As light reading series go, Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Series never disappoints. These books are especially fun to bring on trips, because you can count on them to have predictable characters and setting, multiple and unpredictable sub-plots, and resolution. They explore human nature, and call on the reader to aspire to live a decent and simple life whenever possible, even in the face of change and increasing complexity. There is something very soothing in the exercise of reading each book. I am transported to Botswana, and I can picture the earthen hues and the acacia trees. I can feel the changing temperatures from cool mornings to hot, hot afternoons.The Good Husband of Zebra Drive is the 7th or 8th in the series of 10 books that I've read, mostly in order. Now it is an HBO television series. Thanks to my sister-in-law Sue, I have not only borrowed a number of these fun books to read, but yesterday, when she and Steve came to visit, they brought us a video with the television programs on it!
From the book jacket comes this very accurate assessment by The Oregonian: "McCall Smith's fans seem to hunger for the kindness, dignity and humor he celebrates in Mma Ramotswe, and this book will not disappoint them." If you haven't read this series, it makes for great, relaxing, summer reading.
6 comments:
I've loved these books too. And his web page is amusing as Mma Ramotswe answers questions from her fans. I just saw the spine of this in the bookcase again and was trying to remember if I had already read it or could start it now. :)
I can't speak for the books - but Wife and I have been following the series on HBO. The series has ended - I think only 6 episodes were produced - but we had an incredible amount of fun watching it. Not only was Jill Scott fantastic as the lead character, but alo Anika Noni Rose as secretary/assistant detective Grace Makutsi. What a comedic pair they are!
We still have one episode left that we DVD'd and will probably catch up between today and tomorrow.
No doubt you'll enjoy the series if you see it!
- Jeff
I loved this series of books too. Fun, light and quick reading they were and now I wish I had cable TV.
Angela, thanks for the tip on the web site. I'll check it out! Cuidado and Jeff, I am looking forward to watching the series. . . sure to be out on DVD one of these days. Jeff, you should read the books some time. They are fun and quick reads. They pull you in, and you are right, the characters are very comedic!
Must add to the encomiums of the series, which has made me want to read the books. I too became an instant fan of Jill Scott an Anika Noni Rose. Speaking as one with Africa experience, I can attest that the acting and overall production are "right." It feels like the best of Africa and makes me homesick for that gentle way of life.
Thanks to Angela, above, I found Alexander McCall Smith's web site at: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/mccallsmith/main.php
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