This very readable book is about the dusty deserty northern parts of Uganda and Kenya in the 1960's and 70's. This is where the author, a doctor, spent 22 years of his working life with Liza who travelled out with him; where they were married and brought up their four children. The backdrop is that of a timeless tribal Africa, having to co-exist with the modern ways of the 20th century during the last days of the colonial regime and the coming of independence.

Peter was advised 'Don't write a history - tell the stories'. As he says some stories remain harmless tales but others insist on becoming parables and open a window of comprehension. And like the throw-away illustrations in a learned lecture they are what is retained in the memory. The same is true for the tribal memory with stories told round the campfire.

He claims that much of what resulted from those years did so just because he was there. Professor Maurice King, who wrote the foreword, once did a locum for him. This resulted in a conference at Makerere medical school and from which the seminal book 'Health Care for Developing Countries' was born. Maurice King, the author, and others mentioned in the stories come from the St Thomas' tribe in London.

Peter worked both as a mission and a government doctor in three hospitals. Much of the book is about the lessons, which were learned, aided by an open heart and an open mind. Some of the conclusions drawn concern questions such as 'should we be here at all?', the debate between a community and a hospital approach to healthcare and whether the cause of an illness was physical, mental or demonic. They are answered or left open with a blend of common sense and Christian conviction. The book is pervaded by a sense of fun. Learning was mutual. The communities he served came to have no doubt that he should be there and were reluctant to see him go. When he first came they had told him he could bring his medicine if he wanted but as for sending a son to school that would be a waste of a good herd boy. In later years he saw many of those who did go to school and did come to share his faith now in positions of leadership. Many were remaining faithful at their work years after he had left. He is very aware of all the others including his family who shared this life with him but this book is about his bit of Africa as he saw it.

Reviewed by
David Clegg
CMF Overseas Support Secretary