The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series (Alexander McCall Smith) - Cozy, heartwarming and deep
I don't remember how the book titled No 1 Ladies Detective Agency came into my possession. Maybe I borrowed it from someone and did not return it. Perhaps I bought it on a fancy in some bookstore. Whatever be the case, I am so thankful for the serendipity (is that how you use this word? Dont know dont care) and this has been my favourite for many years - a comfort read of sorts to get me out of any sort of slump. In recent months, I did something I should have done many years ago - ordered a few more in the series and read them. This blog is a review of all 4 books that i have read in this series.
The books are based in Botswana, Africa and the protagonist is Mma Precious Ramotswe. the proprietor of The No1 Ladies Detective Agency - the only such in the whole of Botswana and perhaps the whole of Africa. Just to be clear, it is called thus since it is run by a lady and not because it only accepts ladies as clients. Here come people with their life's problems - spouses who have a roving eye or are suspected to have one, daughters who are asserting independence, business partners who are suspicious that they are being fleeced. Mma Ramotswe has her assets to assist in this - these being a small office, a table, 3 chairs, 3 mugs, an electric kettle, a small unpretentious white van, a keen sense of observation, curiosity, ability to understand the unsaid and oodles of empathy - that quality which helps her be non-judgmental and cut through the crap where another may well flounder. Armed with these, Mma Ramotswe helps whoever comes to her doorstep with a case, sometimes she gets paid for her efforts and at other times, helps the person because well, that is the right thing to do.
The No1 Ladies Detective Agency is the the first one and is composed of a series of cases, each cuter and more earthy than the other. However, the others that i recently read - A Song of Comfortable Charis, How to Raise and Elephant and The Joy and Light Bus Company have a continuous story line, centred around Mma Ramotswe, her husband Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, her partner Mma Makutsi and sundry other characters who make their appearance. There are clients who walk in with peculiar problems, There is also there bete noir Violet Sepotho who turns up at the most inopportune moments.
The love that Mma Ramotswe has for her country, the earth she belongs to, the piece of sky she thinks of as her own and the people that live in, is unparalleled. The native wisdom she has about all that matters, her practical and loving approach to life and the people in it and the ability to build a relationship with the unlikeliest of people who cross her path will keep you reading these books, with just the hint of a smile playing on your lips. There are many times that i have re-read lines because of the home truths that she gives out in the most uncomplicated and matter of fact manner. No self help book can compete on this account with her.
Honestly, these are books that need to be read and savoured - no review will do justice to the happy and uncomplicated feeling of goodness and peace these will leave you with.
The following are the ones that I have read in this series.
1. The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency
2. How to Raise an Elephant
3. The Song of Comfortable Chairs
4. The Joy and Light Bus Company
The books are based in Botswana, Africa and the protagonist is Mma Precious Ramotswe. the proprietor of The No1 Ladies Detective Agency - the only such in the whole of Botswana and perhaps the whole of Africa. Just to be clear, it is called thus since it is run by a lady and not because it only accepts ladies as clients. Here come people with their life's problems - spouses who have a roving eye or are suspected to have one, daughters who are asserting independence, business partners who are suspicious that they are being fleeced. Mma Ramotswe has her assets to assist in this - these being a small office, a table, 3 chairs, 3 mugs, an electric kettle, a small unpretentious white van, a keen sense of observation, curiosity, ability to understand the unsaid and oodles of empathy - that quality which helps her be non-judgmental and cut through the crap where another may well flounder. Armed with these, Mma Ramotswe helps whoever comes to her doorstep with a case, sometimes she gets paid for her efforts and at other times, helps the person because well, that is the right thing to do.
The No1 Ladies Detective Agency is the the first one and is composed of a series of cases, each cuter and more earthy than the other. However, the others that i recently read - A Song of Comfortable Charis, How to Raise and Elephant and The Joy and Light Bus Company have a continuous story line, centred around Mma Ramotswe, her husband Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, her partner Mma Makutsi and sundry other characters who make their appearance. There are clients who walk in with peculiar problems, There is also there bete noir Violet Sepotho who turns up at the most inopportune moments.
The love that Mma Ramotswe has for her country, the earth she belongs to, the piece of sky she thinks of as her own and the people that live in, is unparalleled. The native wisdom she has about all that matters, her practical and loving approach to life and the people in it and the ability to build a relationship with the unlikeliest of people who cross her path will keep you reading these books, with just the hint of a smile playing on your lips. There are many times that i have re-read lines because of the home truths that she gives out in the most uncomplicated and matter of fact manner. No self help book can compete on this account with her.
Honestly, these are books that need to be read and savoured - no review will do justice to the happy and uncomplicated feeling of goodness and peace these will leave you with.
The following are the ones that I have read in this series.
1. The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency
2. How to Raise an Elephant
3. The Song of Comfortable Chairs
4. The Joy and Light Bus Company
Just the titles are a balm that can soothe a heart and bring a smile to the eyes!
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