All major cities in Africa have at least one international school and they are prominent in the lives of transient diplomats, other expatriates, and, increasingly, of the local middle classes. They throw up multiple challenges as different cultures interact, not always easily or willingly.

The International School of Ndwalowe, in the imaginary African country of Awanza, is just emerging from bankruptcy. Charged with this responsibility, indeed daunted by it, is Peter Corby, British, in his first headship and in Africa for the first time.

He must deal with recalcitrant teachers, unreasonable parents, intractable students, and a sometimes-frustrating Board of Directors in this affectionate tale often inspired by the author's own experiences.

Superbly evoked are the entertaining characters found in many an international school worldwide, in the emotively described context of a fictional country in southern Africa. Peter Mackenzie draws on his broad and varied experiences in many countries, but especially in Africa which he clearly loves. The result is a lively page-turner full of insights and plenty of fun - a reader's delight. Harry Deelman, International school veteran