Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith was born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, has lived for years in Scotland, and made his name around the world with tales of “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency,” set in a fictional Botswana.

His stories bring Africa to life with strong women, charming humanity, and a strong whiff of longing for simpler values, places and times.

Now, McCall Smith brings us a war story, from the English sidelines of World War II, where music carries humanity through.

This hour, On Point: Alexander McCall Smith on life, Africa, music, and war.

You can join the conversation. Tell us what you think — here on this page, on Twitter, and on Facebook.Guests:

Alexander McCall Smith, bestselling author of more than 60 books and creator of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. His new book is "La's Orchestra Saves the World." McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh. He is also an amateur bassoon player and co-founder of The Really Terrible Orchestra.