Book Review: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party is the 12th book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and the last installment I had read over a decade ago. From here on out, I will enter fresh territory with plenty more to devour. At this point, there are a dozen more books in the series, so I'm only halfway through. Plus, somehow I'd like to watch the movie versions of the books.

As Mma Makutsi's wedding approaches, she determines to find the right shoes. I love how the author gives each character particular individuating characteristics. For Mma Makutsi, it has always been her 97 percent score and her love of shoes. For Mma Ramotswe, it is the love of her tiny white van. Is the van reappearing or is it simply a ghost van she is spying? For Charlie, the apprentice, it is his love of girls. His recent girlfriend is pregnant with twins and he is fleeing his responsibilities. For the orphanage matron, it is her manipulative ways. Will she finagle an invitation to Mma Makutsi's wedding because of her troubleshooting expertise? As always, this little slice of life in Botswana is ripe with humanity and grace.