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Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
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3,23162788 (3.86)58
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Showing 1-5 of 58 (next | show all)
If approached at a surface level, this book is excellent light reading - bits of humour, warmly drawn characters, and an unusual language style which I think probably echoes the Botswana way of thinking (not that I'd know really). By that I mean that the language is unusually simple and direct, with a tendency to state straight out, in the most matter-of-fact way, things that Western cultures tend to euphemise and dance around on tiptoe.

I think the relationship between Mma Ramotswe and Mr J.L.B Matekoni is very nicely done, and undergoes some development in this book, after its beginning in The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Mr Matekoni is perhaps the most endearing character I came across in the book, mainly because of his humble opinion of himself and his high opinion of everyone else, Mma Ramotswe in particular.

On a deeper level, I don't quite know what to think, and can only assume it's not meant to be approached deeply. But there's a tendency to cliche, and a sense of the author choosing all the things that are supposed to appeal to women and throwing them all into the book to keep us happy. Orphans in wheelchairs, a mother seeking for a 10-years-lost son, womanising men being punished, and faithful men being rewarded. All very moral, which I usually like in a book, but it all seems a bit too purposefully designed to tug at the heart strings. Which it didn't really do for me.

All the same, it was a good read, great for a palate cleanser in between heaver-weighted books. I have every intention of reading the whole series over a very long period of time, just one here and there, when the opportunity arises and the mood takes me. I have long loved the title of the next in the series, Morality for Beautiful Girls, and like the idea of reading it some day.
2 vote ChocolateMuse | Oct 14, 2009 |
Just as enjoyable as the first! Mma Romatswe finds herself with new mysteries to solve and a brand new family. This is one of the most leisurely book series I've ever read, and I look forward to reading book 3! ( )
  Blakelyn | Oct 6, 2009 |
In this installment of life in Botswana, Mma Ramotswe solves the mystery of an American boy who disappeared from an experimental farm 10 years previously. She also acquires a fiance and two adopted children.

The style is just as charming as the first book. The difficult side of life is not ignored but is downplayed in favour of the hopes of people for whom life is getting better and who therefore don't get in the headlines. ( )
  Robertgreaves | Sep 19, 2009 |
The follow-up book to the No 1 Detective agency – and more of the same folk wisdom and insights. Lovely to read. Read December 2008 ( )
  mbmackay | Aug 30, 2009 |
Charming. Mma Makutsi is promoted to Asst Dectective. 10 year old case is solved. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni takes in two children.
  carladp | Jul 27, 2009 |
Showing 1-5 of 58 (next | show all)
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Series (with order)
Canonical Title
Original publication date
People/Characters
Important places
Important events
Awards and honors
Epigraph
Dedication
This book is for Richard Latcham
First words
Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, found it difficult to believe that Mma Ramotswe, the accomplished founder of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, had agreed to marry him.
Quotations
Last words
Disambiguation notice
Publisher's editors
Blurbers
Canonical titleTears of the Giraffe
Original publication date2000
SeriesThe No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2)
People/CharactersPrecious Ramotswe, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, Grace Makutsi, Motholeli, Puso, Andrea Curtin
Important placesGaborone, Botswana
DedicationThis book is for Richard Latcham
First wordsMr. J.L.B. Matekoni, proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, found it difficult to believe that Mma Ramotswe, the accomplished founder of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, had agreed to marry him.
Last words(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
Book description

Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0349116652, Paperback)

Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies’ detective agency in Botswana. In Tears of the Giraffe she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. In the midst of resolving uncertainties, pondering her impending marriage to a good, kind man, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, and the promotion of her talented secretary (a graduate of the Botswana Secretarial College, with a mark of 97 per cent), she also finds her family suddenly and unexpectedly increased by two.

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:58:03 -0400)

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