The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency!

  

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency caught my attention with its bright cover art. 

Its so African, I thought. I love reading about cultures and I am still not over my fascination with Turkey. This has been on my to-read list since a year and I couldn't have got a bigger surprise  than yesterday after spotting this book in a monsoon books sale at a very charming place nestled in Khar. 

I adore books that revolve around women (except maybe, Catherine Earnshaw). A lady detective sounds supercool when Sherlock Holmes is being watched religiously in my home. 

While reading this book on the train, so many young girls asked to see my copy and were very eager to hear about the plot. It was exciting to see their zeal caused by the title during their conversations. My experience hasn't been any different. Like I imagined it to be, this is the simplest books I've read that has bought happiness to me. It has been such an easy read. We should say it brings out the essence of simple 'pleasures' of reading. The language is clear and simple, it never feels like a burden to go through the stories. The descriptions of the landscapes of Botswana are all really identifiable. We have all imagined these scenarios of small villages, and their dusty roads, the friendly neighbourhood chats and peaceful environments, in our minds umpteen times. The author's narratives are so vivid, they leave us feeling warm in our hearts. Its a good and short read. The dignity with which Mma Ramotswe lives her life is so impressionable. It sets out a good example to take control of our own lives, despite being down. Her self-confidence about her intelligence, her sense of self and her body, are great examples for young girls and women of all ages to emulate. This is a story of simple people, everywhere, living their lives with honesty, kindness and moral values. I laud the author for conveying these ideals in such a simple way across readers.

I said to myself, I would love to see a television series based on the book. It would be great to see how the landscape gets interpreted. I have also mentally assigned actors to their respective characters, which I admit doesn't happen often unless the book really makes an impression. This is one such book. Finished reading late at night and I slept dreaming about Zebra Drive. 

*** Today morning, I promptly searched on youtube and watched the BBC TV version. Its perfect. Love the casting and the warm-hearted Mma Ramotswe and her bush tea. And, the landscapes are pleasant. I feel like I live there driving the white minivan with dust trailing off, and the Kalahari Desert roads, the hot sun and the endless cups of tea, make my heart dance with joy. I don't mind traveling to Botswana in the future.

Here's an episode from the series.

This is a documentary titled 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Gem of Botswana', and the writers and cast and makers and people of Botswana speak about the series and their country.