The Bottom Line
Pros
- Tears of the Giraffe develops the characters more than the first book.
- There are a couple compelling stories that run throughout the book.
- This is a quick, enjoyable read.
Cons
- Tears of the Giraffe would not be as good if you have not read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Description
- Tears of the Giraffe picks up where The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency ended.
- Tears of the Giraffe is light reading with a touch of mystery.
- Tears of the Giraffe gives a picture of life in Botswana.
Guide Review - Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith - Book Review
I enjoyed Tears of the Giraffe even more than The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. In the first book it was necessary to give background about the characters, explain how the agency opened and provide other explanatory details. Tears of the Giraffe assumes the reader already knows these things, so it jumps right into story. There is more of an overarching story in Tears of the Giraffe too.
As with the first book in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series, one of the things I enjoyed most about Tears of the Giraffe was the goodness of the characters. I liked the sections where Precious Ramotswe or Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni would drift into some thought about life while we got a peek into their minds.
Tears of the Giraffe is a simple book, but it is pleasant reading that will get you thinking about the mysteries in life. I recommend it for any fans of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. If you have not read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, then read that first.
