The book chosen for our April book club was entitled
"The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the first in a series of books about
a woman who lives in Botswana and decides to open up a detective agency in her
small town. We learn about the past and
culture in which Precious Ramotswe, our Ladies Detective, is operating and as
the story unfolds we find little mysteries resolved that lead to an overall arc
of a larger mystery. Her practical sense of her environment, her logical
analysis in her universe and a wonderful sense of humor is included in this
first tale of mystery.
Botswana becomes almost as a character itself and unique
qualities of the country play a part in most of the mysteries she must solve to
make her living. A sweet relationship story between her friends and family
members unfolds and it leaves one completely charmed by the main character, the
country and the story. Each mystery has a unique appeal, subtle humor
underlying and clever perspective to allow us as readers to see through the
eyes of this Lady Detective.
The compassion, kindness and importance of using your
mind to resolve issues both great and small, both cultural and universal allows
a reader to sink into a world they may initially have been uncomfortable
entering. Especially notable was a lack of race-blame that can sometimes be
common in books about Africa-either one race or the other being painted as
inherently bad. This was not a part of these tales, only a clear indication
that people are good and bad, judgment by race was not a factor. It was very
well written, clever and easy to read. It was a delightful choice that, though
few of us were able to attend due to nasty weather, all of us thoroughly
enjoyed.
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