Journal Entry 1 by seethroughfaith from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Sunday, September 21, 2008

I usually buy books secondhand if I can and this one is no exception. Bought for £1.29 from Help the Aged, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.


Sunday Times
'McCall Smith's familiar tone of wry amusement permeates the narrative, as does the detective's wisdom ... hugely enjoyable.'

Synopsis
Mma Ramotswe, who became engaged to Mr J.L.B. Matekoni at the end of the first book, is still engaged. She wonders when a day for the wedding will be named, but she is anxious to avoid putting too much pressure on her fiance. For indeed he has other things on his mind - notably a frightening request made of him by Mma Potokwani, pushy matron of the Orphan Farm. Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady - whose fortune comes from successful hair-braiding salons - and has been asked to check up on several suitors. Are these men just interested in her money? This may be difficult to find out, but Mma Ramotswe is, of course, a very intuitive lady ...
 

Journal Entry 2 by seethroughfaith from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Saturday, November 15, 2008

This was such a fun read!

couple of interesting thoughts (McCall Smith is like that!)

1. we are given the eyes of those who have gone before us, and can see the world in the way in which they saw it. (p 91)

2. To lose your own language was like forgetting your mother, and as sad, in a way. (p 163)

I love the way we're able to see African life through Mmm Ramotswe's eyes - especially the older customs. That is so interesting (though biased!)

What struck me too was McCall Smith's misunderstanding of the Bible. He writes (p.127) that it does not have a happy ending. That's to misunderstand the crucifixion entirely. That made me a bit sad (but also made me think!) ...
 

Journal Entry 3 by seethroughfaith from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Friday, March 05, 2010

Picked up the wrong book for the retreat away ... but really enjoyed re-reading this so it wasn't wasted.

I do like McCall Smith's sense of humour :)