I'm following the novel Corduroy Mansions, by Alexander McCall Smith, which is serialised daily in The Telegraph. I love Alexander McCall Smith as a writer, so it is a daily treat. He has an eye for human nature which is both incisive and kind. I imagine he is a terribly nice man, who makes brilliantly witty conversation. If you ever have him round to dinner, please invite me too, and sit me next to him.
Anyway, this morning's chapter contains this brilliant comment on a US/UK difference, which (if I'd written it myself - a minor detail) would make for the perfect expat blog post.
"Americans do not mince their words – it is one of their great qualities, and indeed one of the great causes of misunderstanding between the United States and the United Kingdom, where words are regularly minced so finely as to be virtually unintelligible."
Wonderfully put. It also reminded me of when I was about 14 and in a schools general knowledge competition (hasn't general knowledge fallen from favour? what a shame). The question was the name of the area in London famous for butchers, and I gave the answer "Mincing Lane", which, though precociously brilliant, was incorrect.
My favourite Alexander McCall Smith novels are the ones about Isabel Dalhousie set in Edinburgh, but I also have a soft spot for The 2 1/2 Pillars of Wisdom, which are just too perceptive about life in academia for comfort, if you're married to an academic. The scene in which a German Professor of Philology, by a misunderstanding, has to give a lecture to an audience of American dachsund specialists, made me laugh so hard I nearly fell out of bed, but it also contains observations about education which are wise and spot on. Husband occasionally reads it to his Philosophy students in the last class of their course.
Who else has a favourite Alexander McCall Smith?
.
I read a few of the no1 ladies detective agency books whilst travelling and thought them rather condescending and superior. Nothing else though...perhaps I shall have a look at this series and see if it changes my mind...
ReplyDeleteI'm a massive fan of the Number 1 detective lady series. He so accurately describes the 'ladies of traditional African build' and their way of life. Being from Africa, I can completely relate. Love him
ReplyDeleteYour so right about General Knowlegde being out of favour, although i for one am very greatful :) Haven't ever read Mr McCall but i might have to take a look now, that is when i get a spare minute - pesky kids!
ReplyDeleteI was a General Knowledge CHAMPION, I'll have you know! Swottingly (new word?) scribbling away in a notebook all week any anecdote or interesting fact that we 'might' get tested on... it paid off.
ReplyDeleteThen, not now (I think).
As for AMcS, I really enjoyed 44 Scotland Street, v funny.
LCM x
So far I've only read the Ladies Detective series but will definitely try the 2 1/2 pillars - I like witty views of academia.. perhaps because I dream of being in academia rather than an ex-banker/stay at home mum. As for general knowledge, it's all 'skills based learning' now, no knowledge - which is a shame because learning useless facts when you're young is fun. Yes, they won't help much later on, but they might get you excited about learning things.. and that will help a lot.
ReplyDeletePeople keep telling me to read the C Mansions. I really should. However I take issue with his US/UK statement. I find it incredibly difficult sometimes to figure out what Americans are trying to tell me. I remember coming out of corporate meetings wondering what the heck had just been decided, because no one wanted to say anything negative.
ReplyDeleteIn the UK I was used to hearing "No, that's wrong and let me tell you why", whereas Americans would say "I hear what you're saying but..." to say the same thing. It may be a mid-west thing.
He was just featured in the Economist's spinoff 'lifestyle magazine' (read: mag with really expensive luxury ads) as one of the last remaining polymaths... I had no idea that writing all this goodness was his second full-fledged career!
ReplyDeleteIt's got to be teh No1 Ladies Detective Agency series I particularly liked Blue Shoes and Happiness. I also loved the TV version - all in the right spirit. Wonderful author!
ReplyDeleteI read all the ones with Bertie - the 44 Scotland St ones - just after I'd had Louis.... Loved them. Although my own Mum was then v anxious when I told her I'd taken Louis to (baby) yoga in DC. Have you read them? You'll know what I mean. Don't worry though, although he has a doll baby I won't paint the walls of his bedroom pink!
ReplyDeleteStarter for 10, Greene! Smithfield Market.
ReplyDeleteMya x
You have been very prolific lately - I shall go and fetch a flask of cocoa and a sleeping bag and settle down for a good read.