Alexander McCall Smith - Is He Pure Genius?

[expatinscotland]

Have to admit, until tonight, I'd never read any of his work. Read his short 'The Unfortunate Fate of Kitty da Silva', part of the 'One City' anthology.

LOVELY stuff!

Would you recommend more?

Ah, f*"k it, I'm going to read him anyway, but will it pass the '50 page rule' (50 pages and if it sucks it's used to kill roaches)?

Is this another series to get excited about?

i have 3 alexander mccall smith books if anyone would like them:

the finer points of sausage dogs
at the villa of reduced circumstances
portuguese irregular verbs

cat me if you're interested.

no he is not a genius, he is very boring and ordinary.
Read one, enjoyed it, cant be bothered to read the rest.

I fall into the " a bit boring " camp. I liked the philosphers club book, hated the no 1 ladies detective agency (couldn't finish it). I really wanted to love the series but I feel no desire to read another. When I want a scottish fix, I read Ian Rankin.

Like the Botswana ones because they're a bit different. Been given 44 Scotland Street but the blurb hasn't grabbed me. Did someone say he's written children's books? Would you post a couple of titles please as looking for new stuff for dd1 (she's 6-is that too young?)

I quite like him

He is good friend of dh's boss, has written the definitive textbook on medical law apparantly!

I found the Botswana one I read a bit patronising about Africans, although he clearly likes their way of life.

He does have a childrens book. I just saw it at the library. It's about an elephant. Next time I am there I will get the title.

The children's books: the 'Akimbo' series is good
there are lots of others too (look on amazon) but we haven't read them, only Akimbo. Akimbo perfect for 6 year old.

He is my husband's client! My only claim to fame. I love his Lady Detective books, and he lived there for a number of years, so obviously writes from experience. The Edinburgh ones I find really irritating, because the characters and so 'typey' and vacuous - so like the bores from that set that I came across at Uni and living there.