The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (novel)
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- This is an article about the book. For the television series by the same title, see The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (TV series)
| The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency | |
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 recent audio edition cover |
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| Author | Alexander McCall Smith |
| Country | Scotland |
| Language | English |
| Series | The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series |
| Genre(s) | Detective, Mystery novel |
| Publisher | Polygon |
| Publication date | 1999 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 256 pp (first edition, paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-7486-6252-9 (first edition, paperback) |
| OCLC Number | 40736156 |
| Preceded by | - |
| Followed by | Tears Of The Giraffe |
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is the first of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith, set in Gaborone, Botswana, and featuring the Motswana protagonist Precious Ramotswe.
[edit] Plot summary
Mma Precious Ramotswe becomes a private detective, the first woman in Botswana to enter that profession, and opens an agency whose name indicates this unique situation. Motivated to help others and to make Botswana a better place, she encounters many dangerous and risky obstacles in the course of her investigations, but succeeds through using her intelligence, courage and instinct. Along with the plot developments, Mma Ramotswe provides observations upon the fine qualities of Botswana and Africa: the culture, traditions, and natural beauties found there, and the inhabitants' pride in their land.
[edit] Themes
[edit] National identity
In the second chapter, the author states, through Obed’s character, that Precious’ father is proud to be a Motswana because of Botswana's political stability. Alexander McCall Smith describes Mma Ramotswe as an African patriot, who loves Africa "for all its trials."He says that they never had political prisoners, that their banks are full of money and that they owe nothing.
[edit] Main Characters
[edit] - Mma Precious Ramotswe (Detective in the Detective Agency)
[edit] - Mma Grace Makutsi (secretary)
[edit] - Mr J.L.B Matekoni (Precious's Eventual 2nd Husband)
[edit] - Mr Patel (Very rich retired businessman)
[edit] - Obed Ramotswe (Daddy)
[edit] - Note Mokoti (Precious's Husband)
[edit] - Dr Maketsi (Old Friend from Mochudi)
[edit] Traditions
Even Mma Ramotswe with all her modern views and ideologies, wants to buy a house when she retires, and live with her cousins and loved ones. He shows us the African values and traditions of these people. Family values are extremely important to this nation.“She would buy a house, or build one perhaps, and ask some of her cousins to live with her. They would grow melons on the lands and might even buy a small shop in the village...”Moreover, through the descriptions and images between the characters of this novel, Alexander McCall Smith shows how welcoming and warm-hearted Africans can be.
Mma Ramotswe is portrayed as someone who loves "all the people that God made", but especially loves the "people who live in this place" and says that “they are my people, my brothers and sisters.”
[edit] Animals
However, Alexander McCall Smith does not hide the fact that Africa is home to many dangerous and some of the most feared creatures. In fact he describes the snakes and the crocodiles with great emotion and drama. For example, in the case of the missing husband who had been eaten by a crocodile, the author describes how dangerous Africa can be. There are also many incidents where snakes and their intrusive and sneaky way are mentioned. The author shows these images of Africa and sets a certain setting to all of these incidents to say that even if this continent might be dangerous and wild at times, it is nonetheless unique and majestic. Africa is also portrayed by the numerous animals and wild creatures who live there. These animals are described by the author with much passion. He shows how dangerous yet loved and respected they are. For example the cattle in Africa are portrayed with great importance. The author even shows us that they are an important currency for the economy - the more cattle you own, the more power you have.
[edit] Film, television, and theatrical adaptations
An adaptation for the screen The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency was made in 2007, directed by Anthony Minghella (who also co-wrote the screenplay), and scripted by Richard Curtis. A movie for TV was made jointly by the BBC, HBO and some other production companies. It was broadcast in the UK on BBC1 television on Easter Sunday 23 March 2008.
