Book Summary and Reviews of How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith

Book Summary

In this latest installment in the cherished No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, Mma Ramotswe must balance family obligations with the growing needs of one of Charlie's pet projects.

Precious Ramotswe loves her dependable old van. Yes, it sometimes takes a bit longer to get going now, and it has developed some quirks over the years, but it has always gotten the job done. This time, though, the world—and Charlie—may be asking too much of it, for when he borrows the beloved vehicle, he returns it damaged. And, to make matters worse, the interior seems to have acquired an earthy smell that even Precious can't identify.

But the olfactory issue is not the only mystery that needs solving. Mma Ramotswe is confronted by a distant relative, Blessing, who asks for help with an ailing cousin. The help requested is of a distinctly pecuniary nature, which makes both Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni and Mma Makutsi suspicious. And there is no peace at home, either, as the new neighbors are airing their marital grievances rather loudly. Still, Mma Ramotswe is confident that the solutions to all of these difficulties are there to be discovered—as long as she is led by kindness, grace, and logic and can rely on the counsel of her friends and loved ones.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. How has the setting changed? Is Gabarone different now from how it was presented in the first book in the series?
2. "When the rains come," said Mma Makutsi, longingly. "But will they ever come, Mma? Each year they seem to be later and later, and when they do break, they are sometimes no more than a wind with a few drops of water in its eyes." How does the setting of Botswana shape the characters in the book? How would they be different in another setting?
3. Mma Ramotswe refers to her bickering neighbors as "not being under the same blanket." What do you think of this phrase? Can you think of instances this saying might be useful in your own life?
4. Describe Mma Makutsi's and Charlie's relationship. Is there real animosity...