Spread too thin - Rated 
I honestly think that Alexander McCall Smith has lost interest in Precious and the crew, the repetition in this novel starts to grate a bit.
Like his Isabel Dalhousie novels, the characters sometimes become cyphers rather than real life people. Previously one of the attractions of this series was that the characters seemed real and warm hearted.
At one point AMS refers to JLB Maketoni as her fiancé, when they've been married for a couple of novels!
Maybe the author just needs to ease back on his prodigious output until the charm returns.
Fans only.
Excellent - Rated 
This is a beautiful series of novels that remind us what it is to be human and to be a member of a closely-knit society.
Like the other books in the series, "Blue Shoes and Happiness" is brimming with a sharp wit and accurate perceptions of human nature that seem to echo Austen (with a much more simple style).
They also poignantly depict the slow demise of a traditional way of life in a similar way to Hardy, and are full of local colour and description. You'll grow to love Botswana without ever going there, and you'll particularly love the humourous characters.
It is wrong to assume that these are gripping crime novels and they should not be read as such. They are deeply philosophical and require thought to be enjoyed properly. Having said this, they are an easy read and are exceptionally enjoyable. I can recommend them to anyone, with this particular installment being the most well-developed so far.
To Do List: "Find new shoes" - Rated
Life in Botswana can become immensely complicated. The problem of finding parking space for a "tiny, white van" looms. A space that doesn't have aggressive posts nearby, for favourite. The reason the van sags on the driver's side is a different issue, however important. A fiance fearful of forceful feminism must be handled diplomatically. A "To-do" list includes shopping for shoes. A food thief must be dealt with because a job is at stake. Oh, yes, and there's a cobra slumbering away under one of the desks in the office of The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Precious Ramotswe's life addresses such complexities on a daily basis. Even at the worst of times, she must maintain her cool. That's not always easy during the dry season when even the sunrise, when she likes to walk in her garden, is already hot. Life can be further involved by heated exchanges. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentice, Charlie, provides one of these. Since the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency shares space with Mr J.L.B. Matekoni's vehicle repair garage, Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, the opportunities for such discussions are many. Especially as Charlie is young and inexperienced. And a man. Other complexities are more difficult to define, such as the pervasive feeling of discomfort among the staff of the Mokolodi Game Reserve. The Reserve is run by a good man, who is sensitive to his employees' feelings. But he's white and lacks the proper knowledge to deal with the issue. Mr Polopetsi, who orbits uncertainly between the garage and the Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, has the knowledge and applies a solution. Is it the proper one?
Clearly, if you're looking for fast-paced action by he-man private investigators or cunning "wimmin" who outthink the most devious wrong-doer, this is not the book for you. However, if you'd like to follow a perceptive and perspecacious pair of personable people, Mma Ramotswe and her "assistant detective" Mma Grace Makutsi, you should give this book a serious look. Long-time fans will pick it up without a second thought. Why should the new reader be introduced to these two ladies and their seemingly mundane lives? Values, for one reason. Mma Ramotswe spends much time reflecting on her father, Obed, who is "late", and on Botswana's peaceful beauty. This has led some reviewers to mistakenly believe these books merely represent a form of upbeat rural life, eschewing the convolutions and skirmishing of city living. Nothing could be further from the truth. The pair are masters of strategy and tactics in ways any general or international corporation head would envy. And should. If nothing else, the Ladies of the Detective Agency must reconcile the contradictions in being feminists and of "traditional build". They will also warn you never to seek advice from your shoes. They have their own agenda and are unlikely to be helpful . . . [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
Not as "traditionally built" as the others... - Rated
What I want to say has probably already been said: I love Precious and the gang and, having lived in Africa (though not Botswana per se) for a time, I can relate to the "slower tempo of life" mentality, so to speak, but this book was not up to AMS' usual standard....Which is not to say that I am not eagerly waiting for his latest in the series to be put out in paperback, because I am!
We're all citizens of Botswana now - Rated
I loaned my mum the first three books and she was convinced that they were autobiographic accounts of a real Botswanan woman of traditional build. When she finally read the cover she was shocked to find that a Scottish bloke had pulled off such a feat. The continuing development of the No. 1. Ladies' Detective Agency is always a delight. Yes, they are simple and enjoyable to read but these are intelligent books with interesting moral arguments, relevant observations on African life, including the shame of AIDS going untreated because of the cost. I know a chap who knows the author and he told me that Alexander McCall Smith can sit down and write a whole novel which comes out fully formed. I've graduated on to the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the very strange tales of German Professors of Linguistics. Never be fooled into thinking that because these books are popular that they are not a challenge. They just gently challenge our assumptions and prejudices without hurting at all.
Happiness through the aquisition of material goods is a hot topic at the moment and there are many books out on the subject. Through Mma Makutsi's and Mma Ramotswe's eyes, the subject is distilled to a beautifully pure essence.
I'd recommend starting at number 1, but even if you don't you'll still know and love the characters within minutes of opening the book.
|
