The Miracle at Speedy Motors~Alexander McCall Smith~
(2008)
McCall Smith concludes each of the novels in his delightful No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series with a pointed and touching tribute to the country in which he sets his stories (africa, africa, africa...) . This title represents the ninth installment in a run which continues to serve up generous helpings of wisdom, comfort, humor and charm.
Back again is our female detective, Mma Ramotswe, the traditionally built lady with a kind heart and a mind for the higher path. Her husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, a gentle soul himself, is in search of a cure for their adopted daughter's paralysis, and her assistant, Mma Makutsi, must deal with a careless mistake that may come between her and her fiancee.
Threaded through the intricacies of the characters' lives are many cups of steaming bush tea, the continual put-put-put of the engine on Mma's little white van, and the wide open skies of her native Botswana, a land so tenderly described as to become a character in its own right.
The audio presentation of these titles is truly delectable. Reader Lisette Lecat, who is herself a native of South Africa, delivers a delightful and spirited rendering of McCall Smith's tales.
Back again is our female detective, Mma Ramotswe, the traditionally built lady with a kind heart and a mind for the higher path. Her husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, a gentle soul himself, is in search of a cure for their adopted daughter's paralysis, and her assistant, Mma Makutsi, must deal with a careless mistake that may come between her and her fiancee.
Threaded through the intricacies of the characters' lives are many cups of steaming bush tea, the continual put-put-put of the engine on Mma's little white van, and the wide open skies of her native Botswana, a land so tenderly described as to become a character in its own right.
The audio presentation of these titles is truly delectable. Reader Lisette Lecat, who is herself a native of South Africa, delivers a delightful and spirited rendering of McCall Smith's tales.
BBC One has partnered with HBO to produce a thirteen episode television series based on these titles and filmed in Botswana. American actress and singer Jill Scott is playing the role of Mma Ramotswe and will be joined by Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls) as Mma Makutsi. A 90-minute pilot episode aired on BBC this past spring ~ I can't wait until the television series makes its way across the pond:).
Check out the following for an interesting video about "Sandy" McCall Smith, his allegiance to South Africa, and his mission to promote optimism and hopefulness through his work.
