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Thursday, July 27, 2006

The Full Cupboard of Life

by Alexander McCall Smith (read July 2006)
This is book 5 in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. There are more after it, but this is the last one I'll read. I've enjoyed the first 4 with their simple outlook on life, but book 5 left me lacking. It was boring, slow, and just plain stupid - not even the simplest mystery to solve. I rate this book a 1 out of 5, and that only out of kindness for the others in this series which were quite delightful.

5 comments:

Myke Weber said...

I enjoyed this book much more that you appear to have. I think the entire series is best listened to on CD. Lisette Lecat (the narrator) captures the nuance of expression in the determined, simple sincerity of the people of Botswana.

Of necessity a full cupboard is perhaps less interesting than an empty or scanty one. Still with much to be eaten (and not all at once) there is plenty of delight. So it is with Mma Ramotswe, her cupboard is full and she is gladly partaking of every morsel.

Both Smith and Lecat are white folks and I find myself wondering if they really got to the heart of the people of Gaborone in his depiction of them. It seems surprisingly accurate and is most certainly full of respect for this kind, sincere people.

I always wanted to go to Africa to see the animals, now I'd prefer to go to Botswana to meet the people.

Thanks, Mma, for exposing me to these delightful stories.

Booklogged said...

Your welcome, Rra. I agree listening to them is the best because the narrator is so good. She has lived in Africa, as well as France, thus the delightful accent in English.

Suzan Abrams, email: suzanabrams@live.co.uk said...

Dearest Booklogged,
I have been to Africa sometimes for the safaris - Zimbabwe and always for me, Tanzania (that holds my heart).
I would go with Myke in his thoughts of approach towards the people of Botswana.
Africa.. with diamonds as an illusive image to showcase its wondrous beauty beyond the mud of poverty. There is something alluring and mysterious about the heart of the land that cannot be touched or tamed by a stanger.
And because of your Christian faith, I'll say that to me, I am always reminded of God's awesome creations when I go there.
By the way, I wanted to commend you on your creative blogs with their pictures that are so inspiring of the creative inner you.
love

Booklogged said...

Susan, thank-you for visiting and for your kind praise. I've always said that Africa is probably the last place on my list of places I want to visit. I hate hot, and dry, and dusty, and desserty places, though. Give me lush green with flowers and trees abounding. Maybe after I visit all the other places on my list, I will go to Africa. It does have a certain mystery about it.

Suzan Abrams, email: suzanabrams@live.co.uk said...

Hi,Booklogged. Africa's a lot cooler than you realise. Cold rains and temperature in East Africa (around May, also Octoberish, June whenever I went) drops steadily in the evenings.
You may be pleasantly surprised.
love