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suegat's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
Oh this series. Slight books with slight plots, that annoy me but somehow I keep coming back to. And here we are in the 11th installment of philosopher Isabel Dalhousie's life when yet again, next to nothing happens.
(Side note: how OLD is Isabel exactly? AMS seems to be implying she is 44 which would mean that in a mere four years she has managed to spend a year pining for Jamie, has got together with Jamie, has spent 9 months being pregnant and now has a four year old. Hmm).
The "plot" this time concerns a man who may or may not be targeting rich women to solicit money. Isabel is approached by an former classmate who is concerned for a friend and is asked to investigate. There isn't much to the storyline - if you took out all the padding it would barely stretch to a short story. Everytime I read a book in this series I come close to banging my head against a wall in frustration at all the meandering and asides that get thrown in.
And yet. As I finished the book in bed this morning, I overheard a child outside howling as he was being walked to school. And I thought about how angry and upset he sounded. And about how it's okay for children to express themselves in that way but as adults how we have to bottle feelings up or find ways to manage them appropriately. And how maybe a good cathartic yell would be all that was needed. And it occurred to me that this is what I get from this series. For a while when I read these books, and for a time afterwards, I feel more aware and observant about things around me. I have a "distant view of everything" instead of getting quite so caught up in the here and now. I feel a bit lighter.
(Side note: how OLD is Isabel exactly? AMS seems to be implying she is 44 which would mean that in a mere four years she has managed to spend a year pining for Jamie, has got together with Jamie, has spent 9 months being pregnant and now has a four year old. Hmm).
The "plot" this time concerns a man who may or may not be targeting rich women to solicit money. Isabel is approached by an former classmate who is concerned for a friend and is asked to investigate. There isn't much to the storyline - if you took out all the padding it would barely stretch to a short story. Everytime I read a book in this series I come close to banging my head against a wall in frustration at all the meandering and asides that get thrown in.
And yet. As I finished the book in bed this morning, I overheard a child outside howling as he was being walked to school. And I thought about how angry and upset he sounded. And about how it's okay for children to express themselves in that way but as adults how we have to bottle feelings up or find ways to manage them appropriately. And how maybe a good cathartic yell would be all that was needed. And it occurred to me that this is what I get from this series. For a while when I read these books, and for a time afterwards, I feel more aware and observant about things around me. I have a "distant view of everything" instead of getting quite so caught up in the here and now. I feel a bit lighter.
ohthatmireille's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
laura_m_j's review against another edition
4.0
Another wonderful visit with Isabel Dalhousie in Edinburgh. Love the concept of moral proximity and other ethical questions explored.
ajwieringa's review against another edition
5.0
Another delightful read in the Isabel Dalhousie series.
wanderaven's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't imagine abandoning a series I've thoroughly enjoyed halfway through the eleventh book, but I suppose that's what I've just done.
I've abandoned the book, at least, if not the series.
I've said before about McCall Smith that one must be in the right frame of mind to read his gentle, insightful, meandering novels. I am, perhaps, not in the right frame of mind right now. The most exciting thing I found about this one was Charlie and his reactions to his new baby brother. Endearing, spiteful, funny, they were the primary reason I kept reading as long as I did and I was so focused on these interactions that it felt like the rest of the bones of the plot were weakly constructed around this one element.
I'm always going to love the 44 Scotland Street series, and I doubt that I won't return to the Dalhousie books but I've never abandoned one before, either, so I suppose we'll see.
I've abandoned the book, at least, if not the series.
I've said before about McCall Smith that one must be in the right frame of mind to read his gentle, insightful, meandering novels. I am, perhaps, not in the right frame of mind right now. The most exciting thing I found about this one was Charlie and his reactions to his new baby brother. Endearing, spiteful, funny, they were the primary reason I kept reading as long as I did and I was so focused on these interactions that it felt like the rest of the bones of the plot were weakly constructed around this one element.
I'm always going to love the 44 Scotland Street series, and I doubt that I won't return to the Dalhousie books but I've never abandoned one before, either, so I suppose we'll see.
author_d_r_oestreicher's review against another edition
5.0
A Distant View of Everything by Alexander McCall Smith is #11 Isabel Dalhousie novel. She is still married to Jamie. Charlie is four. Magnus is an infant. This is a cozy, cozy mystery. One mystery comes from her friend Bea, matchmaker, who fears she's set up a dinner guest with a man who preys on rich women. The other mystery from Eddie who works at her cousin Cat's deli. He is concerned that Cat has taken a girlfriend.
If you enjoy a world where everyone is nice, and nothing bad ever happens, this is the author for you. Also, consider the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
For more: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-distant-view-of-everything-by.html
If you enjoy a world where everyone is nice, and nothing bad ever happens, this is the author for you. Also, consider the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
For more: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-distant-view-of-everything-by.html
henrismum's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
#11 in series (I started this series in 2012 or possibly 2014. I got bored reading the books so I took some time off, but resumed via audiobooks in late 2022.)
Comparison to others in series:Not as good About the same Better
When you mix philosophy with a bit of mystery, you get an Isabel Dalhousie novel. You self-reflect, roll your eyes and get slightly jealous the woman who seems to have a pretty perfect life.
The narrator was Davina Porter. I have listened to many books by Ms. Porter and I enjoy her voice.
Source: Phoenix Library
#11 in series (I started this series in 2012 or possibly 2014. I got bored reading the books so I took some time off, but resumed via audiobooks in late 2022.)
Comparison to others in series:
When you mix philosophy with a bit of mystery, you get an Isabel Dalhousie novel. You self-reflect, roll your eyes and get slightly jealous the woman who seems to have a pretty perfect life.
The narrator was Davina Porter. I have listened to many books by Ms. Porter and I enjoy her voice.
Source: Phoenix Library
magistratrium's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. Another enjoyable visit with Isabel. I love how she so often goes off into a train of thoughts that have nothing to do with the conversation she is having with someone. I love that Charlie wants to put Magnus down the drain. I love Brother Fox and moral proximity and Isabel getting involved in things that aren’t really her business and Jaime’s music and their free association game. A fun read for a cloudy weekend.
bgg616's review against another edition
4.0
Isabel Dalhousie continues to have a good life but at times there a few ripples on its calm surface. She realizes that little lies of omission can lead to misunderstandings and erode trust. She cannot take her life for granted. As always Isabel gets involved in investigating some problem or mystery someone brings to her. She learns that things are often not what they seem. Her niece Cat who is constantly in and out of relationships is again being secretive. This wasn't my favorite in the series but as a devotee of the series, I will keep reading them if only to see what develops in Isabel's life.