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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I read this in print many years ago, probably at least 10 or more. I didn’t remember much of the storyline details. Just knew I really liked it. Now there are audiobooks and Hoopla. So when I saw it here, I checked it out.
The narrator was wonderful. The story is so good about this Botswanan woman who just wants to be a detective.
This is first in the series. If I ever get around to cataloguing the books I own, I just might have this in print. But I’m glad I could “re-read” it from Hoopla.
On to book 2 that I know I have not read.
The narrator was wonderful. The story is so good about this Botswanan woman who just wants to be a detective.
This is first in the series. If I ever get around to cataloguing the books I own, I just might have this in print. But I’m glad I could “re-read” it from Hoopla.
On to book 2 that I know I have not read.
A weird amalgamum of mystery, feminism, africanism, and condescesion (though at times it's hard to tell where that's aimed), this book only took me about four hours to read, so it didn't bother me at the time that the point escaped me. I got the feeling that the author was trying to say something more than "this is the mystery and this is how she solved it" but it was never resolved. The Mysteries were predictable and tame but kind of charming in an encyclopedia brown kind of way. I'll keep it for sick days' light reading, and buy any more in the series I come across (used, not full price).
Overall, this was an easy and engaging listen. I enjoyed how the book wove together Ramotswe’s cases, creating a cohesive story that explored both the intricacies of detective work and the larger themes of humanity—what it means to live, work, and die in Botswana.
That said, it was hard to ignore the fact that a white man is telling the stories of Black characters in Africa. While the book offers a warm and detailed portrait of Botswana, I found myself wondering how authentically it captures the lived experiences of the people it represents.
Still, it’s an interesting and thoughtful read, and I can see why it has resonated with so many readers.
That said, it was hard to ignore the fact that a white man is telling the stories of Black characters in Africa. While the book offers a warm and detailed portrait of Botswana, I found myself wondering how authentically it captures the lived experiences of the people it represents.
Still, it’s an interesting and thoughtful read, and I can see why it has resonated with so many readers.
slow-paced
This is another book in a series.... that I'm not sure if I'll ever get around to reading. Not that the book wasn't good, but because I'm not that committed. I get too bored reading the same thing for to long. (...and I just found out the book was turned into an HBO series that kind of looks good... does anyone know if it is still on? and anyplace you can watch HBO shows for free?!)
Anyway, Back to the book. It is set in Africa, so it took me a couple chapters to get used to the names and whatnot. A lot of them were very similar so I had to read carefully. Once I got used to it though, I was fine.
The book was basically about Mma Ramotswe and how she came to start her own detective agency. She sort of breaks the mold when it comes to detective work, being a woman and all... You follow a bunch of little cases through out the book, with one major one lurking in the background. I loved reading about how she came to the truth in each one and how bold she was with people sometimes. I liked "watching" her solve the story more than trying to figure things out myself. I guess I don't really qualify this a s a mystery book. Just a book about a lady in the mystery business :-)
Anyway, Back to the book. It is set in Africa, so it took me a couple chapters to get used to the names and whatnot. A lot of them were very similar so I had to read carefully. Once I got used to it though, I was fine.
The book was basically about Mma Ramotswe and how she came to start her own detective agency. She sort of breaks the mold when it comes to detective work, being a woman and all... You follow a bunch of little cases through out the book, with one major one lurking in the background. I loved reading about how she came to the truth in each one and how bold she was with people sometimes. I liked "watching" her solve the story more than trying to figure things out myself. I guess I don't really qualify this a s a mystery book. Just a book about a lady in the mystery business :-)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse
I picked this up at the local friends of the library booksale because I remember my grandmother reading this series and watching the show on PBS back in the day. It is so full of cliches, stereotypes, and prejudices. On top of all that, it is an incredibly boring storyline. It was difficult to finish, the only reason why I did was for nostalgia.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
Ho scoperto questo autore circa vent'anni fa e da allora lo leggo e lo rileggo sempre molto volentieri. Questa volta ho provato l'audiolibro in inglese e mi è piaciuto moltissimo, i personaggi sono interpretati molto bene, mi piacciono gli accenti e le musiche tra i capitoli. Sono anche felice di averlo ascoltato con calma, senza fretta.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced