Being of Scottish descent on my mother’s side of the family (the Crawford Clan), I eagerly await and devour each fictional window of modern Scotland from Alexander McCall-Smith. Although best known for his delightful tales (beginning with the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency) set in Botswana, he also brings today’s Scottish folks alive in two series set in Edinburgh: the light mysteries featuring Isabel Dalhousie, an ethics philosopher, and the crazy quilt of characters living in or otherwise connected to the 44 Scotland Street apartment building.
Beyond being a wise and hilarious writer, McCall-Smith is a voice in the wilderness as he muses about the socially dark side of consumerism, celebrity worship and the global economy. For me, and for many, I think, it’s impossible to make it through one of his books without shedding a few tears and laughing out loud. Treat yourself!
~ posted by Craig
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