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July 13, 2005
Books I Read in Sweden and the US
The Cider House Rules
by John Irving
Philadelphia Inquirer: "John Irving's sixth and best novel . . . He is among the very best storytellers at work today. At the base of Irving's own moral concerns is a rare and lasting regard for human kindness."
My Review: This audiobook took me months to get through. Based on Wish To See's excellent advice, I have read a number of John Irving's novels. Frankly, I was surprised not to see the mention of a circus, a bear, or a boys school--as these seem to be some of Irving's favorite motifs. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story, although at times I wish the story had moved faster. I think this one would be better read than listened to.
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
by Alexander McCall Smith
Publishers Weekly: Starred Review. In this sixth entry in McCall Smith's consistently delightful series, Botswana detective Precious Ramotswe, the traditionally built—and newly married—owner of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, is saddled with a surfeit of challenging cases and personal crises. There has been an intruder in her home (he managed to escape, but left a telltale pair of trousers in his wake). And the levelheaded sleuth is flustered by an encounter with a man from her past. Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe's husband, master mechanic Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, is neck-deep in work after the resignation of one of his apprentices, who has become romantically entangled with a married woman (Mma Ramotswe and assistant detective Grace Makutsi slyly gather the scurrilous details). Scotsman McCall Smith, who was born in what is now Zimbabwe, renders colorful characters with names that trip off the tongue. Among the new arrivals: Mma Makutsi's new suitor and dance partner, Phuti Radiphuti, a stuttering furniture salesman with two left feet; and Mr. Polopetsi, a wrongfully imprisoned pharmacist Mma Ramotswe deems worthy of a second chance. As always, when troubles are brewing, nothing puts things in perspective like time spent on the verandah with a cup of bush tea. Amid the hilarious scenarios and quiet revelations are luminous descriptions of Botswana, land of wide-open spaces and endless blue skies. The prolific McCall Smith dispenses tales from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency at a rate of one per year (he's also author of a second detective series featuring Scottish-American moral philosopher Isabel Dalhousie). That's good news for loyal fans, who eagerly await new adventures with Precious Ramotswe.
My Review: Another delightful book in the series. I consistently enjoy the audiobooks, particularly because of the narrator, who reads slowly and with great emphasis. While my mom finds the pace too slow when read aloud, I think it improves the quality of the experience. You really get a feel for the Botswana way of life--slow pace and all.
Comments
Dear Madchen,
I agree with you about the pace of In the Company of Cheerful Ladies. I thought it was Jane Austen in Botswana. However, I like the sentiments expressed by Smith in his book, especially his observation that giving love to others makes our lives meaningful. It's a good read despite the slow pace. Perhaps you'd like to check out what I thought of the book at www.cultureasaurus.blogspot.com. Take care.
Naim
Posted by: Naim Peress at August 11, 2005 09:06 PM
