The Kalahari Typing School for Men

More from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

International best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith delivers another delightful tale from his critically acclaimed No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

Precious Ramotswe's comfortable existence as the only detective in Botswana is suddenly rattled when the Satisfaction Guaranteed Detective Agency opens, and its brochure proclaims, "Don't take any chances! Entrust your enquiries to a MAN!" As if the development isn't enough, Mma Ramotswe has also taken on two difficult cases, one of which hits close to home. But with wisdom on her side, Mma Ramotswe figures to crack both cases and upstage her competition.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

©2002 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A dose of easy humor laces the pages, as McCall Smith throws in wry observations, effortlessly commenting on the vagaries his protagonist encounters as she negotiates Botswana bureaucracy. This is another graceful entry in a pleasingly modest and wise series." (Publishers Weekly)
"Lisette Lecat, a native South African, offers a near perfect narration...Lecat handles male voices exceptionally well, and her version of Mma Ramotswe is the definitive voice of that remarkable woman." (AudioFile)
"One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year...A tapestry of extraordinary nuance and richness." (Wall Street Journal)

Another Great Intstallment

If you could sum up The Kalahari Typing School for Men in three words, what would they be?

Sweet. Funny. Familiar.

If you’ve listened to books by Alexander McCall Smith before, how does this one compare?

I have read all of the Ladies Detective Agency books, but this is the first one I listened to on Audible. It starts out very, very slowly and I almost gave up on it but I was glad I stuck it out. It is perhaps not as exciting as some of his previous installments in this series.

What does Lisette Lecat bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her narrative is smooth and lyrical, which fits the story well. She pronounces the names so effortlessly and I immediately fell into the rhythm of her voice. She kept me listening even through the slow first part of the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did not have an extreme reaction, but it did make me smile and occasionally mist up.

I am addicted to this series

What did you love best about The Kalahari Typing School for Men?

This book is an earlier sequel which I have somehow missed among the 8 or so now completed. It is, like the others, a good clean story about Botswanan culture and Mma Ramotswe's adventures with her detective agency. She is a bit of a feminist in a male dominated culture. No 1 Ladies Detective Agency stories are always a delight for my listening.

Any additional comments?

I hope Alexander McCall Smith writes a few more of this series.

Love the stories. So sweet

I will be reading the entire series and looking forward to the different stories, and the different people in the stores

Old Morality of Botswana Tested

Book Four in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency started out great and up until nearly the end, I thought it was going to be my favorite so far. But a couple of things changed my mind. You will have to read/listen to see for yourself if you agree. My favorite part of this story was when Mma Ramotswe went to visit a person in the village where she grew up to get some information for the case she was working on, and they went through some old pictures together, finding one of Obed Ramotswe, Mma Ramotswe’s father. I always love the way that Mma Ramotswe approaches her cases, with gentleness, thoughtfulness and care, taking the time to think them through, to think about their impact on others, and to not make any rash decisions. I love the characters in these books, including Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who has asked Mma Ramotswe to marry him . . . with no wedding date in sight . . . and the Assistant Detective/Assistant Manager, Mma Makutsi at the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and Speedy Motors, who comes up with the brilliant idea of opening up the Kalahari Typing School for Men. I was thrilled that the arrogant Satisfaction Guaranteed Detective Agency got what was coming to them (him) as I was certain from the first that they would. I will continue the series despite the fact that I was a bit disappointed in a couple of points in this book.

Not as interesting storyline as the previous ones

The others had more depth of story into the characters - this one not much but it was still an good book

confusing

The story jumped around and I had a hard time following the various folks as they lived thier life. It had a heart warming ending, but took a long time to get here.

Perfect in Audiobook!

I have yet to find an Alexander McCall Smith series that I haven’t dearly loved. I’ve purchased this series in audiobook form from Audible, and the narration is absolutely wonderful! I feel truly transported to lovely Botswana! The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is like the very best therapy available. If I listen to the audiobooks in the background while I do household chores or drive, I find myself happy and smiling and calm through them. Yes, there are troubles in the world, but most can be overcome or at least mitigated by a cup of tea and a thoughtful meditation while watching the sunset. I love the gentle humanity of these books. After listening to Mma Ramotswe, the balance of the world always seems tilted toward the good. My chores get completed, yet I feel relaxed and happy, as if I’ve just returned from vacation in Botswana!

Great if you like the series, but...

If you're in the mood to visit a whole other world, where life moves at a slower pace, people have good intentions, where it's okay to be 20lbs overweight and driving a used car, then you can't do better than this series. (If you're in the mood for action, snappy dialogue, and plot twists, this is NOT the book/series for you.)

I liked this book as much as the previous ones read by Lisette Lecat. But there were some continuity issues on small details which drove me nuts.

For example:

In the previous book, Mma Makutsi says she makes 'better money than she could at any other job'; in this book, she suddenly isn't making enough money, but no explanation why (was her salary reduced? rent increased?).

In the previous book, Mma Makutsi's brother's illness is secret from Mma Ramotzwe, but in this one Mma Ramotzwe knows all about him - again, no explanation why.

But that kind of stuff bugs me more than other people, so I wouldn't let it stop you from getting this one.

No. 1 Ladies Det. Agency keeps you smiling

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you want a fun read without expectations of fast moving adventure and deep mystery, this book will keep you interested and smiling at the two ladies and their friends and the pictures the book conjures in your mind of the African bush country. I recommend this book for reading when you just want to chill out with a fun story and colorful characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Kalahari Typing School for Men?

The shoes that Mma Cotswai (sp?) was able to buy with her earnings from the Typing School.

What does Lisette Lecat bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Wonderful accent and speech pattern.

The series' is wonderful

The storylines of the series is pleasant, relaxing, often funny, entertaining, filled with loveable characters and provides an interesting education on customs of parts of Africa. The narrator does a perfect job.