I've read all the books in this series and they are marvelous!! I like the sparse prose, very representative of the land itself. Mr. Smith was at Printer's Row (Chicago) in June and he seemed to be a very likeable man. His main character is a woman which is unusual (since he's a man) but he never hits a false note in writing the character. Sorry if I'm gushing but his books are terrific.
I hated this book, It is one of the few I never finished. I really felt like it rambled on with no direction. This is certainly one that will get an automatic delete this week
I think you should read the first book before making a judgment. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. They need to be read in order in my opinion, to get a feel for the characters.
I see this series everywhere, I hear good things about it, yet I've never given it a try. I'm glad to see one of the books here so I can decide if it's something I want to try.
As the author himself says, in an interview at the site Chuck recommended (thanks, Chuck), the elements of mystery are not what drives the plot in this series. I particularly enjoy how the author portrays another culture without being condescending in his depiction.
Have read all of the books in this series and hate to see them end. Have been in two different book discussion groups that have read and discussed several of the books of the series.
Prior to the last book discussion, I discovered Smith's web site at http://www.randomhouse.com/features/mccallsmith/no1.html
At the site I clicked on FEATURES and went to "What's What and Who's who in the No.1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY. The detailed section provide definitions for all of the terms that were new to me. I only wish I had it in front of me when reading the first book!
This is not the last of the Precious Ramotswe series. That would be THE FULL CUPBOARD OF LIFE, and at the end of that one, you are left wanting another. Delightful books, all with life lessons. The good news is that Alexander McCall Smith is back with a brand new series starting with the title THE SUNDAY PHILOSOPHY CLUB. I'm eagerly waiting my place in line on the library's hold list to get it. Go to www.readinggroupguides.com for a wonderful interview with the author.
I read 'The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' awhile ago and liked it. So far I like this one too. The stories are unusual in the setting, the culture, the names, the pace and the fact that a man can write a woman's character so believably.
I have "read" all of McCall Smith books via Books on CD and must recommend them to all. Lisette Lecat is fantastic. She is South African and knows the place names and manners of the area. Her "native" dialog transports you to Africa. I would never had gotten the names right if I hadn't listened to her. I listen to many books on tape/CD and her reading by far is the best I have heard. Try one in the car and you will be won over.
