Tiny Tales (paperback)
ISBN:
9781846975738
Publisher:
Polygon
Publication Date:
7 July 2022
Teeny Tiny Tales (paperback)… Stories of Romance, Kindness, Joy and Happiness
Stories do not have to be long. In the space of a couple of sentences – or even a page or two – we can see the human heart exposed in a way that is more powerful than in a novel. Little ‘windows on the world’.
In Tiny Tales Alexander McCall Smith explores romance, ambition, kindness and happiness in thirty short stories that range in length from the short to the tiny. The settings are as diverse as the characters – Scotland, England, Australia, the United States – combining to create a rich and always surprising selection. An Australian pope? A persuasive cosmetic surgeon? The world’s laziest cat? A group of students living together and getting romantically entangled? All human and animal life is here – in miniature – some as straightforward text stories and others as graphic tales in collaboration with long-time friend and illustrator Iain McIntosh.
From one Tiny Tale, a tiny extract to tempt you to read more…
“You know, what are the odds if you’re a tattooist – what are the odds of the Pope coming in and asking for a tattoo? Incalculable?”
“I mean it,” said the Pope. “I would like you to do that.”
From Tiny Tales (paperback):
A Tiny Graphic Tale by Iain McIntosh from Tiny Tales (paperback)
Read about Iain McIntosh here
or visit his website.
Reviews
‘Windows on the world… deft and funny and smart’
Financial Times
‘This may be a small book in size, but it is mighty of heart and the most wonderful gift for someone who would appreciate a smile or hug. Short and sharp, yet bountiful and considerate – fabulous’
LoveReading.co.uk
‘Exquisitely funny… I can’t think of any other writer who could come up with anything like this, because as well as being among the funniest he has ever written, these stories are also moving, respectful and kind’
The Scotsman
‘These tales and illustrations depict the full scope of human experience and reveal the rich tapestry of life – painted in miniature’
Bookreporter.com
‘In a world which presently feels polarised and intolerant, these vignettes provide a wonderful balm for the heart and soul’
Toowoomba Chronicle
‘Lovely, short, really short, tales with humour from a writer who is a national and indeed international treasure’
Ellie Updale at Borders Book Festival, 2022
‘A selection of short, diverse stories and cartoon strips that ripple with humour. Perfect for those without the time, patience of inclination to pick up a novel. It will readers – especially news ones – come back for more’
Sunday Post
‘I commend this book to you all, with its brilliant illustrations by Iain McIntosh, some of the funniest cartoons you will ever see, reflecting the humour which Alexander excels in’
James Naughtie, BBC Broadcaster
‘It is remarkably clever how, in just a few pages, he [Alexander McCall Smith] can create a complete little world… a little treasure’
The Cultural Voyager
‘Charismatic and charming, convincingly demonstrates that length is by no means essential for a captivating read’
Scottish Field
‘These stories are inspired and accompanied by the thirty magnificent strip Tiny Tales created by McCall Smith and illustrated by the brilliant Iain McIntosh. Each is a little gemstone of observation. Full of romantic, heartwarming stories with chance encounters. This is a great little book’
SixtyPlus Surfers
‘Whimsical. . . . Quirky and delightful’
Booklist (starred review)
