No1 ladies detective agany to be televised

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Thats all

I wonder who mama will be?

I think that could translate so well to Tv. I love those books. They are so warm and calm.

hated the books tried 2 of them- bleugh. sticky narratives, found it grating and repetitive

I heard a dramatisation on Radio 4 and the lady who took on the Precious role sounded just like the voice in my head (and yes, I'm hearing voices in my head now!)

I hope they don't make her too slim or too Hollywood.....it just wouldn't work.

When is it on - I loved the books

Mma is Jill Scott, the singer (and yes I think she's perfect for it squilly, she's not thin!). I love her so although I'm not that keen on the books, I'm looking forward to it.

here

The actress is Jill Scott.
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oops x-posts

The Radio4 version, and the books it is based on, get routinely slated in Radio4 comedy shows, which make the stories out to be a very very kitch and twee version of life in Botswana.

Is it as bad as they say?

I think that sums it up threadworm!

I know some academics who work on African politics and poverty etc and the series makes them absolutely fume. They feel it portrays an unduly rosy image of life in Africa. I suppose that makes a change, but I do find them a bit icky and twee - though very readable. I think I read somewhere that they do reflect the author's experience of Botswana but that that experience is itself a bit out-of-date and sheltered.

I suppose there is a great tradition of ludicrously unrealistic detective fiction -- Midsommer Murders isn't exactly a realistic depiction of modurn rural life

But still, it does stimulate a bit of a gagging reflex in me.

Threadworm, yes, but that's not a bad thing.
As MBLF says, they exude warmth and comfort. They work because the 'twee' Botswana is IMO the Botswana Precious sees, coloured by her love and pride.

I loved the first books when I first read them, but they are a bit repetitive now. They are v quick to read and v warm and cosy feeling. They are not very substantial and may not be gritty realism, but as a quick light, feel-good read they are fab. And would much rather read something positive about Africa than something utterly depressing like JM Coetzee' Disgrace. The fuming academics need to lighten up, the books are fiction not an academic discourse.
Looking forward to the TV version.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed these. yes, they are pretty lightweight but they are perfect reading for after a stressful day at work as they just radiate good humour and friendship etc - they make me want to drink tea, eat cake and watch the landscape.

I've never heard of the woman who's going to play Precious but she looks perfect.

I watched, I assume the first episode, last week (never read the books), and thought it was quite funny, but not to be taken to literally!
Snowleopard, oddly enough, a Botswanian (?) girl at work and I talked a fair bit about Botswana, etc.. a while back, and of what I have seen on that episode, it kinda reflected the same feel as the one I got talking to that girl...so, not sure of the true reality if that makes sense...I don't know enough about the situation in Botswana to form a real opinion, iykwim.