- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited; First American Edition, First Printing edition (9 Mar 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1904598633
- ISBN-13: 978-1904598633
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 13.4 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 328,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Blue Shoes and Happiness
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Product Description
Review
'The books possess a beguiling simplicity that is hard to convey without making them seem fey, when in fact they are direct, vivid and down-to-earth ... what he achieves in his No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels is the depiction in the lives of his main characters of a benign system of morality - derived by Mma Ramotswe from the old-fashioned ways of doing things' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Nothing spoils [McCall Smith's] vision of Botswana as a place where decent people triumph over mischief-makers' SUNDAY TIMES 'Nothing will dim the charm of McCall Smith's series, with its portraits of goodness, its sorrow over greed and its profound love of Africa. They are among the greatest comfort-reads of all time, written in plain, elegant prose.' Amanda Craig, INDEPENDENT '[BLUE SHOES AND HAPPINESS has] the quiet sophistication of the previous novels and its simplicity is deceptive...These novels take us through the looking glass into an Africa we rarely hear about, but their main purpose is to hold a mirror to our own society. Like her creator, Mma Romotswe is that wisest of wise people, one who uses her wisdom to bring happiness to others.' GUARDIAN 'I can see why people could have become addicted: the formula is nicely esoteric, a setting that features outfits such as Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, the Double Comfort Furniture shop and the Kalahari Typing-School for Men, beguiling characters and an atmosphere of wry good humour. Esoteric, but at the same time, homely: Africa, but an Africa made accessible.' SUNDAY TIMES 'Precious Ramotswe remains her intuitive best, with a sharp nose for trouble and a powerful urge to right wrongs, however complicated and badly-paying they may be.' DAILY MAIL 'This combination of cautionary tale and comfort blanket, the "traditionally built" (i.e fat) detective and the portrayal of the 'old' Botswana are a delight.' LITERARY REVIEW 'Great simplicity of tone and setting and a cast of ordinary but complicated people, all sewn together with humour, irony, elegant profundity and perception.' Rosemary Goring, GLASGOW HERALD '...by a kind of stealthy magic, McCall Smith conjures up a whole society, a beguiling mix of people blessed with a sense of belonging... BLUE SHOES AND HAPPINESS...takes you beyond yourself and strangely and reassuringly, helps you dream.' SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY 'At one point in the novel, Mma Ramotswe thinks aloud: "If only more people knew that there was more to Africa than all the problems they saw. They could love us to, as we love them." She shouldn't worry. She's got Alexander McCall Smith on her side. It will happen.' SCOTSMAN
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
* No. 7 in the marvellous Mma Ramotswe series
--This text refers to the
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've read everything by this author and, like so many reviewers, prefer the traditionally built charms of Mma Ramotswe to his other characters.
I waited patiently for the next instalment of the No1 Ladies series but was not disappointed with Blue Shoes and Happiness. Like the previous books this is enjoyable fluff - no deep, dark hidden meaning here (this is a WYSIWYG book!), just enjoyable characters with a non too challenging storyline. Perfect for reading at the end of a hard day at work as it transports you to beautiful Botswana, sunshine and red bush tea.
I'd like a bit more "meat" in the next book please Mr McCall Smith - give something to Precious that will stretch or challenge her a bit - life is a bit too easy! Maybe consider a non-happy ending, a cliffhanger or something to keep us gagging for the next book?
Lastly, congrats to Mma Ramotswe on the death of her diet. May traditionally built women thrive and prosper!! ;o)
51 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Blue Shoes and Happiness" is yet another superb book from the much understated Alexander Mccall Smith who has given millions of readers a real taste of life in Botswana, a little African country with an amazing history.
In this new instalment Precious Ramotswe and her shrewd assistant Mma Makutsi, have a frightening encounter with a cobra in their office, an ill omen in the guise of a wounded bird, good intentions by one of Mma Ramotswe's employees, a new chair, and a diet that gets out hand, along with a nasty blackmail plot that involves Mma Ramotswe doing some delicate sleuthing in a private school's kitchen to find out who the culprit is and bring them to task.
Add to this a pair of tight fitting but gorgeous blue shoes that gently thread their way through the story line, lashings of bush tea and the wisdom of a Botswana lady detective who understands the frailties of human nature and what makes people tick, she is a kinder version of Agatha Christies's Jane Marple, and with Mma Ramotswe we don't get too many red herrings but we do get the odd twist in the tale in a comfortable read that is both intelligent and enjoyable.
I have to add to this review that I just love the titles of Mccall Smith's books in this particular series; they are so delicious you almost want to put them between two slices of bread and have them for supper with a cup of bush tea! Superlative is all I can say for both book and title!
In this new instalment Precious Ramotswe and her shrewd assistant Mma Makutsi, have a frightening encounter with a cobra in their office, an ill omen in the guise of a wounded bird, good intentions by one of Mma Ramotswe's employees, a new chair, and a diet that gets out hand, along with a nasty blackmail plot that involves Mma Ramotswe doing some delicate sleuthing in a private school's kitchen to find out who the culprit is and bring them to task.
Add to this a pair of tight fitting but gorgeous blue shoes that gently thread their way through the story line, lashings of bush tea and the wisdom of a Botswana lady detective who understands the frailties of human nature and what makes people tick, she is a kinder version of Agatha Christies's Jane Marple, and with Mma Ramotswe we don't get too many red herrings but we do get the odd twist in the tale in a comfortable read that is both intelligent and enjoyable.
I have to add to this review that I just love the titles of Mccall Smith's books in this particular series; they are so delicious you almost want to put them between two slices of bread and have them for supper with a cup of bush tea! Superlative is all I can say for both book and title!
64 of 66 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I awaited the arrival of this book with anticipation. I am not disappointed. I am back in Botswana and immersed in the wisdom and wit of the characters. Whilst the chapters have a way of switching between running themes the book is delightful and I will not be giving it away but keeping it to re-read again and again. Tired of the cold English winter - step out into the sun. This book will not let you down.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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A little more lightweight that the previous book in the series, "Blue shoes and happiness" is nonetheless well crafted and has a satisfying cyclical structure - starting and ending... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Daniel Park
Not strictly a mystery, but definitely a joy to read
This is one of those series whose premise makes it eligible to go on for ever. Great recreational reading. You needn't read the series in order except for the first book.
Published 5 months ago by Apollonius
Blue Shoes and Happiness: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
As always a good, lighthearted read when the cares of the world get you down. Full of optimism and challenging thoughts about life and other people.
Published 6 months ago by CHRIS LEWIS
A nice easy read
This book is the first I have read of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Typically I managed to pick up the 7th book in the series first! Read more
Published 12 months ago by TopCat
Charm that conceals artifice
The troubles and hardships of life for many in Africa are frequently documented and seldom difficult to comprehend. Read more
Published 16 months ago by G. M. Sinstadt
Are the books in this series becoming more superficial?
I had enjoyed the first two books in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series but had found the rest in the series becoming more repetitive. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Discerning Reader
If the shoe does not fit
Here we are back with the well known and now becoming loved characters; Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi, Mr J L B Matekoni, the apprentices, Phuti and Mr Polopetsi. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Joanne D'Arcy
Book review
Title: Blue Shoes and Happiness
Author: Alexander Mccall Smith
Publisher: Abacus
Date first published: 2008 in Great Britain
Factual... Read more
Author: Alexander Mccall Smith
Publisher: Abacus
Date first published: 2008 in Great Britain
Factual... Read more
Published on 17 Dec 2009 by zozo and dad
a good read with gentle humour
As with the other books in the series this is a good read with gentle humour. The characters become friends. I loved it.
Published on 6 July 2009 by Rosemary Willis
Repetitve
I made the mistake of reading the books in this series in quick succession. I found myself saying 'I know that already' many times whilst reading this book and not just because I'd... Read more
Published on 15 Jun 2009 by FRANK BEILL
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