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A review by bickleyhouse
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is my third book by Alexander McCall Smith, although it is the first book in this particular series. I have already read the newest book, just released last year, as well as one that I think is around number 23 or so. I have enjoyed all of them.
This one, I did not enjoy quite as much as the other two. It's introductory, of course, and we are introduced to Precious Ramotswe, who becomes the first lady detective of Botswana, specifically in the town of Gaborone. This book doesn't read so much like a novel, as a series of stories about Precious and her life leading up to the time that the book is taking place. I would almost call it a book of short stories about her and her family.
There is a somewhat lengthy section focusing on her father, which is written in first person perspective. I did not really get into that section so much. It is necessary, I suppose, as it gives us perspective on where Precious came from, as well as how she was able to afford to buy a house and storefront and open up her No. 1 Ladies' Detective agency.
There is one story that stretches across the last half of the book, with some minor stories between, and this one creates the most tension in this book.
Mr. McCall Smith's writing is easy to read and it is immensely enjoyable. The humor that is displayed is great. I find myself laughing frequently, especially at some of the dialogue between the characters. The author was born in Zimbabwe and taught at the University of Botswana, so he knows the culture and its people. I like how he portrays the people of the area, even though there are "triggers" in some of it, especially in the way the men of the culture treat the women. But this is hones, authentic writing at its best. I will definitely continue reading in this series, and possibly will check out some of the author's other work, as well.
This one, I did not enjoy quite as much as the other two. It's introductory, of course, and we are introduced to Precious Ramotswe, who becomes the first lady detective of Botswana, specifically in the town of Gaborone. This book doesn't read so much like a novel, as a series of stories about Precious and her life leading up to the time that the book is taking place. I would almost call it a book of short stories about her and her family.
There is a somewhat lengthy section focusing on her father, which is written in first person perspective. I did not really get into that section so much. It is necessary, I suppose, as it gives us perspective on where Precious came from, as well as how she was able to afford to buy a house and storefront and open up her No. 1 Ladies' Detective agency.
There is one story that stretches across the last half of the book, with some minor stories between, and this one creates the most tension in this book.
Mr. McCall Smith's writing is easy to read and it is immensely enjoyable. The humor that is displayed is great. I find myself laughing frequently, especially at some of the dialogue between the characters. The author was born in Zimbabwe and taught at the University of Botswana, so he knows the culture and its people. I like how he portrays the people of the area, even though there are "triggers" in some of it, especially in the way the men of the culture treat the women. But this is hones, authentic writing at its best. I will definitely continue reading in this series, and possibly will check out some of the author's other work, as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence