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.

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

Alexander McCall Smith

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

Alexander McCall Smith

"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?"

Alexander McCall Smith