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SPOILER WARNING: Do not read this review if you have not already read the first book in the series, the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. _______________________________________________________________________________ Tears of the Giraffe is the second in a series of books about Precious Ramotswe, the very first lady detective in the African nation of Botswana. This second book opens with Mma Ramotswe newly engaged to that very fine man and excellent auto mechanic, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. In amongst the mysteries presented by the detective agency's clients, Mma Ramotswe must solve the little mysteries of combining two households into one, coordinating two busy and successful businesses and learning more about this man to whom she is about to be married. And before she really has a chance to settle in to being engaged, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni surprises her with two additions to their family. Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni deals with his two hopeless apprentices, Mma Makutsi is promoted to assistant detective, and Mma Ramotswe solves many mysteries, small and large, for her clients, including a heartrending one involving a missing young American. Botswana itself is, as always, a vital character in the book, molding its people and shaping events under the timeless African sky. Alexander McCall Smith is a Scotsman who lived for many years in Africa, has written an extensive list of legal texts, and has now successfully turned his hand to fiction writing. His main characters are frequently strong, interesting, formidable females. His novels are addictive and leave one anxiously awaiting the next release in the series. If you enjoy detective stories, stories based on cultures other than your own, or just quality fiction with strong characters and values, then I recommend this entire series. Start with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency if you have not yet read it, and buy them all to keep, as you will wish to read and reread them many times.Read full review
Second in Smith's series about clever lady detective Precious Ramotswe in Botswana, "Tears of the Giraffe" brings the characters and country alive. Fun and light, the agency's cases are solved by persistence and humor. This installment started to shed light on the relationship between the main character and her fiance Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, helping reader get to know them each better. While characters are first introduced in the first book "The #1 Ladies' Detective Agency" they come alive in the subsequent book. The depth of their home lives, relationships, and sentimentalities becomes real in this book. The agency's secretary Mma. Makutsi also becomes a more vital element to the stories. The love of African nationals for their homeland and each other is pointed out poignantly in their respect for each other and their handling of conflict with dignity. Also highlighter are the major differences between Botswana's customs and those of westerners. Although I started reading this series somewhat hesitantly as part of a book club selection requirement, I am now a loyal follower of Mma. Ramotswe's. I didn't want to put this book down and hated to see it end. Fortunately there are still several more in the series!Read full review
This 2nd book in the series does not disappoint. In fact, the story thread seems to pick up immediately where they left off in the 1st (Mma Ramotse and JLB Matekoni celebrate their engagement). The author does a wonderful job adding moderate peril and danger with Precious at the forefront of her sleuthing. More colorful characters are added to the mix to give humor and and wit to an already stressful situation. Mma Makutsi shows herself as a clever and capable assistant detective as well. Through it all is a strong belief system in doing the right thing and no matter what...family comes first. Heartwarming as an African savannah and leaves the reader thirsty for more! 4 stars****
In this volume, McCall Smith continues his tales of Precious Ramotswe, owner of Number One Ladies Detective Agency, the only detective agency in Botswana owned by a woman. We learn more of Mma Ramotswe's background, personality, and set of values. The gentle writing style allows the reader to sway with the African wind, visualizing each scene vividly and empathizing with the rich yet simple humanity of the characters. This book could be a quick read, but I don't believe you will want it to be. Allow yourself to slow down and feel the roundness of the words, the rhythm of the language, the poignancy of the scenes.
Glad that my collection of series now complete. Always a fun read.Book in excellent condition.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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