As Botswana waits for rain to nourish the land, Precious Ramotswe's thoughts turn to love and friendship as vital nourishment for the soul. Times are changing, she realises. These days, more and more women are not content just to be a man's wife. The men, however, are suspicious of the notion of vegetarianism, let alone gender equality . . . At a local wedding Mme Ramotswe bumps into a long-lost friend, Calviniah, who confesses that her only daughter Nametso has inexplicably turned away from her. Not only that, an old acquaintance has simultaneously lost all her money and found solace in a charismatic ex-mechanic turned reverend, who seems to have cast a spell over several ladies in the region. With little work on at the agency, Precious and her colleague Mme Makutsi see no harm in investigating these curious situations. Meanwhile, part-time detective Charlie is anxious. He has few prospects and little money, so how can he convince his beloved Queenie-Queenie's father to approve of their marriage? As Precious and Mme Makutsi dig deeper into the stories of Nametso and the mysterious reverend, Precious once again ponders the human condition. She chooses to believe in goodness, that if our hearts are open, true equality can be found with one another. But in this world can that assumption be justified? It will take all her ingenuity and great moral sense to get to the heart of the matter.
Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific Scottish writer best known for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe in Botswana. His writing style is characterized by gentle humor, vivid descriptions of landscapes, and insightful observations on human nature. McCall Smith's works often explore themes of morality, ethics, and the complexities of human relationships. He has made significant contributions to the genre of contemporary fiction, particularly in the realm of cozy mysteries and feel-good novels. His most famous work, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, has been adapted into a successful television series and has garnered international acclaim for its charming characters and engaging storytelling.