Alexander McCall Smith: Friend of Jane
Many of us knew this already, but Alexander McCall Smith, author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency mystery series, chose Pride and Prejudice as one of his “Five Most Important Books.”
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Austen’s ability to make small things into big things is unequaled.
May 24th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Much as I like Alexander McCall Smith, I don’t really agreement with his assessment of Austen. I rather think that part of her genius is enabling us to see and understand the big things that are disguised as small things. I just can’t go along with the notion that she makes small things into big things–that’s equating her with “Seinfield,” the show about nothing. Austen’s novels aren’t about nothing–they’re not about small things, they’re about life.