Review: Pianos and Flowers: Brief Encounters of the Romantic Kind
Gaby Meares
McCall Smith has selected a number of old sepia photographs to inspire these short stories. Some are more successful than others. They all contain his usual generous approach to humanity and our foibles. “I’d Cry Buckets” was the stand-out for me; incredibly poignant and infused with a sense of loss and longing.
‘If David or Bruce were asked whether they were happy, both would have replied yes, they were, although there might have been a moment’s hesitation before that reply was given. But if you only have to hesitate for a moment in considering that question, then you are probably happy enough, which is as much as most of us can expect.’