Tea Time for the Traditionally Built is the 10th book in the series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Each of these books involves one or more of Mma Ramotswe’s cases, but they contain much more than just that. They are full of good advice, insights into many different people’s lives and Botswana. They contain the importance of upholding old Botswana moral and customs, of the history of Botswana, of the cattle, the places and the people. After reading these books I have learned more about Botswana as an intimate place than I could possibly have from a history book. And it is never boring.
These books are calming and relaxing to read. I can read two in a day, or take my time and slowly finish one in three days. There are exciting points when Mma Ramotswe and her partner, Mma Makutsi are on a case; puzzling out people’s words and expressions. There are sad points, when Mma Ramotswe thinks about life, the bush with the wild animals, and her late father. There are always lessons tucked away in every page. They are provided after someone acts a certain way, or says a certain thing. In the middle of dialogue Mma Ramotswe will go off on a train of thought, pulling you deep into her thoughts, and they you will be brought back to the present, with her, when someone interrupts.
In this particular book you will go on a case about soccer with Mma Ramotswe, a seemingly impossible case. Is there a definite answer? You will spend time with good men, and bad women. You will teach a grown man a lesson, and feel fear for another person. You will fear for the well-being of Mma Ramotswe’s little white van, and possibly mourn with her.
You do not need to read the previous books in this series to understand what is going on, but you will learn much more about all the characters if you do.
Recommended to ages 11 and up
(Good for all ages, appropriate, but meaningful and deep)