The theme of this short book of poetry is of distance - times when we must distance from each other, as well as traveling to distant lands, using different modes of travel, observing traditions and religions of other cultures, and even discovering interesting and transcendent signs.

I have not read a lot of poetry but I'm a huge fan of Alexander McCall Smith's novels, and I thought this was a great gentle introduction to the genre for non-poetry readers. The poems have a philosophical, reflective feel that is similar to his stories but are even more calming, kind of like sitting down for a rest, breathing deeply and feeling the space between the words.

The way the book ends really warmed my heart - if you are a fan of McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series, you will recognize some of Angus Lordie's poems from the final chapters of these books.

In A Time Of Distance is a short book of poems by Alexander McCall Smith. If you are a fan of his books you will enjoy these poems. If you are a fan of the kind of poems that often end his Scotland St books, then you will really enjoy this book of poems. The poems are grouped thematically - about journeys, about the seasons, about animals, about love, about books and about specific places. The poems are introspectively philosophical. Most are relatively short. Reading them feels soothing and calming. It is perfect to read while drinking a coffee and relaxing.

This collection was ok, but I found it difficult to connect to the poems, which I think is essential for poetry. The audience needs to be able to emote. I prefer his novels.