“[S]ucceeds in subtly, almost imperceptibly ripping up the traditional rules of the romantic comedy and creating something refreshingly original. . . . A gentle book, but also a gently radical one.” —The Yorkshire Post
 
“This novel has the usual combination of light-hearted gentleness and forensic acuity, reminding the reader never to underestimate McCall Smith’s fundamental seriousness of purpose.” —The Sydney Morning Herald

PRAISE FOR ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH:

“McCall Smith is prolific and he’s habit-forming. He’s the crystal meth of popular fiction.” —The Globe and Mail

“Scotland’s one-man novel factory. . . . Smith’s writing has tons of charm and kindly wisdom.” —The Times

“McCall Smith’s talent for dialogue is matched only by his gift for characterization.” —Chicago Tribune
 
“McCall Smith makes the sublime look easy. . . . [He] has few peers in capturing the quiet moments of people’s lives.” —Publishers Weekly
 
“A prolific, popular and wonderfully peculiar writer.” —The Independent

“McCall Smith is a wonderful storyteller, and his stories are characteristically filled with humour and an innate, affectionate disposition towards the human race.” —The Sydney Morning Herald

“A vivid observer and an elegant writer.” —The Plain Dealer