The Edinburgh Spell? (44 Scotland Street)

As I was nearing the end of Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street, I started to feel a sense of loss--both for the characters and the story, but also for McCall Smith's cozy, inviting writing style. This isn't something that happens to me very often. In fact, the only recent instances I can think of where I felt this sense of longing when approaching the end of a novel is with J.K. Rowling.

I first read McCall Smith last year when I bought a copy of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Almost immediately I felt a deep admiration for the author and his ability to endear his characters to the reader. His talent for transporting the reader was astounding, as well. I have never been to Botswana (although after reading the novel, I certainly wanted to go) but I felt I knew the country, its people, its lifestyle, its tempo after reading the book.

J.K. Rowling shares both these traits. When I approach the end of a Harry Potter book, it feels almost as though I will be losing my close friends for another year or more. (God know what I will do when the series comes to an end). Yet I know all the intricacies of Hogwarts, the teachers, the students, the way of life. It is a great comfort to re-visit these places again and again.

44 Scotland Street first appeared as a serial novel in The Scotsman. It ran every weekday for six months. It is a fast, energetic read simply because each installment has been written to sustain attention and establish the pace. It tells the story of Pat, a 20-year old who is on her second gap year and moves into a flatshare in Edinburgh's bohemian New Town. It is full of eccentric characters, crazy situations and amazing detail and depth.

Both Rowling and McCall Smith call Edinburgh home and I wonder if the city has something to do with their supreme ability to entangle their readers into their tales. Indeed, McCall Smith paints a picture of Edinburgh that is just as enchanting as Botswana (probably even more so because I be there within five hours on the train). I suppose I should just go one weekend and find out what makes the city so inviting for writers and artists. Luckily, Espresso Tales, the second edition of the exploits of 44 Scotland Street is out so maybe I'll save that for the journey.