Book 14 in the delightful 44 Scotland Street series, by worldwide bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith
At the bottom of a sharply descending street - in the topographical sense - in Edinburgh's Georgian New Town, new residents have moved in to number 44 Scotland Street, joining the already well-known and much-loved denizens of that remarkable building. They appear to be a bit of a mystery, but so, too, do other things. What exactly did Sister Maria-Fiore, the aphorism-coining socialite nun, find on the No. 23 bus? Could it be the remains of a hitherto unknown Neanderthal, homo Watsoniensis?
On the romantic front, long-suffering Stuart's hopes of kindling a new relationship are dashed, thanks to chino-wearing narcissist Bruce, effortlessly exercising his powers of charm. The Promised Land beckons for Bertie who is off to Glagow for a school exchange that takes him doon the watter. Back in Edinburgh, the Duke of Johannesburg's desire to learn a new language, involving his Gaelic-speaking driver Padruig, has gone horribly wrong; to be immersed in a language, it seems, can be a captivating linguistic mistake. And the patrons of Big Lou's cafe are in for a gastronomic treat. In other words, everything in Edinburgh is absolutely normal.
'Perfect escapism' Sunday Times, South Africa
'A vividly surreal cast of outlandish characters [and] McCall Smith's wonderfully wry delivery' Scottish Field
Humour is a huge part of life for [Alexander McCall Smith]. And there is no shortage of it in A Time of Love and Tartan . . . It's bold and brave, and deliciously arresting, but manages to stay true to life with its incisive reflections of human nature - Sunday Post
A joyous, charming portrait of city life and human foibles, which moves beyond its setting to deal with deep moral issues and love, desire and friendship - Sunday Express on A Time of Love and Tartan
Following a distinguished career as a Professor of Medical Law, Alexander McCall Smith has turned to writing full-time. He is the author of over eighty books on a wide array of subjects, and his books have been translated into forty-six languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife.