A treat!
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You don't have to read this before reading the others in the series as they stand alone . I'm enjoying the series very much. The characters are lively and real, the situations, human and believable. The style of writing is very interesting as it feels as if a polite, quite well-spoken African is speaking . I've been spurred on to read them all now and have also been finding out about Botwana. I can imagine visiting the places described and actually meeting the characters, they seem so real!
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A Gentle Journey
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I came to the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency after having seen the recent BBC programme. Normally, I am not a fan of reading a book after an adaptation, but this was an exception.
The life of Mma Precious Ramotswe, Mma Makusti as well as Mr J L B Matekoni is beautifully detailed in this book. If you have watched the TV programme, then try and forget it as this book is so much more.
You really do feel you are in Botswana and travelling in Mma Ramotswe's little white van as she tries to solve many of the normal, more challenging and some slightly eyebrow raising problems that the locals have come to her about. The details of such small things as the cattle, the snakes that are local to the area, the layout of the shopping mall and local area are described so well. The landscape is described richly when it has rained and sparse when there is a drought, Alexander McCall Smith has successfully, in my opinion created a wonderful picture of a country which many may not visit, but can do so through his books.
The author cleverly moves backwards and forwards with the stories of the cases, as well as telling the background to Precious and also her father, who had a large impact on her life.
This is a feel good book, despite some of the storylines which are not feel good, and was a real pleasure and escapism to read. I will definitely seek out the next few in the series. What a real find.
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Charming story!
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I bought the whole series of these books, after thoroughly enjoying the tv adaptation of the first book a few months ago. This first book, the only one I have read so far, was also equally as enjoyable. The heroine of the story, Precious Ramotswe is a very likeable person that you could imagine would be very warm hearted and understanding if she was real! You very easily could imagine her being the sort of person you would like to tell your troubles to! She is strong minded, yet gentle and caring, and her agency solves the mysteries in a very individual way.
Granted, it is not your typical crime novel, in fact, I think crime has little to do with it at all and the events are just a way for the story to move forward. This is a story about people and human relationships. It is slow-paced and gentle, giving you time to reflect and think about the wonderful images of Africa being conjured up. The pace is very reflective of the way of life there and Precious Ramotswe's attitude.
This isn't the book to read if you are expecting a gripping crime novel or a "who-dunnit". For a start, the "crimes" that Precious Ramotswe's detective agency undertakes to solve, are mostly that of cheating husbands and stolen cars, not murderers and serial killers.
In places it is funny and quick witted in a simple and to the point manner. A charming tale reflecting the importance of friendships and listening in a world that can sometimes throw unexpected things in your path.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars as opposed to 5, is because I think putting it under the "crime" category is slightly misleading.
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Refreshingly gentle
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This is a charming, book which will make the reader feel like travelling to Botswana themselves. Mma Ramotswe is quite simply a sweetie, and the book is quietly amusing with an underlying good-natured feel which is a real panacea in our cynical times.
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Charming and Memorable
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Precious Ramotswe is a literary herione unlike any other. And 'The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency' is a detective series without precedent. For the very first time, we get to read about Africa in a happy, uplifting context, seen through the eyes of someone who knows and loves the continent. Not only are the storylines of the 'The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency' books charming and engaging, but through these stories, the lives of ordinary Botwanans transpire in a way never brought to a reading audience before. Don't buy one of the series, buy them all.
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