Tears of the Giraffe

Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith 2000

I didn’t think I’d like a book set in Africa, but I did a book report about the bushmen of the Kalahari in high school and this is set in Botswana, which contains the desert. The author shares the customs and values of the people in a modern setting. I encourage readers to expand your reading locations.

For those who think all Africans live in huts, this will clarify your viewpoint. The man, Matekoni, is a mechanic and has his own house with an unscrupulous maid. The woman, Ramotswe, is a detective and has her own home, van, and assistant, Makutsi. Her aging van brought the couple together as he tries to keep it running.

Ramotswe had a bad marriage but has agreed to marry Matekoni in this second book in a series. They decide to live in her home, and his maid realizes she will be out of a cozy job. This subplot is joined by Matekoni taking in two orphan children without consulting Ramotswe. Surprise! During all of this the main plot revolves around Ramotswe finding out what happened to an American woman’s son, who disappeared ten years ago.

Makutsi works on her first case involving an unfaithful wife, but the resolution will surprise the reader. One key to writing a novel is to add an element of surprise or a twist to an old plot line.

The story is universal as good people are contrasted against bad people. Will the good people uncover the truth and overcome the schemes of the bad people? It has a satisfying ending that leaves the reader wanting to know these characters more and that Africa isn’t so different from any other place in the world.

#Africa #mystery #detective