The Girl Who Married a Lion and Other Tales from Africa [Unabridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Alexander McCall Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2004

The Ndebele people of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, from whom these stories originate, are renowned as the proud descendants of the Zulu nation. They are also the possessors of a language rich in beauty and musicality. From animal fables to mysterious forces residing in the landscape, this collection demonstrates the wealth and variety of African folk tales and the particular magic of Africa's spiritual roots: a sense of unity with the environment. Simple, surprising, cruel and humorous, these beautifully rendered tales remain as fresh and vital as the original African idiom.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It is McCall Smith's wit and storytelling gift that turn these engaging tales into such an enjoyable read. Savour alone or with your children. THE SCOTSMAN --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Alexander McCall Smith is best known for his series of No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, bestsellers in the UK and America. A practising Professor of Medical Law and the author of over 50 books, ranging from children's fiction to folk tales to The Criminal Law of Botswana, he lives in Edinburgh. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Recorded Books (December 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402594275
• ISBN-13: 978-1402594274
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,693,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as Ladies Detective Books, July 3, 2009

By 

Noelani "Mental Health Therapist" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girl Who Married a Lion (Paperback)

Very cute book by the same author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This is a collection of animal fables and folk tales from Africa. Each chapter is a short story to be enjoyed by young and old alike. Likewise, the lessons taught vary from explaining animal behavior to teaching people how to live happy lives. Some of my favorites were Guinea Fowl Child, Brave Hunter, and A Blind Man Catches A Bird.

3.0 out of 5 stars good, January 28, 2012

By 

Theresa Hutson "sphrterry" (Linden, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Girl Who Married a Lion (Paperback)

This is a great story, I guess its roots are African. I would recommend this great yarn. Its really good ---ofcourse my favorites books of Mccall's is #1 Ladies Detective Agency.

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun but limited, October 23, 2011

By 

Dandelion (Detroit) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girl Who Married a Lion (Paperback)

Warning if you have read the "Baboon" book don't bother with this. They are basically duplicates.
That said, I read this book first and was enchanted with the tales as least half way through. It is a series of very short lessons from an African point of view with animals and/or people teaching moral lessons.
However, after about half way it gets predictable and less and less intriguing. By the time I got to the final story, I probably could have told you what would happen without reading the story.
I think the book would make a good addition for a collection of children's stories or for the bathroom if you want a short read. If you can get the book cheaply, buy it, otherwise pass it up.