Uninspiring, and disappointingly Un-McCall Smith - Rated 
I give this review the title above, because the style of this collection of stories is so uncharacteristic of Alexander McCall Smith that readers (or rather listeners) might want to be aware of this before buying this CD.
If you are considering this audiobook due to your love of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, then you may be in for a shock. The beautiful scene setting, humour, accessability, characterisation and other qualities of McCall Smith's writing which make his Africa so endearing, are completely lacking here.
Regardless of prior expectations, I disagree that the stories evoke the idea of a grandmother figure under a tree, as there is so little art in the way they are recounted. The tales are littered with frequently confusing - but not satisfying - twists, abrupt or unexplained goings on, and irrational violent acts which verge on disturbing. Amongst the collection there are thankfully a few tales which have a clever moral or allow you to feel part of the narrative (ie. 3rd CD), and Adjoa reads as well as ever - earning this audiobook the 2 star rating.
I hope readers will not think that I am simply expecting too much from a set of short stories, far from it. Of course one can not expect plot and character development within a series of short stories, however the beauty of great conteurs is that they draw you in and manage to do this within the limited framework of a short story. Whether it is poor editing or poor storytelling, this McCall Smith is notably below par.
Captivating - Rated 
This is a collection of beautiful little African stories that you can just imagine being told by an elderly lady to the children of her village as they sit in the shade of a tree on the edge of their village.
If, like me, you are a fan of Kipling's Just So Stories and the Uncle Remus stories of Brer Rabbit and his friends, you will absolutely love this set of tales. In addition, if you have read and enjoyed any of Alexander McCall Smith's previous books relating the detective adventures of Mma Ramotswe, then this book is an unconditional "must" for you!
The narration by Adjoa Andoh, who also read for the audio versions of the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, is just perfect. Nobody could read them more beautifully, or more passionately. She simply drags you into the atmosphere of each story, leaving you with little need to strain your imaginative powers to visualise the scenes.
I am sure that the written books are great, but listening to Adjoah reading the words for you, is pure delight!
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