• The Full Cupboard of Life

  • More from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
  • By: Alexander McCall Smith
  • Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
  • Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,328 ratings)

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The Full Cupboard of Life  By  cover art

The Full Cupboard of Life

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
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Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith's critically acclaimed No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series continues in this engaging book that won the first ever Saga Award for Wit, given to the wittiest British book of the year.

Mma Ramotswe has been engaged to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni for quite some time, and they still have no wedding date. But she doesn't want to be too pushy, for Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has much on his mind. Mma Potokwani, who runs the orphan farm, has tricked him into performing a parachute jump to benefit charity. While Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni tries to wiggle out of his responsibility, Mma Ramotswe keeps busy investigating four men, all who wish to marry a very wealthy woman. What exactly are their intentions?

The cupboard of life is full indeed in this charming, gently funny novel that vibrantly captures the fascinating culture and landscape of Botswana.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
©2003 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

  • Audie Award Winner, Solo Narration (Female), 2005

"Delightful series." (Booklist)
"Admirers of Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling novels about Precious Ramotswe...will not be disappointed." (The New York Times Book Review)

What listeners say about The Full Cupboard of Life

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Marriage or parachuting? Which is more terrifying?

Find out in the fifth book of the number one ladies detective agency.
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

yet another winner

This is a fabulous series of books that are simply an enjoyable listen! No stress no strain - I have listened to several in this series this summer and I find them light and refreshing. The narrator has a pleasant voice and a wonderful accent. Nothing better than sitting back with a big mug of bush tea and enjoying a tale by Alexander McCall Smith.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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My Feel Good Reads

Would you listen to The Full Cupboard of Life again? Why?

Yes, I am quite sure I would read it again. Such a joyful read with so much goodness and wisdom at its core.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Precious Ramotswze is at her best in this very witty novel. If you were to want an example of a person with excellent values she is perfect. Her charm and sense of compassion is boundless. She is a gem of a character.

Have you listened to any of Lisette Lecat’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Lisette is one of my favorites. As usual her performance is impecable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Experience life, love, and courage at its best.

Any additional comments?

Lisette is excellent in the way she brings the characters to life. She is one of the reasons why audio books are my favorite way to read or should I say listen to a book. Makes the story so much more vivid and compelling.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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love this series

love listening to this series...a little mystery and good stories about Africa. enjoy with a cup of red bush tea.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Sappy, but I love it

These books are proving to be a happy read. You know that book that feels like it could go wrong, but there's always a happy ending. Each book builds on the other, but the author was smart to recap the main characters for us in a way that's not boring. I'm totally into the story telling parts of the book as well. What I mean by that is, each time characters interact they tell each other the entire story as to how they got o be in the situation that they are in or whatever the case my be. And, initially I thought, serious who talks like this, and I realized that I do. :)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

#1 Ladies Detective series delivers another winner

I have now listened to the first five in this series -- and eagerly await the newest one "In the Company of Cheerful Ladies." I would buy the book, but listening to this narrator, Lisette Lecat, is the only way I want to hear this series. She's that good. I look forward to driving to work just to hear the next chapter every day. Do them in order or Precious's adventures get out of sequence....!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

less detecting, more relating

This is a divergence from the previous books. there isn't a mystery. But the characters continue to charm and it is a sweet story.

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Simple Wisdom

I love the books in this series. Precious Remote is a wise woman,and the gentle humor of the characters and situations makes the insights into human nature a delight to absorb.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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So good.

As always, I quite enjoyed another book in this series. Now it's on you the next one. I love listening to Lisette Lucat's voice and Alexander McCall Smith always writes such interesting stories.

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