McCall Smith, Alexander 

Pianos and Flowers

This is a slim throwaway read. According to the forward, McCall Smith was asked to write some short stories for the Sunday Times and he responded by suggesting that he pull some old photos out of their archives and imagine the people and stories the photos depicted.  I also remember being asked to do a similar assignment by a creative writing teacher some sixty years ago.  It is a great imaginative prop, but based on the stories invented (even by a master storyteller) it is more of an exercise for personal development than a true artistic endeavor.  If nothing else is on the library shelf, check it out.  Otherwise take a pass.