I started another Christopher Brookmyre but wasn't really getting into it and then I came across this one in the bookshop. I think it's the latest of the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series; I hadn't read it before anyway. Right from the first page I was back in McCall Smith's charming Botswana. This series is on TV at the moment but I haven't wanted to watch in case it doesn't live up to the books (also, Mr F watches Lost at the same time). The humour is gentle, the writing is perceptive and the whole thing reveals what must be the author's essential humanity. The books have been criticised for not mentioning the AIDS crisis, but they do mention it in a subtle way. Anyway, why should a whole country be defined by a terrible illness rather than by these inspiring characters? It's not as though tragedy of other kinds is never experienced (even by the heroine, Mma Ramotswe).
As a complete contrast, I started reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. I've made hardly any progress as so far I've absolutely hated it! Withnail and I does the whole drug scene so much better - with humour. Perhaps if I read on I'll get into this book, however. It deserves credit for the title alone.
Day 179; Book 176
Monday 6 April 2009
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Hi Anne,
ReplyDeleteThe books are more involved than the actual television adaptation of the No.1 Detective and only loosely following the books. I love the title of his latest book the Miracle at Speedy Motors
I am just reading his 44 Scotland Street set in Edinburgh at the moment, and loving it.
Ally xxx
I have been meaning to try one of Alexander McCall Smith's books, I really must.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I have not yet had a response to the query on the kids book I sent off to the State Library, but I havn't forgotten about it.
I had the same reaction to Hunter S Thompson, glad I am not the only one.
He really is a wonderful writer. What do you think about Bertie and his mother Ally? Talk about a pushy parent!
ReplyDeleteBP, you would love him. Try and start with the first Ladies' Detective Agency one, but you can read them in a different order without missing out too much. Ooh, my book query has gone to the State Library - how exciting!
I feel sorry for little Bertie fancy having his room painted pink poor little chap.
ReplyDeleteLove all the characters and I have just been in the charity shop today and bought Expresso Tales the next installment, I accidentally got them mixed up and got Love Over Scotland from the Charity Shop before Expresso.
I have taken a shine to Matthew, Pat's Boss too.
Ally xxx