Mr. Sandman

"Myth is a cloud based upon a shadow based upon the movement of the breeze."

So writes Alexander McCall Smith in the introduction to "Dream Angus", his re-telling of the myth of the Celtic Eros. This is a fascinating departure from his usual style and subject-matter but it is nevertheless marked by his typical interest in a moral and social code, and it is written with great delicacy and an obvious feel for the origins of the tale.

The book mixes fables of modern dreamers with those of the Celtic Angus to make a thought-provoking and very satisfying read. Anyone familiar with "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series (or "44, Scotland Street", the Isobel Dalhousie books and the wonderfully funny "Portuguese Irregular Verbs") will recognise the author's voice, but will perceive also a slightly darker tone and a wistful and very still quality in the writing. Naturally there is humour, too, as when he writes of a teenager: "Mark left the room, like an area of low pressure, of bad weather, moving off the meteorological map.", but most notable is  - fittingly - a dream-like quality and a very romantic caste to the story-telling.

Curl up by the fire on a long dark winter's evening and read this book.

Comments

[peg]

Thanks for giving us a wee review of AMcS's latest book. I will see if my library has invessted in it yet. I have a good collection of children's book! You have to be an exceptional writer, I think, to write for children and not talk down to them, but keep their interest.
Moving about as a low pressure system - chuckle!

[Charity]

Ooooh, this one looks good! I just brought home one of the Isobel Dalhousie books from the library, but haven't had a chance to tuck into it yet. :0)