The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

This is more like it! After the disappointing <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/12405126.The_Limpopo_Academy_of_Private_Detection__No__1_Ladies__Detective_Agency__13_" title="The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #13) by Alexander McCall Smith" rel="noopener">The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection</a> with its collection of lame stories with no overarching plot and rather limply written characters, this is back to a good story and realistic people.<br /><br />The main story is about a couple of dead cows and who killed them. There are lots of suspects, a confession or two which aren't necessarily the truth, and instead of a denoument a face-saving solution to the problem that has caused the torture of these two innocent and trusting bovines. <br /><br />The second story was of course the wedding (at last!) of Madame Makutsi to Phuti Radiphuti involving little side stories of jealous aunts, the manipulative Mma Potokwani from the orphan farm, a pair of really rather crappy shoes but so attractive (all us girls have bought totally unsuitable shoes we couldn't resist, so I laughed at this incident). There was a story of where one of Mr. J.L.B. Makatoni's apprentices had had his dipstick in the oil pipe and illegitimate twins had resulted, or had they?<br /><br />Highly recommended for a warm and comfortable read, no sex or violence (apart from to a couple of cows), an enjoyable book.<br /><br />The rest of this review as written before I started to read it and all I can say is I was wrong, wrong, wrong and I'm glad.<br /><br /><br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="b88537ab-9f31-4600-b896-ec83b2d504e7" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="b88537ab-9f31-4600-b896-ec83b2d504e7">I know, I know, after the low-rating and less-than-overjoyed review I gave <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/666756947" rel="nofollow noopener">The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection</a> here I am reading <i>another</i> episode of the past-its-sell-by Precious Ramotswe soap opera. Why am I doing it? <br /><br />I think it might be like an addiction. You kind of despise yourself for giving in to another drink, another cigarette, another helping of cheesy mashed potato with bacon bits. And that's just it, the appeal of cheese.<br /><br />There you go, maybe I'll have reached bottom now and be able to be strong and climb out of this pit or maybe its the last one of the series I haven't read and I really ought to try and be a completist. As Sketch says, the fibs we tell ourselves! </label>

<br><br>In this 12th book in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series Mma Makutski plans her long-awaited wedding to Phuti Radiphuti while Mma Ramotswe handles a difficult case. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a plus.<br><br><img alt="" height="210" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642502.jpg" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>*****<br><br>Mma Ramotswe, the detective agency owner, is approached by Mr. Botsalo Moeti, a cattle farmer who reports that two of his cows were purposely maimed. Mr. Moeti doesn't want to contact the police and asks Mma Ramotswe to investigate. <br><br><img alt="" height="221" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642503.jpg" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>The detective drives to the client's farm and finds a fairly common situation: Mr. Moeti bullies his servants and pays them poorly. Further inquiries reveal that the client is a difficult man who quarrels with his neighbor about fences and wandering cattle. So there are plenty of suspects for the cow injuries.<br><br><img alt="" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642504._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>As the case proceeds Mma Ramotswe acquires troubling information and, not sure what to do, consults "The Principles of Private Detection" by Clovis Anderson. This is the book that launched Mma Ramotswe on her detective career and serves as her investigative 'bible.' As always Mma Ramotswe exhibits common sense, sagacity, and thoughtfulness as she solves the case of the injured cattle.<br><br><img alt="" height="368" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642507.png" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>While Mma Ramotswe is detecting Mma Makutsi is making wedding arrangements. She has to get wedding shoes (a happy chore that doesn't go quite right), make a guest list, arrange accommodations for relatives, organize two wedding feasts, etc.<br><br><img alt="" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642509.jpg" width="320" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img alt="" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642510.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>To add to her worries Mma Makutski has to deal with a greedy uncle who demands too many cattle for the bride price. It's interesting to read about wedding customs in other cultures and I enjoyed these parts of the book. Also the beef stew, mashed pumpkin, fruit cake and other wedding foods sound very tasty. (Yum!)<br><br><img alt="" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642511._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>As all this is going on both ladies have something else on their minds. Through the grapevine they've heard that Charlie - apprentice to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni (Mma Ramotswe's husband) at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors - abandoned the girl who gave birth to his twin babies. <br><br><img alt="" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642506.png" width="272" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Mma Makuski, in her usual combative fashion, gives Charlie 'what for.' And Charlie calls her a warthog and runs off. So Mma Ramotswe - wanting Charlie to do the right thing - has to deal with this issue as well.<br><br>I enjoyed this cozy mystery but the case and side issues are less engaging than other books in the series. Moreover the resolution of the problems has a 'fairy tale' whiff...too convenient to be believed. Still, it's nice to visit with the familiar likable characters as they go about their everyday lives. I can just picture Mma Ramotswe sitting on the porch after dinner, sipping bush tea, and thinking deep thoughts.<br><br><img alt="" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1576858432i/28642505.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>You can follow my reviews at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/">http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/</a>

The wedding day for Grace Makutsi and Phuti Rataphuti is almost here. As preparations move along, Grace simply must find the perfect shoes. Precious Ramotswe tries to lend a hand, but will the same shoes be deemed appropriate? And what will they say once Grace chooses her wedding footwear. Meanwhile there are some unexplained "little white van" sightings. A mirage? Charlie seems to be in a bit of trouble with an old girlfriend. There is also a case involving butchered cattle to unravel. Love this series and the glimpses of everyday life in Botswana that are revealed in each installment. Excellent on audio with Lisette Lecat narrating.

Wonderful. Like a warm tasty comforting free meal on a cold night. Some surprising developments in the case of Charlie the apprentice who finds out that he has twins to support, until Precious Ramotswe discovers that perhaps he is not the father after all. Precious finally gets her tiny white van back and Grace Makutsi marries Phuti Radiphuti in style after Mma Potokwani invites herself to the wedding and takes over preparations. Much simple wisdom and funny situations and talk, but the book is so <i>relaxing</i> despite everything. Therin lies the true genius of Alexander McCall Smith. He can write well, he can create beauty, but he is perhaps the <u>only</u> author I have read who can give his reader a sense of peace, comfort and relaxation book after book after book. His characters are realistic and subtle neither overdone nor underdone. His plots are have the same mix of simple and complex parts as real life does, and he brings to the fore the beautiful simple things, friendship, rain, good fortune with understated skill. A marvelous book in a marvelous series from a marvelous writer.

I sit here, sipping a steaming mug of African red bush tea, wondering how to convey to you why I feel about Alexander McCall Smith, in general, and this book, in particular, as I do.<br /><br />Here in Atlanta there was a local right-wing talk-show host, eventually nationally syndicated and now retired (and, I always remember, my exact same age) who used to bluster that he said what everybody else was thinking but was afraid to say--nasty, mean-spirited comments about others, of course. Alexander McCall Smith is his diametric opposite. He also says what others think and are afraid to say, but, in his case, kind things, though no less true and sharp. Just think, which words are most likely to have changed your life, the nastiest insults? Or the kind observations?<br /><br />For example:<br /><br /><blockquote>"You can tell her to shut up, Mma?" Charlie said. "That is very good. All the time I thought everyone agreed with her. There were all these woman. You. Her. Mma Potokwane too. All against me."<br /><br />"Well, I'm not against you, Charlie. I promise you that." She paused. "And you'll come back to work tomorrow? If you do, I'll tell Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. He won't say anything."<br /><br />"Nothing?"<br /><br />"I'll talk to him too. He'll understand." <br /><br />Charlie considered this. "He's a good man."<br /><br />"Of course he is, Charlie, and so are you, you know."<br /><br />Had it not been quite so dark, Mma Ramotswe would have seen the effect of her words. Charlie, who had been slouching, as if expecting some sort of physical blow, seemed to grow in stature. The furtiveness with which he had acted disappeared, and he stepped forward, as if putting the shadows, real and otherwise, behind him. "Thank you, Mma. Thank you..." His voice became choked.</blockquote><br /><br />On second thought, the above example deserves another comment. The point is not to soothe or appease the behaviorally challenged by "being nice." Timing is everything in such matters, with the operative kind word not necessarily a matter entirely under our control but one that sometimes seems, rather, to smack of the miraculous. And that's how it was in <i>The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party</i>.<br /><br />McCall Smith can observe and he can write:<br /><br /><blockquote>People noticed things in Botswana; they saw who went into which house and they speculated as to what took them there; they noticed who was driving which car and who was in the passenger seat. People saw these things, in much the same way as an expert tracker in the Kalahari will look at the ground, and see, written in the sand, the history of all the animal comings and goings.</blockquote><br /><br />And, again:<br /><br /><blockquote>She went out into the garden. The sun had set, but there was still a faint glow in the west, above the Kalahari--enough to provide that half-light that makes everything seem so rounded, so perfect. She stood in her garden and looked about her. Against the gradually darkening sky, the branches of the trees traced a pattern of such intricacy and delicacy that those standing below might look up and wonder why the world can be so beautiful and yet break the heart.</blockquote><br /><br />Recently I was complaining about a book (<a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/7813616.God_Soul_Mind_Brain_A_Neuroscientist_s_Reflections_on_the_Spirit_World" title="God Soul Mind Brain A Neuroscientist's Reflections on the Spirit World by Michael S.A. Graziano" rel="noopener">God Soul Mind Brain: A Neuroscientist's Reflections on the Spirit World</a>) by a neuropsychologist that purported to shock the reader by his discussion of how people project personalities and souls onto inanimate objects (and, by extension, onto people). Alexander McCall Smith does just as well plus is more fun to read:<br /><br /><blockquote>Her van had been her companion and friend for many years. Can a vehicle--a collection of mechanical bits and pieces, nuts and bolts and parts the names of which one has not the faintest idea of--can such a thing be a friend? Of course it can: physical objects can have personalities, at least in the eyes of their owners. To others, it may be only a van, but to the owner it may be the friend that has started loyally each morning--except sometimes; that has sat patiently during long hours of waiting outside the houses of suspected adulterers, that has carried one home in the late afternoon, tired after a day's work at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.</blockquote><br /><br />And, after a discussion of ghosts:<br /><br /><blockquote>Mma Ramotswe laughed. "There are no ghosts, Mma. No ghost people, no ghost vans. These things are just stories we make up to frighten ourselves."<br /><br />Mma Makutsi, now standing beside the kettle, looked out the window. Yes, she thought, one can say that sort of thing in the broad daylight, under this wide and sunlit Botswana sky, but would one say the same thing with equal conviction at night, when one was out in the bush, perhaps, away from the streetlights of town, and surrounded by the sounds of the night--sounds that could not be easily explained away and that could be anything, things known or unknown, things friendly or unfriendly, things that it was better not to think about?</blockquote><br /><br />Well, that's a little sample. <br /><br />Also recommended are his <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/97875.44_Scotland_Street__44_Scotland_Street___1_" title="44 Scotland Street (44 Scotland Street, #1) by Alexander McCall Smith" rel="noopener">44 Scotland Street</a> and <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/15904.The_Sunday_Philosophy_Club__The_Isabel_Dalhousie_Novels___1_" title="The Sunday Philosophy Club (The Isabel Dalhousie Novels, #1) by Alexander McCall Smith" rel="noopener">The Sunday Philosophy Club</a> (Isabel Dalhousie) series, both of which are set in Scotland.<br /><br />Just the dregs of the tea, cold now, are left. Time for a walk before dark.

*fourth read*<br />Still love this series. It's reliably great. <br /><br />*third read*<br />Third read, and still great. I just love this series. If you ever want a smile, try these books. I highly recommend the audio performances by Lisette Lecat. She is unmatched. She turns a really good book into something truly spectacular. I can't praise her or this series highly enough. <br /><br /><br />*second read*<br />I'm running out of things to say about this series. I've read this book now twice in the same calendar year. I could be perfectly happy to be reading one of the books in this series all the time. They are wonderful and they get better with each read and as the series progresses. How many series can you honestly say that about?! <br /><br /><br />*First read*<br />Alexander McCall Smith is a treasure. It's as simple as that. I love this series so much. For me, they are the perfect comfort read, because they're not sickeningly sweet or too fluffy; theyre just right. At times you will laugh, you may even have a sad or a sweet tear here or there. <br /><br />If you'd like to learn a bit about the culture of Botswana, spend some time with decent, interesting recurring characters, and immerse yourself in a non-violent mystery that focuses more on the goodness and kindness in the world than all the rest, you couldn't find a more perfect series. <br /><br />ETA: I wanted to add a quote:<br /><blockquote> <i><br /> Against the gradually darkening sky, the branches of the trees traced a pattern of twigs and leaves – a pattern of such intricacy and delicacy that those standing below might look up and wonder why the world can be so beautiful and yet break the heart. </i> </blockquote><br /><br />I'm going to move right on into the 13th book when I can get it from the library, and when I come to the end of this series, I'm starting over at the beginning. I find myself in a place and time where I really need to focus on "what is above", and this is a perfect series for that. The ending to this one left me with sweet tears. What a wonderful series and author. Can't say enough about AMS.

Well, jolly-boy Charlie was in big trouble. Double trouble. And then some when our favorite two detective ladies got word of his shenanigans with the girls. His cell phone was working over time. Yes, the girls loved him for it until then.<br /><br />Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, that excellent man, proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and widely regarded as the best mechanic in all Botswana, was of the opinion that since the trouble originated in his building, under his roof, that he should address it. The two feminist warriors of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency won't have none of it. Since they were under the same roof, they would accept that the building was responsible. However, they, instead of the kind man, would handle Charlie. The sparks almost flew, well, okay, it got Charlie spooked out of his wits, and it wasn't from another suspension being worn down by a traditionally built driver. No, it was from associate detective Mma Grace Makutsi who took up the case. In her book, and she was talking on behalf of the entire womanhood of Botswana, there was no kind reprimand of any measure to be had. It was up to Mma Precious Ramotswe to save Botswana's menhood from her warrior second in command, especially when he told Grace to shut her mouth and called her an old warthog.<br /><br />Of course not all XY-carriers were in danger of total annihilation by Grace. She was to be betrothed to the second kindest man in all of Botswana. Her beloved soon to be husband Phuti Radiphuti gave her carte blanche to organise the wedding of her dreams, all expenses paid. It was a dream to die for for any young woman, everyone agreed. Her uncle, seeing a getting rich quick opportunity, wanted a stiff <i>labola</i>. Phuti was after all the affluent proprietor of the Double Comfort Furniture Store. The wedding almost did not happen. Grace threw her uncle a curve ball that almost derailed all his plans.<br /><br />In the meantime Precious Ramotswe's beloved white van died. Like in, passed away like human beings. That's what Rra Matekoni told her so that he can buy her the stylish new blue van. She believed her van had a soul and prayed for a miracle. Rra Matekoni reminded her that he was a mechanic, not a miracle worker. She was told that the little van was sold for secondhand parts to a scrap metal dealer way up north, and it broke her heart. After several months of intense mourning she witnessed her van driving around in Gabarone and her detective nose kicked in...<br /><br />Oh it's just a ghost van, Grace told Precious. Talking about ghosts. The only time there would be laughter in heaven, was when Violet Spehoto would be denied access and had to stay in Gabarone. The only ghost in high heels. Who would not laugh, right? All the other ghosts will laugh along with the angels. And now she was a candidate for parliament. Unbelievable. The solution: all shops would display warnings in their windows: don't vote for her. Just like that. So simple. Yes, women were so subtle.<br /><br />While all this was going on, Mr. Botsalo Moeti arranged a meeting with Precious at the Riverwalk cafe, regarding a sensitive, but dangerous matter. The solution would require the wisdom of Solomon and her perpetual sense of kindness to navigate through envy, dishonesty, pride, relationships and good will to solve this case before Grace's wedding could finally take over everything and make everyone happy.<br /><br />The Botswana sky were indeed clogged up with words. However, the words were all on a mission and fell neatly in place where they were suppose to fit in, and were adored by all.<br /><br />Another great pirouette of philosophy and reality, merging in a delightful <i>comfort read</i> (thanks, Connie). <br /><br />__________________________________<br /><br />PS: Prof Alexander McCall Smith were asked about <i> kindness</i> in his novels:<br /><br /><i>Question: So many of your books, and the characters within them, are imbued with kindness. What are your thoughts on this (often overlooked) quality in society today?<br /><br />Alexander McCall Smith: "You're right about kindness being overlooked. I think it is an absolutely important quality, and yet we tend not to celebrate it enough. I like to put it into my books because I admire it when I encounter it. AMcS(less)</i>

"Taking her old shoes out of the box into which Paticia had tucked them, she slipped them back on her feet and continued on her way to the Tlokweng Road. One or two people had witnessed the tragedy, or at least had seen part of it: a young man passing by, a boy on a bicycle, an old man standing in the shade of a tree. But they had only seen a woman racing after a white van and then stumbling; they had seen her bend down and change her footwear before walking off towards the main road. So might we fail to see the real sadness that lies behind the acts of others; so might we look at one of our fellow men going about his business and not know of the sorrow that he is feeling, the effort that he is making, the things he has lost."<br /><br />This paragraph from page 92 of <i>The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party</i> perfectly illustrates what I love about this series. On the surface it is a gently comedic mystery series in which blood is rarely spilled and almost no one dies (at least not from murder). I know some readers find it a series in which nothing seems to happen. But I love it because for me it is really about how we treat each other as human beings and how we struggle to decide what is right from what is wrong. And sometimes whether it might not be better to be kind than right.<br /><br />Also, I love an author not afraid of the semicolon.

In the 12th volume of this delightful series, Botswana’s most renowned lady detective looks into a mysterious event on a farmer’s land. Cattle have been slashed. Who would do such a thing? Of course Precious Ramotswe and her able, if somewhat shoe-addled assistant, Grace Makutsi, are on the case, and you know they will get to the bottom of it, by and by.<br /><br />In the meantime, Grace is eagerly planning for her upcoming wedding. This entails getting the finest possible shoes. If you have read any of the prior books, you know that Makutsi and shoes have a magical relationship and you absolutely <i>must</i> smile when she converses with them. <br /><br />Girl-crazy Charlie, seemingly permanent apprentice to Precious’s mechanic husband, may be the father of twins. He does not respond well to the news. <br /><br />Like the ‘56 T-Bird in American Graffiti, Precious Ramotswe’s much-loved-but-finally-junked white van keeps showing up, just enough to entice. Is it a ghost? Can inanimate things like cars <i>have</i> ghosts? What’s up with that?<br /><br />If you are beginning this series at book twelve, that is not a traditional approach. You might want to consider placing your new volume on a shelf while you head out to the local bookstore and pick up a copy of volume 1, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/35744177" rel="nofollow noopener">The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency</a>.<br /><br />As usual, McCall has offered a light, breezy, comfortable experience. One does not read books in this series for the action or the mysteries, though the mystery here is handled cleverly, as usual. One comes to these books to spend a little more time with familiar faces, to enjoy the ambience, maybe to pick up a bit more of a taste of Smith’s Botswana. You need not look for hidden meanings, symbolism, references to classical literature. Just check in with some old friends and see how they are doing. By now, with a twelfth volume in hand, it has become a precious tradition.

Alexander McCall Smith's No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series is one of my favorite series. This installment is probably the best of the twelve books so far. <br /><br />In this book, Precious Ramotswe thinks at one point: ". . . she would always take the time to drink tea, to look at the sky, and to talk. What else was there to do? Make money? Why? Did money bring any greater happiness than that furnished by a well-made cup of red bush tea and a moment or two with a good friend? She thought not" (p 198). This is one of my favorite themes, that living simply yields riches of truth and beauty and wisdom and value. <br /><br />I love that she spends time looking at the progress of light and shadow, and the growth of natural things in her garden both mornings and evenings.<br /><br />I love that in this book the tiny white van enjoys a sort of resurrection.<br /><br />I love that Charlie has a larger part to play and that Mma Ramotswe finally sees into his heart and helps him grow up.<br /><br />I love that Grace Makutsi ruins her wedding shoes because she is so caught up in something else so important to Mma Ramotswe.<br /><br />I love that Mma Ramotswe figures out a way to honor her promise to a small child, when circumstances could easily have justified her breaking the promise.<br /><br />I love that justice is served even when the truth remains unknowable.<br /><br />I love that Mma Ramotswe is committed to kindness first, last, and always.