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An unlikely alter-ego

After reading The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, a book told from the viewpoint of a proud, "traditionally built" African woman, it's a bit jarring to see the authors photo on the back. Alexander McCall Smith is a very white, very male Scotsman with thinning gray hair and light blue eyes.

But he has one thing in common with his fictional heroine, Precious Ramotswe: a peaceful, enduring affection for Botswana and its people. The www.theatlantic.com/culture held a conversation with the  prolific writer

Ques: Your Ladies' Detective books are written in the very convincing voice of an African woman. How are you able to inhabit a character who is so different from you?

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Editor's Comment
Celebrate responsibly, put safety first this holiday

“Safety first is safety always”– Charles M HayesAs most people begin travelling across the country to spend the President’s Holidays with family and friends, there is every reason to embrace the joy and togetherness that this period brings.While holiday periods bring joy, they are sadly often accompanied by a rise in road accidents, violent incidents and other avoidable tragedies. Too often, families that set out to celebrate together end...

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