More Seminal Works: Alexander McCall Smith

Over two+ years ago, I determined to read all of Alexander McCall Smith's (current) No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books.

With the most recent, published in October 2023, I have accomplished my goal!

 

The list comprises 24 books, which is a long list for me, but I didn't feel the need to read the books as belonging to a "oh, my, what happens next?" series. They are ostensibly mystery books but like many of McCall Smith's books they are truly more about a set of characters ruminating over and experiencing life: slice-of life stories with the added bonus that the readers get to see the characters grow and change (somewhat) over several years within a specific environment.

 

The writing is impressive! I rather assumed that the books would get repetitive and some of the more recent cases are similar to prior cases, but, hey, that's life! There are only some many frauds, cheating spouses, and money-based misunderstandings out there. The characters are well-aware when they encounter a case/situation similar to what they encountered before.

 

Part of what helps the books avoid the feeling of repetitiveness is the ongoing family events (Charlie actually got married!) and ongoing changes to the company itself (as Mma Matsuki's job titles become grander and grander). However, what is more impressive is what McCall Smith doesn't do to avoid that issue: he refrains for creating a cast of thousands. Charlie gains attention in several books, but he doesn't take over the books. Nor does anyone else, not even Violet Sephotho.

 

I equally admire the lack of soap operatic events and attitudes. In the hands of another writer, I fear such a gloss would become inevitable. But Mma Ramotswe, whose character and attitude run the series, continually delivers the perspective that life is ordinary and real and tragic and happy and wonderful, all at once.

 

Life is life. Here we go.

Consequently, large events are treated as something to be handled while minor events become--as they do for all of us--of relatively major importance. In the latest book, From a Far and Lovely Country, the first three chapters involve the introduction of cases. They also include Mma Ramotswe's disappointment that her husband and best friend forgot her birthday. Everything is part of life, from tension over parking spaces to Charlie adopting an elephant (prior book).

The latest book did reveal what I would call a "theme" in a more deliberate series. McCall Smith returns several times to the idea of an outsider (Americans, quite often) visiting the country as they search for family, connection, and meaning. They come to Mma Ramotwse for help with their searches.

I suggest that McCall Smith, a Britisher, who lives in Scotland but was born in Zimbabwe, relates to this theme of going home or going to a place that feels like home to shore up one's identity. 

I recommend all the books! I will admit that a few move faster than others, and I remember some better than others. Nevertheless, there is something to be said for books that are easy to pick up and put down and pick up again, and which never disappoint.