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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I think that Alexander McCall Smith is getting a little tired of writing The Number One Ladies Detective Agency books, because The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine felt both tired and stale. In this installation, Mma Ramotswe takes a vacation, forced into it unwillingly by Mma Makutsi and Mr. JLB Maketoni. The mystery is so slight, it doesn't show up until halfway through, and could have been solved by a simple conversation between two characters who frequently discuss things. I will not give away whether or not Mma Ramotswe was able to get to the bottom of it.
The thing that made this series such pleasant reading for me has to do with the basic good nature and empathetic dispositions of all of the characters, especially Mma Ramotswe. This book largely follows her thinking things to herself, most of which is recycled from previous books. A few of her less sympathetic musings seem more in keeping with the author's experiences than Mma Ramotswe, and in this book the references to her traditional build felt less good natured than usual. I disapprove of this new tendency for her to subdue bad characters by sitting on them.
I hope this installation is merely a hiccup in what has been a fine and enjoyable series of light mystery novels.
The thing that made this series such pleasant reading for me has to do with the basic good nature and empathetic dispositions of all of the characters, especially Mma Ramotswe. This book largely follows her thinking things to herself, most of which is recycled from previous books. A few of her less sympathetic musings seem more in keeping with the author's experiences than Mma Ramotswe, and in this book the references to her traditional build felt less good natured than usual. I disapprove of this new tendency for her to subdue bad characters by sitting on them.
I hope this installation is merely a hiccup in what has been a fine and enjoyable series of light mystery novels.
I'm not a follower of this series as the first book just didn't do much for me. This time I'm reading for my RL book club and while I can appreciate the genaral charm of the characters, the dialogue drove me up a wall. It was so stilted and everyone takes forever to get to the point. These are probably good books if you need to take a break from some heavier reading, but it's nothing that I would seek out.
Sadly this series is starting to get a bit repetitive. Still enjoyable though, like a comfortable sweater.
Another gentle walk with an old friend, who is very wise and very kind. I liked this one because it rounded the edges on Grace Makutsi a little and because of the way it portrayed love and friendship.
I wanted to like this book. However, think that I am now done with the series. Finishing it felt like work and I skimmed the end. Disappointing.
The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine is the sixteenth book in Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. It's amazing to me that I've been following these characters since 1998. I'm even more astounded by Smith's productivity. He writes several different series and stand-alone books for both adults and children, releasing multiple books every year. I can't think of a contemporary author who is more prolific. Maybe he's dreaming of taking a vacation like Mma Ramotswe? Keep writing Smith!
PLOT - Workholic Mma Ramotswe is convinced by Mma Makutsi, to take a much deserved vacation. However, Mma Ramotswe cannot help but be a detective, even while attempting to take a break. Mr. Polopetsi has been given a temporary job in the agency and Mma Makutsi is determined to show that she can handle things while Mma Ramotswe is on holiday. To complicate matters, Mr. Polopetsi asks for Mma Ramotswe's help, when he fears that Mma Makutsi has a case that she cannot handle.
LIKE- In this series, characters always take center stage. Sixteen books and I still can't get enough of this story world and its inhabitants. Smith has a wonderful understanding of human nature and I get a kick out of how his characters interact, both the manners and the subtext.
I enjoyed the secondary plot line of Mma Ramotswe saving a young child and finding out what happened to his mother. The ending of the book is sentimental and touching. There are plenty of thought provoking themes woven throughout the story involving honesty, friendship, and secrecy.
DISLIKE- This is one of the weaker books in the series. The big mystery involving the Potokwane family, wasn't very compelling. The only compelling component is the way it handled scandal, with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi showing compassion towards Mma Potokwane. Similarly, the confrontation with Violet Sephotho, Mma Makutsi's arch enemy, lacked impact.
RECOMMEND- If you're a fan of the series, you have to read The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine, not because it's the best, but simply because who can skip any books in a series? I can't. If this is your first experience with Smith or the series, don't pick this book to start.
As a bonus, check out Smith's author page. I like the cheerful music!
Like my review? Check out my blog!
PLOT - Workholic Mma Ramotswe is convinced by Mma Makutsi, to take a much deserved vacation. However, Mma Ramotswe cannot help but be a detective, even while attempting to take a break. Mr. Polopetsi has been given a temporary job in the agency and Mma Makutsi is determined to show that she can handle things while Mma Ramotswe is on holiday. To complicate matters, Mr. Polopetsi asks for Mma Ramotswe's help, when he fears that Mma Makutsi has a case that she cannot handle.
LIKE- In this series, characters always take center stage. Sixteen books and I still can't get enough of this story world and its inhabitants. Smith has a wonderful understanding of human nature and I get a kick out of how his characters interact, both the manners and the subtext.
I enjoyed the secondary plot line of Mma Ramotswe saving a young child and finding out what happened to his mother. The ending of the book is sentimental and touching. There are plenty of thought provoking themes woven throughout the story involving honesty, friendship, and secrecy.
DISLIKE- This is one of the weaker books in the series. The big mystery involving the Potokwane family, wasn't very compelling. The only compelling component is the way it handled scandal, with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi showing compassion towards Mma Potokwane. Similarly, the confrontation with Violet Sephotho, Mma Makutsi's arch enemy, lacked impact.
RECOMMEND- If you're a fan of the series, you have to read The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine, not because it's the best, but simply because who can skip any books in a series? I can't. If this is your first experience with Smith or the series, don't pick this book to start.
As a bonus, check out Smith's author page. I like the cheerful music!
Like my review? Check out my blog!
I am an Alexander McCall Smith fan, so I read his books and love my time with the characters who have become old friends at this point. And my 84 year old mom reads them, too.
4 stars for another pleasant book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, set in Botswana, Africa. This is book 16 in the series and I have read them in order. There are developments throughout the series, so they are best read in order, although this would work as a stand alone. This book has Grace Makutsi persuading Precious Ramotswe into taking a vacation from her duties at the agency. It is her first vacation since she founded the agency. Grace takes over in Precious' absence. A complicated case comes up and Precious is drawn back in, w/o Grace's knowledge. There are misunderstandings, but everything is resolved with a satisfactory ending. If you like cozy mysteries with no violence or profanity, then you will love this series.
Both my wife and I read this series.
Both my wife and I read this series.
Another lovely instalment in this series with a few laugh out loud moments.
Week 27 Book 24
The woman who walked in sunshine by Alexander McCall Smith
Rating: 4/5
Another beautiful book in the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. It is always good to dip into the lives of Precious and Grace. Easy to read, warm to feel. Can't wait to read the next in line!
The woman who walked in sunshine by Alexander McCall Smith
Rating: 4/5
Another beautiful book in the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. It is always good to dip into the lives of Precious and Grace. Easy to read, warm to feel. Can't wait to read the next in line!