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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith

From book flap:

The latest installment in the beloved, best-selling series is once again, a beautiful blend of wit and wisdom, and a profoundly touching tale of the human heart.

At a remote cattle post south of Gaborone two cows have been killed, and Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's No. 1 Lady Detective, is asked to investigate by a rather frightened and furtive gentleman.  It is an intriguing problem - including, surprisingly, her own client.

To complicate matters, Mma Ramotswe is haunted by a vision of her dear old white van, and Grace Makutsi witnesses it as well.  Is it the ghost of her old friend, or has it risen from the junkyard?  In the meantime, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant and, under pressure to marry her, has run away.  Naturally, it is up to Precious to help sort things out.  Add to the mix Violet Sephotho's newly launched run for the Botswana Parliamen and a pair of perfect wedding shoes - will wedding bells finally ring for Phuti Radiphuti and Grace Makutsi? - and we have a charming and delightful tale in the inimitable style of Alexander McCall Smith.

My thoughts:

I can't believe that I forgot this book was coming out.  I love this series and somehow, I completely spaced out on the fact that Alexander McCall Smith had released a new one this year.  Anyhow, lucky for me I spotted a copy of it at (of all places) Target.  Of course, I grabbed it and ran to the cashier to pay for it so that I could get home and start reading it ASAP.  And let me just say how happy I was to be taken back into the world of Precious Ramotswe and her home country of Botswana.  These books are similar to drinking a good cup of red bush tea and chatting with one of your dearest friends - they are a pleasure.

This time round, we have duplicitous clients, a runaway apprentice, broken heels, and a mystery van.  Crikey, makes me think of Scooby Doo and the gang - Ha!  Anyhow, in the latest installment, there is drama and more drama and let me just say I loved it - mainly because it gave me the chance to catch up with my dear friends, Mma. Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi.  Basically, life is moving forward.  Grace is planning her wedding to Phuti and excited at the prospect of having a husband, a new home and a new life.  Precious is worried that she is seeing things, because she has spotted her tiny white van around town - this is the van she parted with because it was no longer in working order.  And then we have Charlie, who has earned the reputation of deadbeat daddy. Hmmm. What is going on? Will Mma. Ramotswe be able to save the day for everyone, including herself?  Of course, she will! I won't tell you how, but suffice it to say, truths are revealed and the return of a dear old friend make for quite a sweet read. 

Hope all you fans of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency enjoy this one as much I have.  

Happy reading!!


3 comments:

Wallace said...

I haven't read any of these books, but tried to listen to the first one on audio -- it didn't work for me. I'm thinking maybe it was the reader considering how much people love this series. maybe I should give it another try?

Lisa said...

I'm amazed by what a great selection of books Target has now. They are really pulling in the big new titles and a lot of other interesting books. I can't help but stop by that department whenever I'm in the store. Plus they're prices are great. Although I do feel a bit guilty about not buying books from a book store.

Nadia said...

Wallace, I think you should give them another try. They really are sweet books to read.

Lisa, I know! Target is getting better with their selection of books - it always surprises me. And I know what you mean, I always feel like it should be a bookstore I get all my books from - nowadays though, I tend to order everything online.