The other think about which I wished to speak is Alexander McCall Smith. Once I get going, I could sing the praises of this author for quite some time. He is best known and loved for his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (which I confess I have not yet read) but he is quite a prolific author, and everything of his that I have read has been entirely charming and beautiful and heartwarming. I found his recent novel La's Orchestra Saves the World deeply moving. On a Scottish note, however, there is the delightful 44 Scotland Street series, which I am currently reading. In The World According to Bertie (the fourth, I think, in the series) I found this amazing passage:
"For the most part, we treat others in a matter-of-fact way; we have to, in order to get on with our lives. But every so often, in a moment of insight that can be very nearly mystical in its intensity, we see others in their real humanity, in a way which makes us want to cherish them as joint pilgrims, almost, on a perilous journey."
A few months ago he was chosen for the book group I attend in Greene. Everyone read a different novel of his. Not all the ladies liked him (which really surprised me!) but one, Amy Marsland (herself an authoress) voiced an opinion very similar to mine: that whatever his subject, and whatever the location (be it Africa or Scotland) there is an undercurrent of goodness - the "moral" so-to-speak - of the story is always the same, and a beautiful and refreshing current of humanity runs throughout his writing. So I say Three Cheers for Alexander McCall Smith!
I'll have to check this author out! When you're over in Scotland, you'll HAVE to check out Nigel Tranter. He's a hero of mine and a fine Scottish author (who was a big champion of saving Scottish castles while he was alive). The one I've read is called The Stone - about the Stone of Destiny and it's awesome!
ReplyDeletewhat a great passage you quoted! Thank you for that.
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