Alexander McCall Smiths In Memoriam by Alexander McCall Smith - Book Review

Alexander McCall Smith's 'In Memoriam' by Alexander McCall Smith - Book Review'In Memoriam' is a brief book by the late Alexander McCall Smith, former principal of Westlake High School, concerning the life and death of his mentor, Alexander Griswold. One of the main themes of the book is how Griswold taught Smith 'how to be a man'. McCall Smith recounts a variety of stories from a lifetime spent with Griswold, who died when Smith was nine years old.The first story focuses on a trip that Khoshbakht, a student, takes with Griswold. Khoshbakht and Griswold travel to Paris, where he encounters a wandering Jew. Khoshbakht is fascinated by the Jew's ingenuity, as well as his wanderlust, and later joins the travelling circus.The last chapter of the book ends with a retelling of one of Griswold's self-portrait. In this photo, it seems as though Griswold had brought a book along with him, which he was describing, as if it were an instructional book, about 'how to be a man'.However, reading 'I n Memoriam' it's apparent that the book is not really an autobiography, but rather a meditative, quasi-spiritual guide to the life and death of a very talented, yet troubled elementary school teacher. Griswold was a paradoxical character. Not only did he suffer from severe emotional problems, he also was a perfectionist, obsessed with hygiene and cleanliness. However, these qualities came together to create an environment in which Griswold's students were able to flourish.Even at his darkest, Griswold would always leave his students a little piece of himself, a little piece of his mind, and so on. In fact, I'm sure you'll agree that a little bit of what he was, was also what they were too.Griswold was the rare teacher who often engaged in a metaphorical conversation with his students, such as when he would read out loud his favorite passages from his book, or had other discussions in class. However, it seems as if Griswold began to falter when faced with reality, especially in the m idst of social obligations. This is not surprising, as social obligations are usually associated with those who suffer from low self-esteem, anger management problems, stress and anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.In his memoir, McCall Smith relates the story of a student, Jacob to whom Griswold, refused to teach. Jacob would later become a famous writer. In this book, Jacob relates how Griswold found him, waiting for class one day, and confronted him for stealing a candy bar. Griswold explained to Jacob that his perfectionism and cleanliness made him lonely, and that a lonely soul is a lunatic.Although it is debatable whether Griswold was capable of love or had any genuine concern for the welfare of his students, his words have a wonderful wisdom to them and inspire us to follow our passions in order to achieve our highest scholastic excellence. While reading 'In Memoriam' it's easy to appreciate the lessons that are within.