“But you cannot expect every writer to dwell on human suffering. I think my books do deal with grave issues. People who say they are too positive probably haven't read them.”

Scottish novelist and lawyer of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Alexander McCall Smith is best known for his series of gentle, philosophical novels set in Edinburgh and Africa, blending humor and wisdom. His works often explore themes of kindness, community, and the quiet joys of everyday life, earning him a devoted global readership.