It looks interesting to me, too. The editors choose to study it as a continent, rather than combining the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) as is so often done today. Either choice is thought-provoking.

Instead of a haunted house, I imagine ushering my critics to a room in the attic where I've provided tea and crumpets. As i close the door, I say "You may well be right." Then I go downstairs. I can still hear their voices, but indistinctly, and just go on writing.