Sanctuary from the Mad World

Jan 31, '08 4:18 AM
for everyone

Category:	Books
Genre:	Literature & Fiction
Author:	Alexander McCall Smith

This is the first book of the series on Mma Ramotswe, a charming, clever, and traditionally-built (as the author describes her) African lady detective from Botswana. I’ve spotted the series in the bookstores everywhere and I was surprised to know that the first book was actually published in 1999. It garners popularity recently and I am tempted to see what the fuss is all about.

I love it. The story brings an lively description of an unusual environment for a detective story: Africa. But unlike The Constant Gardener where it takes a view from foreigners’ eyes, this book is right in the life of Botswana with peeks into their windows to see how how people there live their lives. That alone is an interesting read. Unlike J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace* (although now I’m essentially comparing mandarin with blood orange now), this book is not depressing and brow-knitting at all.

Some critics fail this book for its flat, uncomplicated plot which is told simply and humorously with impeccable comic timing. I think that’s the charm for an easy, warm and fun read. The author also writes children book which may explain the somewhat simplified but not less masterful story-telling. I must warn fellow readers though that this book is not for suspense or thrill seekers. The plot is not as intricate as Hercule Poirot’s or bloody as, I don’t know, Patricia Cornwell and pals’?

I personally look forward to reading the sequels.

*Disgrace was so depressing for me that I shun fiction about Africa, until now.

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kucingkembar wrote on Feb 8

hahahahaaaa.... gue udah baca buku nyang ini... lagi mau baca buku yang kedua, ketinggalan di kampung halaman..... di perpustakaan ngantrinya panjaaaaaaaang dan lamaaaaa....