By Alicia Laser
Fellow Readers,
I’m sure I’ve written about the series by Alexander McCall Smith, titled “The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency” in Botswana. I’m in the process of reading another in the series, “To the Land of the Long Lost Friends.” Actually, I’m listening to it on CD’s. The reader, Lisette Lecat, is delightful.
Mma Ramotswe, the founder of the Agency, has attended a wedding. As she is mingling with the other guests after the ceremony, she exclaims to her husband, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni (always referred to by his full name):
“Look! That lady over there is late!” (Late means deceased). How can this be!?! The mystery is solved when the “late” friend explains that the newspaper printed her picture instead of the real deceased person’s picture! Meanwhile Charlie, (always pronounced Chah lie), a former mechanic in Mr. J. L B. Matekoni’s garage and now an apprentice detective in the agency, wants to propose to Queenie-Queenie, who comes from a very rich family. He is in a quandary as to how to come up with the bride price. Charlie is poor. Should he take the offer of her brother—which is on the shady side?
There are too many delightful phrases to put them all I this article (being “traditionally built,” being “unintelligent in the head,” etc.). I urge you to start this series. You won’t be sorry!
Angel Love to all,
Alicia