The quote from "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith captures the profound sense of isolation one can feel in the vastness of a landscape. It illustrates the contrast between the expansive blue surroundings, which symbolize freedom and the open sea, and the loneliness experienced by an individual who finds themselves profoundly disconnected in the midst of such beauty. This feeling of solitude can be intensified when one is surrounded by immense open spaces, akin to a sailor lost at sea.
In expressing that "no sailor could be lonelier," the author draws a parallel between the isolation felt in a boundless environment and the solitude experienced in everyday life. It highlights how physical proximity to nature does not always equate to emotional connection or companionship. This sentiment resonates deeply, suggesting that even in lands that are seemingly vibrant and alive, an individual can still grapple with feelings of loneliness and longing for connection.