Botswana is actually very peaceful. It's democratic. It never was in debt. They've been fortunate, they've had diamonds. Alexander McCall Smith botswanadebtdemocratic Change image and share on social
It seems to me that we're in danger of losing sight of certain basic civic values in society by allowing the growth of a whole generation of people who really have no sense of attachment to society. Alexander McCall Smith allowattachmentbasic Change image and share on social
My Botswana books are positive, and I've never really sought to deny that. They are positive. They present a very positive picture of the country. And I think that that is perfectly defensible given that there is so much written about Africa which is entirely negative. Alexander McCall Smith africabookbotswana share on social
You do not have to ladle on the impasto to make a point about human frailty or ambitions. Alexander McCall Smith ambitionfrailtyhuman Change image and share on social
As a writer, I have readers who will have a range of political views. I don't think they look to me for political guidance. Alexander McCall Smith guidancepoliticalrange Change image and share on social
Well, I'd say all of us are a combination of moods and emotions. In my day to day life I don't go around skipping, but at times one can feel sheer exhilarating joy at the world. Alexander McCall Smith combinationdayemotion Change image and share on social
Painters aren't expected to paint bleak pictures, are they? Alexander McCall Smith bleakexpectpaint Change image and share on social
Who can't like pigs? They're wonderful creatures! I've always liked pigs. Alexander McCall Smith creaturehavepig Change image and share on social
Every novel presents a slice of life. A noir policier for example presents one slice, one that perhaps addresses social dysfunction or some sort of pathology, while mine present a slice that is more upbeat and affirmative. Alexander McCall Smith addressaffirmativedysfunction share on social
New York is a wonderful place to be up, an awful place to be down. Alexander McCall Smith awfulplacewonderful Change image and share on social
