From the Bookshelf of Q&A with Alexander McCall Smith…
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What Members Thought
Mma Ramotswe adored her late father. Mma Ramotswe knows cattle. Mma Ramotswe is of traditional build. Mma Ramotswe drinks bush tea. Mma Ramotswe solves mysteries brought to her detective agency in a way that coheres to her sensibilities. I fell in love with Mma Ramotswe, her prickly secretary, Mma Makutsi, and her good-hearted friend, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. Alexander McCall Smith brings Botswana to life, making this a warm read on a cold winter afternoon.
This is the first in a series of detective novels set in Botswana. The heroine, Precious Ramotswe, is strong, traditional African woman -- engaging, intelligent and with more than her share of common sense. She solves her cases ala Sherlock Holmes/Monk and treats her reader to insights into the culture and people of Botswana.
The book group at the asst. living facility loved the book. These older women thought McCall Smith's insight into women is perceptive. It's been years since I first read the book, so it was interesting to go back and be reintroduced to the characters. I had missed, and don't think it's mentioned again that Mma. Makutsi was the widow of a teacher. Did the author forget this tidbit about her, will it be brought up later in the series, or did he just decide this wasn't relevant?
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I opened the first page and was addicted. Alexander McCall Smith's Precious Ramotswe is a wonderful sleuth. I found the book at a friend's house during a 3-day stay, excused myself to go to bed early and stayed up most of the night reading. I got through books 2 and 3 the same way and then had to ask to borrow a couple of books when I left.
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A book for people who love cozy mysteries and especially Africa. If you're looking for deep ideas and symbolism, look elsewhere. But if you want to love a wise and clever character in a setting the author obviously knows and loves, you will love this series.
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I think Botswana might be the only African country I'd be comfortable visiting alone. This book is really about a philosophy of living. I was very moved by its simple honesty. And I'd marry the author in a red-hot minute!
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