago by J. Southern
charming, feel-good gem of a book
I bought this as a joke for an ornithologist relative, but having now read it would recommend it to everyone as a gem of a book. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Nic
A lovely little novel, not just for Afrophiles
I have just put down, but not before the final full stop and with much regret that there was no more, an entrancing little story set in modern Nairobi, A Guide to the Birds of East... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Mr. P. Robbs
Charming and original
I bought this because it had a pretty cover on it. I was surprised and delighted by the contents. It's one of the most charming stories I have read in a long while, and the humour... Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by Rosemary
Delightful book-a lovely read
This is one of those books, which I really enjoyed whilst I was reading it. It was our book club choice for last month, and we all agreed that it had been a delight and an... Read more
Published on 3 Dec 2009 by Anne Finlay-Baird
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