Library Director’s Notebook
October, 2013
I’ve written in my notebooks a few times about the Number 1 Ladies Detective Series by Alexander McCall Smith. I enjoy that series not just for its unusual setting in modern day Botswana, and its likeable cast of characters, including Precious Ramotswe, the lady detective of the title, but also for the strong values and the humanity that inform the stories.
Those values and that humanity are also at the center of Alexander McCall Smith’s recent book Trains and Lovers. In format, Trains and Lovers is a series of linked conversations, confessions, and inner reflections between four strangers who meet for the first time on a train ride from Edinburgh to London. At first glance the four passengers would not seem to have much in common. Andrew and Hugh are two lively young men. David is a sedate middle aged man, and Kay is a kindly woman in late middle age. Andrew is a Scot, Hugh is English, David is American and Kay is Australian.
Andrew and Kay break the ice by commenting politely on the scenery racing past the train window. Soon Andrew is telling Kay the story of his recent and difficult love and work life, while Hugh and David listen, first politely and then intently. As Andrew’s story unfolds in the unexpected proximity of a railway carriage, each listener comments or reflects silently about his or her own life histories, choosing to share, or not, their successes or failures with love.
The nature of love, the importance of trust, the durability of affection, the unpredictability of fate, the well or ill meaning interference of others are all touched upon, as each of the train passengers recalls their various experiences. The love of parents for their children, of a husband for his wife, of a sister for a brother, or of unacknowledged love between young friends ; in short, love in its many forms is represented with tenderness and insight in the different stories.
Through it all, McCall Smith’s distinctive philosophy radiates in every story, every character, and every outcome. The belief in the power of generosity, kindness, compassion, and honesty and how such values and the actions help shape our fate and our world is what makes this book such a pleasing and resonating experience. A touch of mystery, a dash of humor, a tug at the heart, and the smile that comes whenever lovers overcome obstacles to find the courage to embrace—all these elements come together to make Trains and Lovers a wonderful ride!
