Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Join me in Botswana, Ma (or Ra, as the case may be)

Okay, we're talking about the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - if you've read the books you know I really mean Mma and not Ma, but since watching the great television adaptation I just think of it as Ma. And who hasn't read at least one of the books? For a while they were a staple of every book club and always on the best seller lists. And there are lots of them, so if you get hooked on authors or series (as I often do!), Alexander McCall Smith is a great choice for you.

If you don't subscribe to HBO or have access to BBC programming, you possibly missed the fabulous TV version - but it's available on DVD, so add it to your must-watch list! It's one of the best adaptations I've seen on the big or small screen. Jill Scott is perfect as Mma Ramotswe - yes, I said perfect!

And as you expect from the BBC, the production is first-rate. The cast and locales are exactly as you imagine when you read the novels - right down to the ubiquitous bush tea! But, not to worry if you haven't read the books - they aren't a pre-requisite for enjoying the show. And, the series has two advantages over the books: a great soundtrack and cheery and clever animated titles. Airside designed beautiful opening / closing titles that reflect the action and characters in each episode. Click here for their website or here to see the titles complete with music.

So, if you're looking for a good book or show - check out the No. 1 Ladies. If you're a fan of the books or television series, I'd love to hear from you!

5 comments:

  1. I've not seen the series yet (is it ending?) but I love the books and just adore Alexander McCall Smith.

    thanks for the ringing endorsement- I'll look to add it on Netflix!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I ate those books up like they were bonbons. From the pictures and your description, it really does look like the TV version is good. This is the first I've heard of it, but I will look for it on DVD.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hadn't heard about the series either, but Netflix recommended it. It's amazing how often their system makes good recommendations.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi there! I'm at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

    Stop by my page - books of ra online

    ReplyDelete
  5. This post will help the internet visitors for setting up
    new website or even a blog from start to end.


    My site :: book of ra android app free download ()

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails