Mswas’ CBR-III Review #27 – The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith
08/21/2011
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith is the twelfth installment in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The proprietor of said agency, Precious Ramotswe, believes that she has seen a ghost - that of her tiny white van. The other storylines in this novel include the mystery of two cows that have been killed, the return of Mma Makutsi’s nemesis, Violet Sephotho, and the impending nuptials of Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radiphuti.
I just love this series. Finding a new one on the shelf is like a little present, just for me. McCall Smith has a way with a simple storyline of a once loved van being seen in the streets, and makes it quietly thrilling. We’ve come to know and love all of the characters in the series and they all make an appearance in this novel. Mr Maketoni’s apprentices have a good bit of the storyline dedicated to them, and it’s nice to see Mma Makutsi taking the time out of her wedding preparations to address “the Charlie problem” – twins born out of wedlock.
But McCall Smith is never preachy, and his characters quietly find their way to thoughtful and kind resolutions. That’s something we could all use a little more of in our lives.
