There are many unexpected things to like about this sweet novel, not the least of which is the fact that I liked a book that I am describing as "sweet."

There is the engaging plot: a romantic rivalry between Mr. Malik and his boyhood nemesis, Harry Khan. The two men embark on a week of competitive bird-watching; the one who identifies the most species wins the chance to ask the lovely and oblivious Rose Mbikwa to the Nairobi Hunt Club Ball.

There are the many curious subplots: a humorous wager on how many times a day a person passes gas (Mr. Malik is dispatched to pay attention, and keep count), and a frightening side trip to a native village, with soldiers and violence.

There is the almost subversive global village aspect of the book: Race is never mentioned, but you come to understand that Mr. Malik is south Asian, Harry Khan is Middle Eastern, and Rose Mbikwa is a Scot whose beloved first husband was a native Nairobian.

There is the mystery behind Mr. Malik's boyhood nickname of Jack, a nickname that he has never forgiven Khan for saddling him with.

There is all the fascinating information about East African birds, woven gracefully into the story line, and the appealing line drawings of birds at the start of each chapter.

And there is the author photo, a picture on the back flyleaf of a grinning Nicholas Drayson, wearing a straw hat and clutching a chicken. A sweet book. An engaging read.

LAURIE HERTZEL