I have enjoyed several FBY novels before - all of which have been set in the familiar landscape of FBY's mildlands. Having read a biography of FBY I knew he had connections with Africa having served there, and lived there for a time. Several of his novels are set either partly or wholly in Africa and as another bookcrosser gave me a copy of the sequel to They seek a country - I thought I had better read this one so I could later read the sequel. This novel style was easily recognisable - working men, changes bringing unrest and conflict, love affairs running less than smoothly. However once the story moved to Africa - I found I soon bitterly missed FBY's familair landscape - and began to feel bizarrely homesick. However the characters are wonderfully drawn - real people as always. The plot is fast paced and the novel, as so often with FBY becomes hard to put down. Although I have to admit it is my least favourite so far - I will read the sequel - but only after reacquainting myself with FBY's wonderful midlands. ( )