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thenovelbook's review against another edition
2.0
Sigh. I should probably stop half-heartedly trying to look for the good in this series. It's not that there's nothing good to be found--there are always bits of writing I enjoy in any AMS book. The problem is that I find Isabel intensely inept, insecure, and inane. And that's not really changing as the books go on. She's always sought out by people who think she can help them with some delicate quandary (why they think this, goodness only knows). She's sure they're telling the truth. Or she's sure they're lying. She's usually wrong either way. She has emotional hang-ups that she sort of deals with and then immediately backtracks on.
I have only myself to blame if I read more. And yet, on a bored day when I feel in the mood for some Alexander McCall Smith writing, there's a chance I will reach for another...
I have only myself to blame if I read more. And yet, on a bored day when I feel in the mood for some Alexander McCall Smith writing, there's a chance I will reach for another...
lynx_bookworm's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
The Comfort of Saturdays is the fifth book in the "Sunday Philosophy Club" series, which feature Isabel Dalhousie, philosopher and occasional amateur sleuth. I should say at the outset that I adore this series. Isabel is a very likeable character with lovely little observations about life and its everyday moral dilemmas. But having said that, this is the book that I have liked least in the series to date. It felt like Isabel spent too much time thinking and not enough doing, to the detriment of the book's momentum.
The story picks up a year after "The Careful Use of Compliments". Isabel and Jamie's son Charlie is now 15 months old. One thing that felt wrong to me as a mother was Isabel's relationship with Charlie, which seemed very functional. She spends so many hours fretting about Jamie - does Jamie love her? is he happy? is she at risk of losing him? how can someone so beautiful want to be with her? - while she seems far less interested in her own son.
The book opens well. Isabel is asked to investigate the circumstances behind a doctor's disgrace over a medical scandal. At the same time, Jamie has developed a friendship with a mysterious composer by the name of Nick Smart. However it felt like McCall Smith lost interest in both of these storylines, which get pushed to the back and never get fully resolved. Instead we spend a lot of time with Isabel and her insecurities. For the first time we see sides of Isabel which are not very appealing: for example she harbours a grudge over a loan that she has made and is quick to pass judgement on Eddie's girlfriend based on the way she looks.
Despite all of this, McCall Smith is still a lovely writer. I always feel a little lighter in spirit after reading his books. The Edinburgh settings are captivating and Isabel has an original and refreshing take on life.
The story picks up a year after "The Careful Use of Compliments". Isabel and Jamie's son Charlie is now 15 months old. One thing that felt wrong to me as a mother was Isabel's relationship with Charlie, which seemed very functional. She spends so many hours fretting about Jamie - does Jamie love her? is he happy? is she at risk of losing him? how can someone so beautiful want to be with her? - while she seems far less interested in her own son.
The book opens well. Isabel is asked to investigate the circumstances behind a doctor's disgrace over a medical scandal. At the same time, Jamie has developed a friendship with a mysterious composer by the name of Nick Smart. However it felt like McCall Smith lost interest in both of these storylines, which get pushed to the back and never get fully resolved. Instead we spend a lot of time with Isabel and her insecurities. For the first time we see sides of Isabel which are not very appealing: for example she harbours a grudge over a loan that she has made and is quick to pass judgement on Eddie's girlfriend based on the way she looks.
Despite all of this, McCall Smith is still a lovely writer. I always feel a little lighter in spirit after reading his books. The Edinburgh settings are captivating and Isabel has an original and refreshing take on life.
nickeal1's review against another edition
4.0
A quick sunny garden read that annoyed and pleased me. I want to know about some of the periperal characters e.g. Nick Smart and why he influencing Isabels thoughts. I was annoyed that she felt unable to trust Jamie even after he continually proves himself
maxis's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
A modern version of Mrs. Marple. It is my favourite read on a lazy Sunday with a cup of tea :) I will be rereading this series and will do a full review at that time.
bookchew's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 My favorite in the series so far. Isabel is becoming less tedious and her emotionality is becoming more realistic with each novel. This one was less focused on a mystery and more focused on character development. Perhaps McCall Smith is finding his groove with these characters.
coops456's review against another edition
3.0
Isabel Dalhousie is asked to help a doctor who has been disgraced by allegations of scientific fraud concerning a newly marketed drug.
This series is gently thought-provoking, Isabel being a philosopher concerned with ethics rather than a detective solely in search of truth and/or justice. This instalment is more of the same. If you liked earlier ones then you'll probably like this one, although it was fairly slow even by the standards of the series.
My main criticisms are 1) that Isabel is written to seem much older than she actually is; and 2) that threads frequently dissolve into nothing - e.g. the character of Nick Smart - or are left drifting across multiple books - e.g. Eddie's sad past/current problems.
However I enjoy Smith's style more than enough to forgive any flaws.
This series is gently thought-provoking, Isabel being a philosopher concerned with ethics rather than a detective solely in search of truth and/or justice. This instalment is more of the same. If you liked earlier ones then you'll probably like this one, although it was fairly slow even by the standards of the series.
My main criticisms are 1) that Isabel is written to seem much older than she actually is; and 2) that threads frequently dissolve into nothing - e.g. the character of Nick Smart - or are left drifting across multiple books - e.g. Eddie's sad past/current problems.
However I enjoy Smith's style more than enough to forgive any flaws.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
Alexander McCall Smith is simply one of my favorite authors. I love everything he has written and he can really crank out the books!
daveenabadyal's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.5
quaint, reflective and cosy in the most endearing way