Tears of the giraffe.

Alexander McCall Smith

Detective Story

Abacus (2008)

Rate of approval:  4/5

           “Tears of the Giraffe” charts the adventures of Precious Ramotswe solving her hardest detective case ever, the mysterious disappearance of an American young man in the Kalahari Desert ten years ago. And, if this were not enough, her family grows by two members without noticing. 

            This novel gets you closer the three main characters that live this story: Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi and Mr J.L.B Matekoni. As a result, the conclusions that come from their relations and experiences give this book a fascinating touch of morality. 

            If you are looking for an exciting reading this book is for you. Every single case is breathtaking and the way Precious Ramotswe sort out clients’ problems makes it absolutely stunning. 

            Written in a descriptive and easy way, this novel engrosses you so you cannot put it down “Soothing, full of hope and understanding, this a dangerously addictive read” Daily Mail.

           

           

                                                                                                     

First things first...

Althought I read this novel some years ago I have done this review about the first book of the collection in order to follow a logical order in this work. 

The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

Alexander McCall Smith

Detective Story

Abacus 2008 (This novel was first published in 1998)

            Firstly, the plot describes how Mma Ramostwe (an African lady) changes her life because of her father’s death; with the money she earns by selling the cows she inherits. Mma Ramostwe decides to set up a ladies’ detective agency.  The rest of the story deals with the problems of the people she receives in the agency and her own life events. 

            Speaking about the background of the novel, it happens in Botswana where the author used to live and work. In this book we hear about common problems in this country, but with a detailed description of the beautiful countryside and generosity of its people.

In fact, the main themes that appear in this novel are the human nature, the truth and the lies and the sense of community. The last is evidenced in the way that they call each other preceded by brother or sister.

By the way, one of the extraordinary aspects about this novel is that there is a principal case that occurs all troughs the novel and it is inserted in other small investigations, what makes it really entertaining.

In the end, the way that Mma Ramostwe uses her life experiences to solve her cases makes her an amazing detective.

Chapter nº1

I have found out that this collection of books has some TV episodes.

Here it is the first one....

It is fantastic to see what you have already red and identify all the scenes and characters of the story! :)

Everything has a beginning.... 

It was in 2009, I was studying my third year of Primary English Teacher Degree. I was supposed to choose a book from the large list proposed in order to do a composition about it.
"Nº1 Ladies Detective Agency" I read. I was looking for an entertaining book, something that I had not red before. I highlighted some titles that inspired me some interest and I went to the library.
Definitly my choice was "Nº1 Ladies Detective Agency", its exotic cover caught my attention.