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Jan 05, 20171_Great_Book rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
So so. There have been more recent whole novels developed around collections of old photographs (Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children at top of my list) that are much more spectacular. Short stories just don't cut it for me in the use of old photographs. McCall Smith's talent lies in expressing ideas through well-known characters interacting over a period of time, either in lengthier novels or in short stories or instalments. What's missing in these stories is his characteristic conveyance of some kind of idea, issue or opinion, often with a moral or philosophical slant, through people interacting with each other over time and in a relationship. Behaviour is studied or observed. These short cliches are lacking the depth that is the essence of McCall Smith's best writing.