the pencil reads

Elle, I gave Alexander McCall Smith another chance, and I'm sure glad I did.

I like this one a lot better than the first two I read by him. Compared to the pompous and eccentric academia in the von Igelfel series, Precious Ramotswe is a breath of fresh air. It is just so much more fun to read about characters you like.

She is everything a woman should be: warm-hearted, squeamish about snakes under the car, fat, sensible, smart, maternal, observant, brave. I want to be just like her! (Except maybe for the fat part.)

It is easy to read, yet through the traditional and lyrical story-telling, the heart of Africa shines through. McCall Smith brings to life the emptiness of the Kalahari, where lions roam and the sun beats down, the music of Botswana, dotted with acacia trees and thornbushes, goats and cattle, and the taste of edible Mopani worms.

It is a warm and light-hearted story, suitable for all ages.

Posted on Monday, October 16, 2006 at 10:55 PM. :)