“When you read Alexander McCall Smith, you know what you're going to get-- celebrations of place and tradition and civility, narrated in a style that puts some distance between the observer and the events. Those who like him-- such as myself-- like him a lot, and those who don't, just don't get it at all. I, for one, appreciate the reminder that little things like a greeting in the street, or a graciously phrased invitation, oil the social world and make everyone feel a little less dreary.”