Taher Basrai Basrai itibaren La Capilla, La Capilla, Boyaca, Kolombiya
I read this the first time about 5 years or more ago. I had been complaining that everything I had been reading had sad or unsatisfactory endings, so Carolyn O recommended this book. I wasn't blown away by it and haven't read the rest of the series. So now I have read it for book group. It was enjoyable enough. It still didn't live up to all the hype for me - the cover quote uses the word 'hilarious.' Did I miss something? I may have laughed out loud once. Precious Ramotswe is an intersting character. The idea that she felt she could just start a detective agency with no background or training, but simply because she is observant, was also interesting. And by using her observational skills and intuition, she makes a pretty good go of it. There was at least one moment that reminded me of scary movies where the person goes in the house after discovering the door is ajar - or goes into the basement when the power is out - and you want to shout and say 'Don't be stupid!' The chances Mma Ramotswe takes seem a little crazy, especially driving out to the middle of nowhere, alone, to confront someone who even she believes is dangerous. Really? If I am not questioning the sense of a character who is portrayed as being very sensible, then I am questioning the author asking us to believe this is in character - a little. She is certainly portrayed as very self-sufficient. For all that, it is intersting to get this perspective of Africa and an African woman who wants to hang on to the old Africa There is a happy ending. And I might even read the next one, but I'm not rushing to do that.
see my review for "dr. dredd's...". similar deal, but not quite so classic. still thoroughly enjoyable.