A Song of Comfortable Chairs (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency)

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Exuding gentleness and a philosophy many of us could learn from, Precious Ramotswe and friends remind us of the more important things in life. A Song of Comfortable Chairs is just that: time out in a comfy chair where the rhythms of Africa sweep over you. We could all do with a little more Botswana wisdom in our lives. I can’t wait for the next instalment - these books being an absolute treasure that I shall continue to read as long as Alexander writes them (please … keep writing them!) We shall change all that...because it is possible to change the world, if one is determined enough, and if one sees with sufficient clarity just what has to be changed. I like the main character PI Mma Precious Ramotswe’s formal and polite speech and kind treatment of others. Her pragmatic way of approaching a problem makes her an excellent detective. She has worked with Grace Makutsi for several years. Grace can grate on the nerves with her attempts to appear to be in charge, but Precious has more patience than I ever would with the whole Grace situation! These scenarios make up the 'detective' parts of the book. The remainder of the novel is mostly about Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi going about their business; Mma Ramotswe's inner musings; and the characters drinking tea and having rambling conversations. In this 23rd book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series - set in Gaborone, Botswana - Mma Precious Ramotswe's concerns include a problem in the office; a furniture store's cutthroat business practices; and a rebellious teen. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.

In this latest installment in the beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, Grace Makutsi encounters a pair of quandaries that will require all of her and Mma Ramotswe's cleverness and generosity to resolve

Narration: I thought the narrator, Lisette Lecat, did an excellent job. She has a wonderful accent and a pleasant voice. There are many characters in this story and she was able to give each one of them a unique voice. I love this author's Isabel Dalhousie series and I was looking forward to discovering another wonderful series by him. Instead, I was disappointed by the slow pace, and the repititiousness in the characters. It's odd, but the very things that I love about Isabel Dalhousie just don't work for me here. This is a different kind of cozy mystery where there isn’t necessarily a dead body, but there is plenty of detecting. I recommend it to all cozy mystery lovers looking for a book with great characters, an entertaining mystery, and an underlying sense of kindness.

Grace Makutsi's husband has a furniture business, which is in trouble. An international is selling furniture for cheaper prices. While Phuti Radiphuti is particular about quality and comfort, the new competitor is intent on sales and profits. Alexander McCall Smith has managed once again to write another wonderful tale where our leading lady, Precious, encourages us to slow down and express gratitude. To many it might seem simplistic, yet truly speaking, it is the superb craftsmanship of Alexander that provides devoted readers with a gentle reminder to be more open minded and extend warmth to those around us. This time, Mma Makutsi's husband's business, the Double Comfort Furniture Store, is in trouble. There is new competition that always seems to know what is happening in time to undercut and underprice their merchandise, especially chairs, so that the business is losing money and may have to declare bankruptcy. It's up to Mma Ramotswe to find out what is happening and devise a solution, as, of course, she will. (Not a spoiler for fans of the series.)The story comes in the third person POV. It alters between limited third-person (of both the leading ladies) and omnipresent narration. The tone of these stories is gracious, warm-hearted, meandering, and philosophical. There is always time for tea with good friends and an abundance of kindness. I love the gentle tone of this series. The characters are not perfect; they are constantly striving to be better. A Song of Comfortable Chairs was perfectly paced with two pro-bono, personal cases. I loved seeing more of Charlie in this one and seeing his vulnerability and growth. I feel like I just was in Botswana visiting with my friend, Mma Ramose and all her family and friends. What a pleasant trip it was. Alexander McCall Smith tells such warm delightful tales and each story has a moral point. I can’t wait for the next issue to come out. This is such a comforting read with wonderful outcomes for all concerned. Yes, I confess, it did seem a bit fluffy, especially compared to some of my other grittier reads, however if I pay attention in my daily walk of life I notice that I am surrounded by people who reach out to others through small gestures of care and consideration that make their day just a bit brighter and their hearts a little lighter. My favorite quotes are about tea and comforting others:

Most people longed for the day when they might tune into a news broadcast and hear the announcer say, 'I'm sorry, everybody, but nothing has happened. There is no news today none at all.' That day had never come to pass, as far as she knew, but you could still hope. That was what you could always do - no matter how bad things seemed to be - you could hope.’ The end of this book was especially satisfying to me, maybe because I have been a teacher for over forty years. I won’t spoil it for you, but it is nice to read about, even in fiction, someone getting recognized for their day-to-day quiet service. Mr. Matekoni suggests Mma Makutsi is trying to make herself more important because she's insecure. Mr. Matekoni heard that Mma Makutsi's husband, Mr. Phuti Radiphuti, who owns the Double Comfort Furniture Store - is being driven out of business. The furniture store's best selling items are chairs.....The two ladies put their heads together and come up with clever and successful solutions to both issues. All the familiar characters are here lending audience and support to the good hearted ladies. And, yes, the talking shoes do make a cameo appearance!