And now I’ve gotten to new territory in the Mma Ramotswe books! Huzzah! I’ve never read anything beyond The Full Cupboard of Life, so I have lots of new Mma books to polish off. I honestly don’t remember how many years ago my aunt bought me this copy, but I knew it’s been over ten. I am excited to read the unread books on my shelf, and that number is now under 20.
Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni have finally married, thanks to the sly machinations of Mma Potokwani. Now, they are living comfortably in Mma Ramotswe’s house off Zebra Drive and adjusting to the new routine, although a strange encounter with an intruder leaves them shaken. Mma Ramotswe takes pity on a man she hits with her van and finds out his tragic story, as well as a way to help him. Mma Makutsi decides to take a dance class and meets a man who stammers badly but is very kind. And none of this compares to a stranger from Mma Ramotswe’s past who threatens to disturb her peace forever, along with her beloved white van.
This was a poignant entry in the series. I won’t say why exactly, because I think you need to read it for yourself, but Mma Ramotswe learns to confront an old fear and hurt and stand up for herself as a woman. Compassion and empathy are powerful emotions, and Smith shows us the internal processes of learning to find and express both.
Cross-posted to my blog.
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