Customer Reviews

Botswana: In the Footsteps of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency with Alexander McCall Smith

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For the many of us who are lovers of the No. 1 Ladies' Detectives and the oasis of peace and old time values to be found there, this DVD is a delightful look at that world's talented creator as he immerses himself in the environment that inspires him. Botswana's beautiful countryside, and its warm people, definitely confirm the image presented by McCall Smith in the books. The man himself seems a gentle soul, a humanitarian with a genuine love for Botswana. Nice music, beautiful scenery, a way of life that is still relatively unspoiled, despite the ravages of AIDS; a (relatively) peaceable kingdom.

I treasure each new book of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency as a special treat. I schedule an afternoon on a hot summer day in my hammock and allow Alexander Smith McCall to transport me to Botswana. This DVD is so much of the same, only with visuals and sounds that reinforce the visit. He does an excellent job of introducing his readers to Botswana with that same magical slow pace and investment in the land and the people. If you enjoy his books, and even if you have never read his books... you'll enjoy this time with him.

I'm giving this DVD 4 stars, rather than 5, not because I don't love it.... only because it isn't quite what I expected. I loved the first season of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, and have been to Botswana three times. So, ordering this DVD was a no-brainer for me. I expected this DVD to be more of a documentary about the making of the HBO series, which it is in some part. However, it's much more than that. It also paints a beautiful and realistic picture of Botswana, which isn't a bad thing.... except it will likely encourage more people to invade my "personal paradise." As a professional nature/wildlife photographer, I discovered Botswana in April of 2008. I have returned twice since, conducting (along with a Native tracker) specialized field workshops for small groups of photographers. So, I will be showing this DVD to fellow and aspiring photographers, as a great way to introduce them to Botswana.

Alexander McCall Smith skillfully weaves his love of Botswana into his series of books. I really like that it also comes across in this DVD.

I started reading McCall Smith with "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" and immediately fell in love with his easy style and slow pace that seems to transport you to this simpler world. Since then I've read everything I could find of his, and also listened to his lecture on CD "Confessions of a Serial Novelist." McCall Smith is as easy to take in person as in his writings. In this video he introduces you to Botswana where he gets the inspiration for his most famous series of books. Anyone who has read the series and wishes they could go see what the real Botswana is like should view this. It's the next best thing to traveling there with McCall Smith as your personal guide.

It is a pleasure to join Alexander McCall Smith on this travelogue and commentary on his impressions and experiences in Botswana.
He takes the viewer to beautiful locations like the Okavango Delta and the Mokolodi Reserve, and also shines light on the issues of
the country like orphans from aids, auto accidents, and death during childbirth.

I've showed this video to a few friends and they have all enjoyed it.

After reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, I have been very curious about Botswana and its people. This video of the author traveling in the country and interviewing different people gives us a glimpse of why he loves it so much. It's one way to experience the locale without leaving home. I highly recommend this video. Botswana: In the Footsteps of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

I have watched this DVD several times already and learned something new everytime. I really have enjoyed reading the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This DVD gives more insight into the history and culture of Botswana.
I also was fascinated by the author himself as he talks about his characters and his inspirations for his books.

For all of us No. 1 Ladies' Detective Fans this a wonderful background video. It takes you to a number of the places where these stories take place and where the 'Mini Series' was filmed. Excellent.........

If you're a fan of the author, you just have to go behind the sceens and watch him in action. I find this video very relaxing and watch it whenever... Everything falls into place and you feel great that someone is watching over us and seeing things as they can be and not just as some would try to make us believe. The scenes of Africa are good, but it is the author who makes it all worthwhile.

perfect condition, as anything sent out should be... and a joy to watch Botswana through this masterful storytellers eyes. He connects the travelogue to Mma's eyes. We see what she speaks of. I can't wait to go...