AlexanderMcCall Smith celebrates 20th Book of Botswana Series in Canada

Alexander McCall Smith is coming to Winnipeg on October 31, 2019 to sign his twentieth book in The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series. McCall Smith’s books about a lady detective who lives in Botswana are an inviting blend of psychology, history and crime. Readers are known to laugh out loud. This popular series has been translated into many languages and readers have bought millions and millions of his books.

The series follows the journey of an African woman who rises above tragedy to create an adventurous career. Readers wonder how she will solve her next case, cheer as she explores the nuances of community and companionship and marvel at her wit and wisdom. McCall Smith is an insightful observer of the complexities of human nature and sprinkles his books with inspired sayings.

McCall Smith started the series about a lady detective who lives in Botswana twenty-one years ago. His twentieth sequel, ‘To The Land of Long Lost Friends’, is due to be published a few days before his Winnipeg book signing. What is apparent from his writing is that he loves the country of Botswana and the African people.

Alexander McCall Smith has written many other series including one set in Scotland as well as volumes for children. McCall Smith’s writing ability is astounding and motivational; he can write a thousand words an hour and does so daily. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this series in any new or used bookstore and check it out for yourself.

McColl Smith’s website states that he will be in Winnipeg at 7 p.m. on Hallowe’en. Drop by the McNally Robinson bookstore in the Grant Park Shopping Centre and come in for a treat!

Great Canadian Novel

                                 

Brian Moore, known as “the Irish novelist of conscience” set his book, “The Luck of Ginger Coffey” in Montreal, Canada. Moore was a Canadian citizen and won the Governor General’s Award for fiction twice. Many of his award winning novels, including  “The Luck of Ginger Coffey”  were made into films. I had no idea this was a Canadian book with so many  surprises and that I would enjoy it so much.

His book tells the story of Ginger, an Irish immigrant to Canada, who seeks to provide for his family while navigating the labour market and the complexities of married life. Ginger is a principled dreamer who loves deeply and values adventure and freedom over class and religious boundaries.

Brian Moore deftly carries readers into Ginger’s often humorous thoughts and inner turmoil.  The raw honesty expressed by this endearing philosopher move me deeply. I care about Ginger’s fate as he struggles with the reality of loss and the meaning of life.

Moore sprinkles his novel with insightful discourses on concepts such as sacrifice and adds ironic commentary on the nature of Canada’s psyche and heritage. “The Luck of Ginger Coffey” takes readers into unexpected territory and invites us to embrace the often perilous journey of love.