A British GP, 39, unmarried, looking for something more exciting than signing sick-notes in Wallasey, sees advert in The British Medical Journal for a medical officer to a timber firm in West Africa. At the London office finds he is the only applicant. Flies out to Ghana, is taken up country to the town where he finds he is to be the sole doctor in area as big as an English county and thousands of people. He will do everything from major surgery to public health. This is to be the pattern of his life for the next twenty-two years. Work described and life of people, white and black: many characters.
After 18 months returns home. Discovers Africa is in his blood. Seeks further training in a larger hospital. Goes to a mine hospital in Zambia. Life and people described. Many characters. Safari to East Africa. Returns home after two years through Congo.
Decides to settle in Africa. Goes to Rhodesia. Further training. Appointed district medical officer. Civil war. Learns war surgery. Gunfight at the Troutbeck Inn.
Peace. Rhodesia becomes Zimbabwe. Romance. Marries matron. They have two children. Family life. Decides no future for children in Zimbabwe. Returns to England with family.
This book describes much medical experience but is above all a human story, with many adventures and characters. WD.
