The Full Cupboard of Life
Book - 2003
Here is the fifth novel in the internationally bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency hit series. Once again we are transported to Gaborone, capital city of Botswana, and into the world of Mma Ramotswe and her friends.
THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY.
FOR ALL CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS AND ENQUIRIES. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED FOR ALL PARTIES.
UNDER PERSONAL MANAGEMENT.
Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni are still engaged, but with no immediate plans to get married. Mma Ramotswe wonders when a wedding date will be named, but she is anxious to avoid putting pressure on her fiancé. For indeed he has other things on his mind -- particularly a frightening request (involving a parachute jump) made by Mma Potokwani, the persuasive matron of the orphan farm.
Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady to check up on several suitors. Are these men interested in her or just her money? This may be difficult to find out, but it's just the kind of case Mma Ramotswe likes and she is, as we know, a very intuitive lady.
Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi -- plucky assistant detective and deputy manager of the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors garage -- is moving. Her entrepreneurial venture, the Kalahari Typing School for Men, is thriving and with this new income she has rented two rooms in a house. Her spare time is occupied with planning the move, the décor and her new life in a house with running water all to herself.
In the background of all this is Botswana, a country of empty spaces and echoing skies, a country so beautiful and entrancing that it breaks your heart. Mma Ramotswe has prepared the bush tea and is waiting for us to join her.
THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY.
FOR ALL CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS AND ENQUIRIES. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED FOR ALL PARTIES.
UNDER PERSONAL MANAGEMENT.
Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni are still engaged, but with no immediate plans to get married. Mma Ramotswe wonders when a wedding date will be named, but she is anxious to avoid putting pressure on her fiancé. For indeed he has other things on his mind -- particularly a frightening request (involving a parachute jump) made by Mma Potokwani, the persuasive matron of the orphan farm.
Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady to check up on several suitors. Are these men interested in her or just her money? This may be difficult to find out, but it's just the kind of case Mma Ramotswe likes and she is, as we know, a very intuitive lady.
Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi -- plucky assistant detective and deputy manager of the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors garage -- is moving. Her entrepreneurial venture, the Kalahari Typing School for Men, is thriving and with this new income she has rented two rooms in a house. Her spare time is occupied with planning the move, the décor and her new life in a house with running water all to herself.
In the background of all this is Botswana, a country of empty spaces and echoing skies, a country so beautiful and entrancing that it breaks your heart. Mma Ramotswe has prepared the bush tea and is waiting for us to join her.
Publisher:
New York : Pantheon Books, c2003.
Edition:
First American edition
ISBN:
9780375422188
0375422188
0375422188
Characteristics:
198 pages ;,22 cm.



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Add a CommentAnother amazing installment in the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series! Smith's style of writing is captivating and cozy. Opening the first page feels like embracing an old friend. The anxieties, challenges, and triumphs of the cast of characters are engaging and moving, leaving you ready to pick up the next book. It's hard to believe that every book in the series is as good as the last, but so far its true! Join Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi as they navigate life and all its challenges – including a terrifying parachute jump, a cold-footed fiancé, and a wealthy woman with concerns over her many suitors.
This series is purely a delight. There is some repetition but you don't want to skim or you will miss something that lends insight to the culture, the characters, philosophy of life or a laugh. Highly recommend.
I decided to read a couple of more books in this charming series while back in South Africa for a while. I find them so very authentic to the way of life in the rural areas. Although I was only slightly disappointed that there wasn’t much content that dealt with the detective side of things in this one, I appreciated the ambling pace (so reflective of these parts) and the expansion of character relationships, and their musings on life.
I enjoy most detective fiction, but Mma Ramotswe is one of the few detectives I would actually like to know. I also love regional fiction, and the glimpses of Africa and the blend of native and British influences on the culture are fascinating. Of course this is also cozy fiction, so there again, I give it stellar marks. I think most readers will. I think I am going to start calling myself "traditionally built."
Loved the surprise ending. It was a perfect way to end the book.
I HATE EVERYTHING
For fans of Mma Ramotswe and her chums this is a must read. However I found this 5th outing in the series was not as compelling as the earlier novels. And the case that Mma was working on was not as interesting as some of the others in the past. However, the wonderful sense of humor was present on almost every page and the strong sense of place and character added up to a satisfying visit with what are now old friends.