Alexander McCall Smith

"To lose your own language was like forgetting your mother, and as sad, in a way."

"And then the second thing you have to do is go and see your son. That is a duty of love, Andrew. It's as simple as that. A duty of love. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?"

"Anybody can lose,' cautioned Mr J.L.B. Matekoni. 'You need to remember that every time you win."

"This was a townscape raised in the teeth of cold winds from the east; a city of winding cobbled streets and haughty pillars; a city of dark nights and candlelight, and intellect."