Reviews

My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith

kammcintosh3's review against another edition

adventurous emotional relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I am so fond of this book. It’s so beautiful in its simplicity. Its scenery, Paul as a character, friendships, love, culture, world philosophy introduced through conversations. It’s a really beautiful book with a couple loose ends that I don’t mind at all

yrock007's review against another edition

1.0

The book that never would have been published had the writer not already been an established author. So many loose ends left dangling, yet predictable at the same time? Now that's actually hard to do!

hopi100's review against another edition

5.0

What a wonderful book! This was my first exposure to Smith, and his writing is absolutely charming. I look forward to reading more.

justtalkingtomyshelf's review against another edition

3.0

I am not quite sure what the point of this book was. On the other hand, now I have a craving for wine and cheese. The description of the landscapes were beautiful, but the story felt short and not fully fleshed out.

tbkennedy's review against another edition

2.0

There was one wonderfully quirky vignette at the beginning of the book and then nothing much happened. But the protagonist’s acquisition of the rental “car” spoke to my expat heart!

Audiobook.

jv_reads's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

jessappel's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

A delightful read. It was just what I needed between heavy reads this month. 

janhutch's review against another edition

3.0

Hmmm. Not my favourite. I love most of McCall-Smith's books, but this one felt contrived. From the girlfriend dumping him, to the ride around Italy on a bulldozer, none of it felt as real as I figured it should. On the other hand, his descriptions of Italy are bang in. So there's that.

susieseeker's review against another edition

3.0

Alexander McCall Smith is one of my go-to authors when I need a book that I can pretty well forecast that I will like.

My rating of 3/5 in this case means that I did in fact enjoy it, although it was not one of McCall Smith's best books.

To me, his books are as comfortable as an old shoe. Light, easy reads that don't take a lot of effort.

groveperson's review against another edition

4.0

Charming and light. Made me want to hop on a plane to Italy, drive into the Tuscan hills, and find a fantastic hidden restaurant.