That’s almost the purpose and joy of the books. The small, everyday ambitions and flawed misdirections of life. Precious sees every facet of life in faraway Botswana and brings it to us wrapped in a colorful, warm and beautifully judgmental series of stories. They are deceptively simple. If you watch the series on HBO you might like it better. The series gives you a face for the characters that, for me, was just right. It is relatively close to the books. Close enough anyway.
Sometimes after reading heavier tomes and classics, I pick up one of McCall Smith’s series and they never fail to lighten my spirit and make me believe in humanity again. There’s just something about that gentle, quiet wit that exists in the “seeming” simplicity of his stories.
The first book in that series is more of an establishing of characters, setting the scene book. All the main characters continue and develop throughout the series, and Botswana, its people and culture, are also a ‘character’. Yes, the books move slowly, but that almost reinforces the Botswana concept of time. This series is a “brew a pot of rooibos (red bush) tea-sit on the veranda listening to the birds” read.
The number one ladies detective agency books are my very favorite books. They are the only books that I can read repeatedly and I own all of them in print and audiobook format. For me, they are just comfortable old friends. I didn’t enjoy the 44 Scotland Street series as much as I love The number one ladies detective agency books. ?
It is so interesting how we all have such different tastes. We have read a few Alexander McCall Smith books in my book club and I had a hard time getting through them. I didn’t finish 44 Scotland Street. I pray no one picks anymore of them. I’m glad you like though.
They are very boring to me. With the exception of his hilarious series about the professor of Portuguese. Yet no one ever talks about these funny gems.
I would to… I often wonder what is this man like, and imagine what his quiet wit and observations must be. It is interesting that he is a professor… and yet, he has some message he’s trying to make in his gentle tales.
I’ve read some of 44 Scotland Street and am trying to finish/get caught up with the No. 1 Ladies etc. Lovely uncomplicated reads. You just need one sometimes.
I love them#1 Ladies and have not tried this series. I like it because it it fun as sometimes I just like fun. Not every book needs to be hardcore. But no matter what I read I always learn something. For #1 Ladies I have learned much about Botswanna
I love No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I tried one of his other series (don’t remember which one), but it didn’t grab me. I don’t think I even finished the first book. I may have to try again…
Not really, except that he clearly has a deep respect for Africa (Botswana in particular) and Africans, and Mma Ramotswe (sp?) frequently muses on her love of her people and how she wishes they would live up to their traditions.
I enjoyed all the books in print, but feel I gained a greater respect and understanding for the writing when listening to the books on audible. Hearing that phrase read out loud is powerful.
Love his writing!!
Love his books!
His #1 Ladies Detective Agency series is delightful.
That’s my favorite series of his.
Yes, I liked this series the best. They are so much fun to listen to!
Love love love that series. I read other of his books, but those are my favorites!
I got the first one as my Blind Date With A Book in Feb at the library. And I’m halfway through the series now. I really enjoy it
I love all of his books.
I think his books are wonderful. I’m always glad to see a new one available.
I couldn’t get into the Ladies Detective book. Clever writing but very slow..
That’s almost the purpose and joy of the books. The small, everyday ambitions and flawed misdirections of life. Precious sees every facet of life in faraway Botswana and brings it to us wrapped in a colorful, warm and beautifully judgmental series of stories. They are deceptively simple. If you watch the series on HBO you might like it better. The series gives you a face for the characters that, for me, was just right. It is relatively close to the books. Close enough anyway.
Sometimes after reading heavier tomes and classics, I pick up one of McCall Smith’s series and they never fail to lighten my spirit and make me believe in humanity again. There’s just something about that gentle, quiet wit that exists in the “seeming” simplicity of his stories.
The first book in that series is more of an establishing of characters, setting the scene book. All the main characters continue and develop throughout the series, and Botswana, its people and culture, are also a ‘character’. Yes, the books move slowly, but that almost reinforces the Botswana concept of time. This series is a “brew a pot of rooibos (red bush) tea-sit on the veranda listening to the birds” read.
I completely agree with you Stephanie Wilson! It took me 3 attempts to finish the first book in the series and I’ll never read another.
I’ve tried twice. I’m not expecting Dirk Pitt thriller pace, but it’s not my book I guess.
Boring but loved the short-lived TV series
I liked the HBO series too. Also have listened to some on audio books.
His books are all excellent and endearing respites from heavy, dark, depressing tomes!
Love it.
I really liked the Sunday Philosophy Club series
Yes, Isabelle Dalhousie. Like those too
Love Scotland Street the best!
Love his books.
Loved the 44 Scotland Street series. Loved little Bertie who never aged.
I like the No #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Haven’t read this one yet but plan to.
fab i have read them all – every one of his many series but 44 is the best- Bertie was the main character in the last one
Yes yes yes. Isabel Dalhousie too.
The number one ladies detective agency books are my very favorite books. They are the only books that I can read repeatedly and I own all of them in print and audiobook format. For me, they are just comfortable old friends. I didn’t enjoy the 44 Scotland Street series as much as I love The number one ladies detective agency books. ?
All of his books are great! I just finished the latest Isabel Dalhousie book, A Quiet Side of Passion.
Have that one to read.
It’s good!
It is so interesting how we all have such different tastes. We have read a few Alexander McCall Smith books in my book club and I had a hard time getting through them. I didn’t finish 44 Scotland Street. I pray no one picks anymore of them. I’m glad you like though.
I love the relationships and the look at the culture that is different from mine.
I agree. See my reply to Stephanie Wilson above. These books are old friends.
They are very boring to me. With the exception of his hilarious series about the professor of Portuguese. Yet no one ever talks about these funny gems.
I love No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.
I agree. See my reply to Stephanie Wilson above. These books are old friends.
I’ve read all his books and series. Love his writing. “Africa,Africa,Africa.”
Ehh. Very light reading. Sometimes borders on cheesy.
Sometimes we need a light cheesy read.
For sure. We need mindless reading too.
Barbara Cook I read a lot of WW2 historical fiction. I have to break it up with something light occasionally.
Heard him speak in Pittsburg. Wonderful sense of humor,
Would love to meet him.
I would to… I often wonder what is this man like, and imagine what his quiet wit and observations must be. It is interesting that he is a professor… and yet, he has some message he’s trying to make in his gentle tales.
I’ve read some of 44 Scotland Street and am trying to finish/get caught up with the No. 1 Ladies etc. Lovely uncomplicated reads. You just need one sometimes.
I love all his books, especially #1 Ladies and 44 Scotland St. Precious Ramotswe is one of my favorite literary characters.
Love this series so much, I want to go to Botswana. Wouldn’t be able to sit with Precious and talk while sharing teatime though.
I enjoyed 44
My library did a display of good books that didn’t make the list which included Alexander McCall Smith.
Just read his modern retelling of Emma. The book itself was just okay, but his writing was very witty 🙂
I thought he did a great job with the modern Emma… would love to see it made into a movie.
His Portuguese irregular verb series is by far the funniest portrayal of academia ever written
Yes it is.
Ok thank you!! Finally someone mentions these hilarious books! I find everything else he writes to be incredibly dull but these are simply hilarious!
Corduroy Mansions was a good series about the dog.
#1 Ladies Detective Agency, one of my favorite series.
Mine too!
I love them#1 Ladies and have not tried this series. I like it because it it fun as sometimes I just like fun. Not every book needs to be hardcore. But no matter what I read I always learn something. For #1 Ladies I have learned much about Botswanna
Yes! I read a few of his Ladies Detective books. I also learned about Botswana.
If you ever get a chance to see him in person, he is hilarious. He said that he was a serial serial-writer.
Saw him once. He wore his full Scottish clothes and was ushered onto the stage by bagpiper. Wonderful humor.
I love his 44 Scotland Street Series
I love No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I tried one of his other series (don’t remember which one), but it didn’t grab me. I don’t think I even finished the first book. I may have to try again…
I love this series. I just wish Bertie would get a bit older. Forever 7. Lol
I pretty much love all of his books.
I haven’t read those.
I’ve read the whole series and love it!!! Each book feels like a visit with old, charming and slightly quirky friends!!
I discovered these books by accident and I love them.
They are great on audio!
I adore this series!
Absolutely love this series.
Those were good. Not my favs, but we’ll worth reading.
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is my fav by this author.
Haven’t read those. Will have to. Love the number one ladies detective series. Listened on audio. Wonderful.
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series are wonderful reads.
I’m currently going through his No. 1 ladies detective agency series.
I love that series.
The number 1 ladies detective agency is my favorite.
Mine too Lisa
Me, too.
Yes!!!
I especially love “Bertie” in the Scotland St. Stories. Love Ladies #1 Detective Agency series, too.
I’m just about to read the latest book in the series. I’m praying that Bertie can get out from his mother’s thumb!
@Marty Me, too! I love that little boy!
He bores me. EXCEPT his least known series about the professor of Portuguese. These books are hilarious!!!! Yet no one but me seems to read them.
I beg your pardon, I adore Herr Doktor Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld. He is my favorite McCall Smith character!
@Liza yay! Another fan of sausage dogs ! and irregular verbs!
Eliza Sawyer ehem, “Portuguese” irregular verbs. ? I salute you. ?
??????
I loved this series of books. The little ‘lad’ had a great support group!
I like the Ladies #1 Detective agency series.
Liked the quirky characters and situations. No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is great!
Is this the lady philosopher series?
You’re thinking of the Sunday Philosophy Club series, with Isabel Dalhousie. I like those too.
@Ellen These are excellent on Audio Books. The reader is exceptional.
Love that one too. Sitting right now reading The Quiet Side of Passion from the Sunday Philosophers Club series.
Did anyone see the TV show of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency? Jill Scott played the main character–she was terrific.
Yes! Loved it. Great casting (especially Grace) but the setting was kind of “sanitized.”
Yes – was disappointed when lasted only one season.
Me too! I think it was because Jill Scott got pregnant and needed a career break.
I was disappointed when they only did one season. Maybe someone will decide to do more of the stories.
His books are delightful.
Does anyone have an opinion as to why he ends several “#1 Ladies…” with “Africa Africa Africa, Africa Africa, Africa.”?
Not really, except that he clearly has a deep respect for Africa (Botswana in particular) and Africans, and Mma Ramotswe (sp?) frequently muses on her love of her people and how she wishes they would live up to their traditions.
I enjoyed all the books in print, but feel I gained a greater respect and understanding for the writing when listening to the books on audible. Hearing that phrase read out loud is powerful.
He was born in what is now Zimbabwe and lived there for 17 years. I read somewhere that he still has an abiding love for Africa.
Gotta try it