Promises to Keep: A British Vet in Africa

There does seem to be a similarity with all 'vet books' set in Africa in that one gets a mix of funny stories, eccentric animal owners from rugged farmers to little old ladies, gory details of vivid operations on nature's wilder and more alarming beasts, all rolled into a thoughtful medley about Africa past, present and future. Hugh Cran does all the above and more in PROMISES TO KEEP', his second book about being a vet in Kenya.Cran does the format much better than most in that his sincerity and dedication to all classes and conditions of people come across strongly. No matter whether telling us about weird white landlords or unpredictable African farmers, his humour and compassion come across strongly; especially his humour. You will get chuckles and surprises galore as you turn the pages, as well as an agreeable amount of personal detail also.I should declare an interest because for ten years we lived not far from Nakuru in Kenya when visits to Hugh's unassuming surgery in the dilapidated middle of a not very swish town were regular features. One always felt better for seeing Hugh and his team - while when he turned up at one's house about forty minutes up a rough road near Naivasha the timing was not important. Hugh had many animal patients and people to see and his service to them all was exemplary and professional. Little did one know that he was also astutely summing up one's foibles, peculiarities and oddities.For a brilliant summary of what Hugh Cran has meant to all Kenyans for hundreds of miles around, try to find a copy of Aidan Hartley's profile in 'The Spectator' of 12th December 2015. Not only was this displaced Scotsman an example to his profession, his books confirm that he is also a brilliant and witty observer of the local Kenyan scene. We all receive a dose of his humanity, his barbed insight, and his care for the animals. Your final memory will, I suggest, be one of admiration, laughter and respect. You will never be bored and will often be moved to thank him for his words and outlook.

This is a great book - I read it in a matter of days. It gives a fascinating insight into what life can really be like living and working in the heart of deepest, darkest Africa! It is at once humorous, gripping, and full of anecdotes so outrageous one can hardly believe that this is not a work of fiction - and yet we know full well it is fact - amazing. The characters are all very unique, the veterinary details are extremely interesting (you may need a strong stomach in parts however!) and many of the disastrous situations which Hugh Cran recalls had me laughing out loud. I enjoyed Hugh's first book just as much and would love to see some photos in there if there is to be a third volume. Great job Dr. Cran.

A book so full of detail so rich in textual description that it will shine in the mind and on the shelf forever. It will also leave you re-energised from thegenuine humour laced throughout, A really lovely vet's African story.

Having read his first book, I rushed out and bought this second one and what a delight it was making it compulsive reading. What a wonderful sense of humour and wit Hugh has and it comes out so well the way he expresses it. I wish I could meet him and have a long chat. Hugh or shall I say "Mr Crane" !!!, I am waiting for more of the same style of stories from you rafiki. You must be having hundreds of pics so let us please see them in your next writings. 5 stars easily any day.

A very good book, a great read.I love vet stories