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Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Lost Language of Oysters by Alexander McCall Smith review: 'Professor von Igelfeld is all of us'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Of all the colourful characters Alexander McCall Smith has dreamed up over the years, the German academic Professor Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld is my favourite. The clue, as they say, is in the name: "Igel" means "hedgehog" in German, and for all his success in the obscure but (he would maintain) extremely important field of Romance linguistics, a reputation founded largely on his groundbreaking book Portuguese Irregular Verbs, von Igelfeld is a somewhat prickly character. Head of his department at the University of Regensburg he may be, but for all his pomposity and self-satisfaction, there are tell-tale signs that his ego is still fragile: the opinion of others evidently matters to him greatly, and he is often less-than-charitable about the achievements of his contemporaries, particularly those who might represent potential threats to his status. The successes of people just beneath him in the academic pecking order - notably his colleague Professor Detlev Amadeus Unterholzer, "author of a minor work on the subjunctive mood" - are to be belittled wherever possible. Alexander McCall Smith | Lisa Ferguson For readers in these islands, where not taking yourself too seriously is generally worn as a badge of honour, a highly self-serious German academic makes for an irresistible figure of fun. And yet, and yet... no matter how self-aware we may think we are, are we not all von Igelfelds to some extent? On the one hand perhaps a little too pleased with ourselves, while on the other constantly fretting about how others see us? With von Igelfeld, McCall Smith the moralist has his cake and eats it, offering the reader plenty of laughs but at the same time gently saying "of course, this man is nothing at all like you, is he? Or is he?" Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this latest von Igelfeld adventure (or rather "entertainment", as the books in this particular McCall Smith series are called), our hero discovers that Portuguese Irregular Verbs has received glowing praise in a new publication from the Italian academic Professor Giovanni Fantozzi. Naturally, von Igelfeld is desperate to find out what has been written about his masterpiece. The only problem is, only one copy of the Fantozzi volume has found its way into the library of the University of Regensburg, and Professor Unterholzer has taken it out. According to the library rules, this means he can keep it locked away in his study for up to six weeks, but - of course - von Igelfeld can't wait that long, and so enters into an ever-more complicated quest to lay hands on the elusive book. Meanwhile, two motorbike-riding academics from Louisiana, both experts in Provençal language, are visiting Regensberg to carry out research: Professor Pom Pom Boisseau and Professor Alice Martinique. In spite of the fact that he knows nothing about motorbikes, von Igelfeld allows his affection for Pom Pom to get the better of him, throws caution to the wind, and allows her to take him for "a trip down the road". This exhilarating but out-of-character excursion does not go unnoticed in the conservative academic circles of Regensberg, and, in conjunction with certain other odd behaviours, leads some of von Igelfeld's colleagues to suspect that he may be starting to lose touch with reality. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's a plot which presents countless opportunities for poor von Igelfeld to be humiliated, and McCall Smith capitalises on all of them, to supremely toe-curling effect. Appropriately for a book populated by professional linguists, much of the humour comes from misunderstandings. Explaining that her friend is off to get a tattoo, for example, and stating that she has tattoos of her own, Pom Pom asks von Igelfeld if he has any "art", to which he replies "I have some paintings in my flat." Fans of the earlier von Igelfeld books will also be delighted to know that, in a further embarrassment for our hero, Unterholzer's unfortunate, one-legged sausage dog Walter - accidentally dismembered by von Igelfeld in The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs - makes a cameo appearance here. For all that it's fun to laugh at von Igelfeld's antics, however, as McCall Smith sends him staggering only semi-comprehendingly from one crisis to another, it's impossible not to root for him too. Perhaps that's because, with his myriad quirks, hang-ups and insecurities, von Igelfeld is all of us.
UAE Moments
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- UAE Moments
♓ Pisces Daily Horoscope for July 22, 2025
Love & Relationships You're feeling dreamy, romantic, and maybe a little nostalgic today. Don't get lost in fantasy, but do let yourself feel. Creative expression — like writing a heartfelt message or planning a surprise — could bring unexpected joy. For singles, an intuitive pull toward someone new could feel like déjà vu — trust the magic, but keep your feet on the ground. Career & Work Life You're in a creative flow, and your ideas could stand out — especially in brainstorming or design-related work. Don't hesitate to pitch that "wild" idea. People are more open than you think. That said, don't ignore the details — dreams need structure to fly. Money & Finances It's a good day to review your spending habits, especially around things that offer comfort. A small treat is fine — but resist the urge to splurge just to escape stress. A surprising message related to past payments or delayed earnings may pop up today. Health & Wellness Your emotional sensitivity is heightened, which might lead to tiredness or feeling mentally 'full.' Balance this by grounding yourself through nature, art, or stillness. Avoid screens in the evening if possible — your dreams will thank you. Other Important Notes Your connection to spirituality and intuition is especially powerful today. Write down anything that stands out — signs, symbols, or sudden thoughts. They might mean more than you think.
UAE Moments
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Daily Love Tarot Reading for July 22nd, 2025
Daily Love Tarot Reading - 7.22.25 Card of the Day: Two of Cups Today's card is all about partnerships, romance, and emotional balance. Whether you're single or in a relationship, this card highlights the beauty of mutual respect and shared feelings. It's a perfect day to connect deeply with someone special or to strengthen the bonds you already have. For singles: Keep an eye out for someone who shares your vibe. A meaningful connection might be closer than you think. For couples: Focus on teamwork and communication. Small gestures of love will go a long way to reinforce your relationship today. Let this card remind you that true love thrives on balance and understanding. So, celebrate the little moments of togetherness!
UAE Moments
21-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- UAE Moments
♓ Pisces Daily Horoscope for July 21, 2025
Love & Relationships Your romantic side is illuminated today, Pisces, and you're likely to feel deeply in tune with your partner or love interest. Don't be afraid to express your affection in words or art—it'll be received warmly. For singles, a soulful connection could spark in a quiet, unexpected place. Trust in the gentle signs. Career & Ambitions Dreamy doesn't mean disorganized—your creative mind is a powerhouse today. If you've been hesitating on starting a new project or making a pitch, now's the time to move forward. Collaboration with someone from a different background could offer surprising insights. Money & Finances Your financial situation is stable, but there's room for more structure. Today is ideal for reviewing your expenses and setting realistic goals. Avoid lending large sums or falling into "helping" financially without boundaries—empathy must be balanced with self-preservation. Health & Wellness You may feel more sensitive to your environment today. Aromatherapy, music, or quiet nature walks can do wonders for your inner peace. Stay hydrated and get enough sleep—your body needs rest to support your emotional flow. Avoid overstimulating social settings tonight. Lucky Numbers:
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Court denies pre-arrest bail to Jordan visa fraud accused
Thiruvananthapuram: District court on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail application of the accused in the Jordan visa fraud case. However, Kazhakkoottam Police, who are probing the case, informed that arresting the accused was not under their consideration now, as they have sent a request to the city police commissioner to hand over the investigation to another agency. Biju Jalas, 44, of Thumba, was accused of defrauding lakhs of rupees from several people by promising them Israeli work visas. However, they were taken to Jordan and directed to sneak through the border to Israel without valid visas. The fraud came to light after Thumba native Thomas Gabriel Pereira, 47, was shot dead by Jordanian soldiers in Feb 2025, while attempting to sneak into Israel. His brother-in-law Edison, 44, was also injured in the leg in the firing. Another couple, John Mary, 48, and her husband Romance, 52, were also taken to Jordan on Jan 7, 2024, with the promise of Israeli work visas with an attractive salary. However, they were also taken to Jordan and Romance died of a cardiac arrest there. In a similar way, the accused had cheated several people. "Since the crime took place in Jordan, a detailed probe has to be conducted by a suitable agency and the accused claimed that the victims were taken to Jordan after being convinced of the risks involved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo We received direction from the top level not to arrest the accused now. A request was given to the city police commissioner to hand over the probe to a suitable agency. Meanwhile, we were also directed to collect maximum evidence and submit a preliminary investigation report. Based on the report, higher-ups will take a decision to hand over the probe," police said. In the meantime, the victims alleged that the probe team was working hand in glove with the accused. "The probe into the case is not effective, as police freed the accused despite knowing that he committed a grave crime. We need justice, as this is not just an issue for me and Thomas, but there are many others who Jalas cheated in the same manner. In Thumba alone, more than 10 people lost their money in the fraud and they are willing to move legally. The larger network behind the fraud must be exposed," said Edison.
