Reviews

My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith

nicholette's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this book! It was a pleasant foray into the Italian countryside with some interesting characters. And a bulldozer. I have read lots of McCall Smith books, and I would say this is the best one in recent years.

cara_mideastmom's review against another edition

4.0

Saw the book in a used bookstore on vacation and realized I’d never looked for other books by the author outside of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, so I checked out the audiobook from the library. Very fun, interesting, entertaining and even a little educational read and definitely the best book I’ve read in which a bulldozer features prominently (albeit less prominently than the title might lead one to expect).

tracycumming's review against another edition

3.0

If nothing else this author continues to surprise me with his breadth of stories. This is one I almost put down but I am glad I persisted with it. The opening of the story was not easy to get past as the main character bordered on the completely stupid but he grew on me or maybe he grew up a little. Either way it came together and there were some interesting side characters as well as some food, wine and nonsense all of which I appreciated.

moosepathleague's review against another edition

2.0

I can now give up on Alexander McCall Smith. I've tried one of every series and simply can't get through them. I can't put my finger on why, the writing does not draw me in an entice me to keep reading. Nothing actively wrong, but not compelling. Interesting premise in this that reminded me a bit of Peter Mayle of "Year in Provence" days, but couldn't keep me going.

locusts_2000's review against another edition

3.0

This book is quite like the movie A Box Full of Moonlight. If you’ve seen and enjoyed that film, then you will probably enjoy this book. 

bkowalczik's review against another edition

4.0

I find Alexander McCall Smith an enjoyable author to read. I can't say it better than the New York Times, "McCall Smith's generous writing and dry humor, his gentleness and humanity, and his ability to evoke a place and a set of characters without caricature or condescension have endeared his books to readers." Quite right.

I loved his ridiculous yet humorous and warm story of a writer returning to Italy to finish his latest book and recover from a failed relationship. Finding no rental car at the airport he is reduced to driving a bulldozer to a mountain village where he finds good food, friendship and mishap. McCall Smith also gives us a little insight into Italian society as well and maybe the human heart.

sunnjax303's review against another edition

4.0

Quirky and quaint with plenty of moments to put a smile on your face... 🌞

wasupe12's review against another edition

3.0

Lovely story about a food/wine writer's trip to Tuscany.

tarheeltegan's review against another edition

2.0

This book was charming, but a bit flat. There was almost no character development, and it fell into a lot of cliches. I thought the bulldozer would play much more of a role in the story than it did-- maybe get him into some funny situations or awkwardness, but it was just parked for most of the book. The description of the Italian countryside also was quite flat-- despite the author's attempts to describe it, it felt really one-dimensional. I guess the Italian countryside is indescribable... but still, he could've tried a bit more. Lastly, I really didn't like Paul. What a pushover!!! He just felt whatever he was told by someone else to feel, and was totally malleable and willing to be a doormat for anyone who came into his life. And of COURSE he "loves Gloria all along"... ugh! So predictable! I had really high hopes from this book, but it was really dull.

jenlin18's review against another edition

4.0

This was a light, easy read. Short, sweet, and enjoyable. A perfect vacation book.