Isabel Dalhousie Is Back – The Sweet Remnants of Summer by Alexander McCall Smith

What a perfect book to wrap up my reading challenge for 2023!

The Isabel Dalhousie books by the amazingly prolific Alexander McCall Smith are my favorite among his many successful series. Set in contemporary Edinburgh, they chronicle the life of Isabel, a philosopher, her somewhat younger husband Jamie, a classical musician, their two little boys, and their housekeeper, Grace.

Isabel is a philosopher who edits and publishes a magazine devoted to ethics, and is a person who others come to for help with their personal problems and dilemmas. The series, and in particular this volume, explores how she (and we) cope with the challenges of modern life and its conflicts.

Isabel leads a very comfortable and appealing life, but though she is well off financially, has a loving and handsome spouse, and healthy children, she takes nothing for granted. She knows well that she leads something of a charmed life, and is aware of the good fortune that allows her to pursue her career, which is certainly not one that exposes her to what most of the rest of the working world experiences.

I am always just a little amazed how well McCall Smith writes from the woman's point of view. He seems so adept at understanding how women balance their personal, professional and inner lives.

He also presents the moral and ethical problems Isobel is called on to solve with a light, yet insightful and profound touch. It is impossible not to enjoy these books or come away with the positive feeling that all could somehow be right with the world if we would only make the effort.

Idyllic Edinburgh: The Quiet Side of Passion by Alexander McCall Smith (Isabel Dalhousie Number 12)

What better escape from the daily grind is there than to virtually accompany philosopher Isabel Dalhousie on her rounds through Edinburgh, as she solves problems large and small, conquers moral dilemmas and generally puts everyone's lives to rights. 

Actually I don't just want to accompany Isabel, I want to be her. She's admired, respected and loved by nearly everyone, with the possible exception of the annoying Dr. Lettuce (one of McCall Smith's perfectly-named characters), and she lives in a large and lovely inherited home with her charming, handsome and considerably younger husband, a professional musician, and her two young boys. She edits a journal of philosophy, occasionally helps out in her niece's gourmet delicatessen, and attends a lot of concerts and plays. She also continues to cultivate Brother Fox, who lives in the woods behind her home, with the occasional roast chicken. It's a very good life and she's a good person.

I just finished this latest installment a few evenings ago and closed the book with contentment. All was made right in Isabel's world, and thus, for a little while, I shared in her good fortune. It definitely made me sleep better, and that is worth 5 stars anytime.

Go Stewart! A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith (44 Scotland Street, #12)

How does he do it? How does an author of so many books, in multiple series, continue to produce works of such quality? How does he manage to combine such a mix of superb character studies, timely attention to topics of current interest, imagery, gentle humor, wit and so much more in these volumes?

A Time of Love and Tartan was one of his best, I think. The doubts and concerns of the main characters were dealt with and resolved, and that negativity put right where it belongs... with those that bring it. The positive developments were celebrated and form a basis for future episodes of the inhabitants of 44 Scotland Street, and their friends and associates.

As always, the wonderful voice characterizations of Robert Ian MacKenzie bring added delight to listeners. His supercilious tones for Irene, deep Scottish burr for Angus, and the tones of seven-year-old Bertie are impeccable. Perfection to the ears!

If you are an optimist, this book will reaffirm it. If you are a pessimist, on the other hand, it may cure you.

Another lovely Edinburgh visit – The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds (Isabel Dalhousie, #9) by Alexander McCall Smith

I love Isabel Dalhousie – one of my favorite characters, and certainly one of Alexander McCall Smith's best creations. In fact, I'd like to be Isabel Dalhousie. She's able to work as the owner and editor of a journal that deals with ethical issues, since she is comfortably well-off while not living ostentatiously (though she has a lovely home with a back garden that is occasionally visited by a wayward fox), has a charming younger husband who is not only handsome, but also a classical musician and a fine cook, an adorable young child and a devoted housekeeper. Quite the good life.

This latest adventure of the philosopher has her drawn into solving an art theft – a valuable painting slated for the Scottish National Gallery has gone missing from an estate, and the owner asks for her help, since he's heard about her unique ability to solve all sorts of mysteries and problems...

Meanwhile, we the readers enjoy the beauty of Edinburgh, savor a cappuccino at Isabel's niece Kat's "delicatessen", which is what we would consider a cross between a gourmet shop and a café, and learn a bit about Scottish art. 

It's a pleasant time all around, and as always, McCall Smith uses his incredible knowledge of human nature and his gently ironic prose to entertain and inform us.