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The Winds from Further West: A Novel
From the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a dazzling and uplifting novel of new beginnings and endless possibilities, in which a slew of personal and professional disasters cause a young researcher to upend his seemingly stable life in Edinburgh and move to a remote island off the Scottish coast.
Dr. Neil Anderson has just started a new position at the University of Edinburgh when he meets Chrissie, an intelligent and ambitious colleague at the institute. Before long, the two move into a gorgeous flat on the south side of the city. Things seem to be going well for Neil, until an accusation of insensitive comments lands him in hot water with the university and he discovers a troubling secret about his relationship. Suddenly feeling as though his life is unraveling, he leaves everything behind for the remote and secluded beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.
Not long after his arrival, a ship comes in to the harbor whose cargo—two wolf cubs—will drastically change the course of his life yet again. These cubs spark controversy on the island, leading Neil to Katie, the island’s resident veterinarian, and bring with them the possibility of new beginnings and a budding romance.
Dr. Neil Anderson has just started a new position at the University of Edinburgh when he meets Chrissie, an intelligent and ambitious colleague at the institute. Before long, the two move into a gorgeous flat on the south side of the city. Things seem to be going well for Neil, until an accusation of insensitive comments lands him in hot water with the university and he discovers a troubling secret about his relationship. Suddenly feeling as though his life is unraveling, he leaves everything behind for the remote and secluded beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.
Not long after his arrival, a ship comes in to the harbor whose cargo—two wolf cubs—will drastically change the course of his life yet again. These cubs spark controversy on the island, leading Neil to Katie, the island’s resident veterinarian, and bring with them the possibility of new beginnings and a budding romance.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
272 people are currently reading
1217 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
673 books12.7k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
January 8, 2025
My favorite author. I could read this man's books all day and did in fact read this one in a day.
In this standalone we meet Dr Neil Anderson who is lucky enough to get himself a really good position at the University of Edinburgh, plus he meets Kirsty and soon moves in with her. Life is good until a small incident at one of his lectures blows up into a huge problem and Neil feels obliged to leave his job and Kirsty and retreat to the Isle of Mull.
This author is renowned for his philosophical discussions about everything and here we learn a lot about revenge - is it really best served cold, or even not at all. The initial cause of the problem also allows him to vent a little on current cultural attitudes. All very interesting and entertaining.
Great characters, an interesting story and a lesson in how to live one's life well, all written in McCall Smith's intelligent manner. I loved it.
In this standalone we meet Dr Neil Anderson who is lucky enough to get himself a really good position at the University of Edinburgh, plus he meets Kirsty and soon moves in with her. Life is good until a small incident at one of his lectures blows up into a huge problem and Neil feels obliged to leave his job and Kirsty and retreat to the Isle of Mull.
This author is renowned for his philosophical discussions about everything and here we learn a lot about revenge - is it really best served cold, or even not at all. The initial cause of the problem also allows him to vent a little on current cultural attitudes. All very interesting and entertaining.
Great characters, an interesting story and a lesson in how to live one's life well, all written in McCall Smith's intelligent manner. I loved it.
November 30, 2024
EXCERPT: 'What are you going to do with all that money?'
'Nothing at the moment. When my postdoc runs out, I suppose I'll live on it - until I get something else. It removes the urgency from my life.'
'You're very lucky.' He paused. 'But you still want to work?'
She gave him a sideways look. 'Of course I do.'
He sensed that he was being reproached. 'I was just wondering how ambitious you were.'
Chrissie frowned. 'I'm as ambitious as . . . anybody else.'
He pointed out that in academic circles that could amount to ruthlessness. 'They'd murder for a chair,' he said. 'An American poet. It was one of those lines that stuck, for some reason.'
She looked at him with interest. 'I didn't know you liked poetry.'
'I do. Some of it lodges in the mind, and comes back at odd times. People say that the thing about poetry is its power to haunt.'
She looked thoughtful. 'I'm just a simple scientist. Perhaps you're too clever for me.'
He denied that he was clever. 'I'm nothing special. An ordinary doctor.'
'You shouldn't be too modest,' she said. 'You have a post in a prestigious institute. There are plenty of people who would like to be where you are.'
'As Robert Lowell pointed out . . .' He paused. 'But you wouldn't do anything to get where you want to get, would you?'
She smiled. 'I wouldn't murder for a chair, if that's what you're asking.'
ABOUT 'THE WINDS FROM FURTHER WEST': Almost everything starts in a small way. Often it is a very small and apparently insignificant event that ends up moulding the whole shape of our lives.
And so it was for Dr Neil Anderson who had barely been in his new post at the University of Edinburgh for three months when he meets Chrissie. After no time at all, they move in together to a beautiful Georgian flat in the south side of the city and start their life together. Everything seems to be working out well for Neil. But after a throw-away comment lands him in a difficult situation, his principles are put to the test. He ultimately has no choice but to rethink his career and his life. He leaves his job, Chrissie, and Edinburgh far behind for the seclusion and remote beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.
No sooner has he started to piece the bits of his shattered life together when a ship comes into Tobermory harbour whose cargo – two wolf cubs – changes the course of his life yet again. These cubs divide opinion on the island and introduce Neil to Katie, a vet on the island, and soon love once again blossoms.
MY THOUGHTS: There is something warm and comforting about an Alexander McCall Smith novel.
I love the quiet assurance of McCall Smith's writing. He writes about the randomness of life, moral dilemmas, reliability, conflict and confrontation.
In Neil's case, he was early for a haircut, picked up a magazine to read while he was waiting, spied an advert for a job that interested him, applied, was appointed and this led to his meeting a woman he was attracted to and who was attracted to him. Had he been on time for his appointment . . . well, who knows.
The Winds from Further West is, as always, beautifully written. When I start a book by this author, I am never quite sure where I am going to end up nor what challenge to my thought processes he is going to pose. In this case he had me thinking about conflict, confrontation and revenge. There are opposing thoughts on revenge: some say it is a dish best served cold; others that before you embark on a journey of revenge, you should dig two graves. Personally, I prefer Marcus Aurelius' advice - the best revenge is to not be like your enemy.
When Neil's life starts to fall to pieces, instead of jumping up and down and making a huge fuss, he quietly takes himself off to contemplate his future and discovers that, in the randomness of events, there are other ways to live; ways that may be more suited to his personality; ways that make him happy.
James, Neil's friend who is all out for revenge and retribution, was like fingernails on a blackboard. It was a great contrast, and like all the characters in this novel, he could have stepped off the page and into the room.
This is the first standalone by McCall Smith that I have read. It's rather wonderful. So, in addition to his much-loved Isabel Dalhousie series, I will be picking up more stand-alone titles by this author.
I listened to the audiobook of Winds from Further West written by Alexander McCall Smith and superbly narrated by James Rottger.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWindsfromFurtherWest #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Alexander McCall Smith is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland.
DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Bolinda Audio for providing an audio ARC of The Winds from Further West by Alexander McCall Smith for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Nothing at the moment. When my postdoc runs out, I suppose I'll live on it - until I get something else. It removes the urgency from my life.'
'You're very lucky.' He paused. 'But you still want to work?'
She gave him a sideways look. 'Of course I do.'
He sensed that he was being reproached. 'I was just wondering how ambitious you were.'
Chrissie frowned. 'I'm as ambitious as . . . anybody else.'
He pointed out that in academic circles that could amount to ruthlessness. 'They'd murder for a chair,' he said. 'An American poet. It was one of those lines that stuck, for some reason.'
She looked at him with interest. 'I didn't know you liked poetry.'
'I do. Some of it lodges in the mind, and comes back at odd times. People say that the thing about poetry is its power to haunt.'
She looked thoughtful. 'I'm just a simple scientist. Perhaps you're too clever for me.'
He denied that he was clever. 'I'm nothing special. An ordinary doctor.'
'You shouldn't be too modest,' she said. 'You have a post in a prestigious institute. There are plenty of people who would like to be where you are.'
'As Robert Lowell pointed out . . .' He paused. 'But you wouldn't do anything to get where you want to get, would you?'
She smiled. 'I wouldn't murder for a chair, if that's what you're asking.'
ABOUT 'THE WINDS FROM FURTHER WEST': Almost everything starts in a small way. Often it is a very small and apparently insignificant event that ends up moulding the whole shape of our lives.
And so it was for Dr Neil Anderson who had barely been in his new post at the University of Edinburgh for three months when he meets Chrissie. After no time at all, they move in together to a beautiful Georgian flat in the south side of the city and start their life together. Everything seems to be working out well for Neil. But after a throw-away comment lands him in a difficult situation, his principles are put to the test. He ultimately has no choice but to rethink his career and his life. He leaves his job, Chrissie, and Edinburgh far behind for the seclusion and remote beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.
No sooner has he started to piece the bits of his shattered life together when a ship comes into Tobermory harbour whose cargo – two wolf cubs – changes the course of his life yet again. These cubs divide opinion on the island and introduce Neil to Katie, a vet on the island, and soon love once again blossoms.
MY THOUGHTS: There is something warm and comforting about an Alexander McCall Smith novel.
I love the quiet assurance of McCall Smith's writing. He writes about the randomness of life, moral dilemmas, reliability, conflict and confrontation.
In Neil's case, he was early for a haircut, picked up a magazine to read while he was waiting, spied an advert for a job that interested him, applied, was appointed and this led to his meeting a woman he was attracted to and who was attracted to him. Had he been on time for his appointment . . . well, who knows.
The Winds from Further West is, as always, beautifully written. When I start a book by this author, I am never quite sure where I am going to end up nor what challenge to my thought processes he is going to pose. In this case he had me thinking about conflict, confrontation and revenge. There are opposing thoughts on revenge: some say it is a dish best served cold; others that before you embark on a journey of revenge, you should dig two graves. Personally, I prefer Marcus Aurelius' advice - the best revenge is to not be like your enemy.
When Neil's life starts to fall to pieces, instead of jumping up and down and making a huge fuss, he quietly takes himself off to contemplate his future and discovers that, in the randomness of events, there are other ways to live; ways that may be more suited to his personality; ways that make him happy.
James, Neil's friend who is all out for revenge and retribution, was like fingernails on a blackboard. It was a great contrast, and like all the characters in this novel, he could have stepped off the page and into the room.
This is the first standalone by McCall Smith that I have read. It's rather wonderful. So, in addition to his much-loved Isabel Dalhousie series, I will be picking up more stand-alone titles by this author.
I listened to the audiobook of Winds from Further West written by Alexander McCall Smith and superbly narrated by James Rottger.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWindsfromFurtherWest #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Alexander McCall Smith is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland.
DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Bolinda Audio for providing an audio ARC of The Winds from Further West by Alexander McCall Smith for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 13, 2025
3.5 stars
Author Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is probably best known for his 'Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series, but he's a prolific author who also pens other series and standalone books. Smith is also a respected expert on medical law and bioethics, and his characters often engage in philosophical discussions and face ethical dilemmas.
In this book, a public health doctor/university lecturer crosses swords with the ambitious director of an Edinburgh research institute.
*****
As the book opens, public health specialist Dr. Neil Anderson is doing well. Thirty-five-year-old Anderson is a lecturer at a research institute in Edinburgh.....
......and is living with his girlfriend Chrissie Thomson - a junior microbiologist at the facility.
During Anderson's class called 'Control of Communicable Disease in Urban Conditions', Neil speaks about the insanitary lifestyle of some destitute people. Neil goes on to talk about being called to a flat in Glasgow, and says, "I saw dirty plates piled sky high around a sink that hadn't been cleaned since goodness knows when. I remember the cockroaches scuttling away when I went in. It was disgusting."
Nineteen-year-old student Tom Barnes, a troublemaker with a chip on his shoulder, sees an opportunity to make a ruckus.
So Tom goes to the new institute director, Henrietta Fold, and reports that Dr. Anderson said people living in difficult conditions were disgusting....and he (Tom) was upset by that remark.
Coincidentally, Henrietta is an ambitious bully who's determined to put her stamp on the school. So Henrietta tells Tom to make an official complaint.
Henrietta then calls in Dr. Neil Anderson, and after a brief discussion, tells him, "I think you should issue an apology for using words that inadvertently - and I stress, inadvertently - caused distress."
Anderson insists he said the CONDITIONS were disgusting, not the PEOPLE, and he refuses to atone. Henrietta means to get her way, and the situation escalates to the point where Henrietta says she has to take the matter to the administration, and Anderson is suspended.
To make things worse, Neil learns his girlfriend Chrissie has been cheating on him. So Neil moves out and goes to stay with his friend James for a few days. When Neil tells James he's resigning from his job and going to the Highlands to 'get away from it all', James offers up a small farmhouse he inherited from his grandfather, located on the island of Mull.
Neil goes to Mull and becomes friendly with some of the local people, like Stuart and Maddy, who live right down the road. In Mull, most people have small farms and do other jobs as well. So Stuart raises oysters and takes people out on boats to fish and dive, and Maddy keeps goats and designs websites.
Maddy also loves poetry and philosophical discussions, and she and Neil talk about poems, relationships, animosity, grudges, amends, forgiveness, remembering, forgetting, and so on.
Maddy and Stuart want to help Neil, so they arrange for him to meet the local veterinarian Jill, a lovely woman who's called the local Circe (enchantress), because men tend to fall in love with her.
The mellow lifestyle on Mull starts to heal Neil's wounds, and he'd like to put the trouble in Edinburgh behind him. But Neil's friend James comes for a visit, and James shares disparaging news about Henrietta and Chrissie. Moreover, James has learned VERY DAMAGING information about Henrietta.
There's PROOF Henrietta committed financial malfeasance at the research institute, and got money she wasn't entitled to. James wants Neil to report Henrietta, get her dismissed, and get REVENGE. But should Neil get do this? The moral dilemma in this story concerns whether Neil should take steps to 'get back' at Henrietta or not. I think some people would agree with Neil's actions and some would not.
Much of the book's charm centers on Neil's respite in Mull, where he rests, goes fishing, dines with neighbors, makes friends, goes to a Cèilidh (dance), and heals from his traumas.
Mull Island
Cèilidh
I always enjoy Alexander McCall Smith's books, which provide food for thought. I'd recommend the book to fans of literary fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley, Alexander McCall Smith, and Pantheon for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
May 26, 2025
Coincidentally, I was given access to this book as I found my cruise ship rerouted from stormy Ireland to the Scottish Isle of Mull. I’d traveled here once before so knew it was a beautiful and mostly quiet place. This time, like the hero of this story, who also works in healthcare, I’m also “escaping” some professional disappointments and like him, I also work in academia. So, I found this book such a wonderful solace and a bit of a humorous commiseration and a serendipitous gift too.
I’m a longtime fan of AMS, who always seems to find a way to remind us of the value of friendship, poetry and human kindness. This book is not part of a series, and it was lovely to step into a “standalone” world of Smith’s - he never seems to run out of comforting stories that soothe the soul.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my review.
I’m a longtime fan of AMS, who always seems to find a way to remind us of the value of friendship, poetry and human kindness. This book is not part of a series, and it was lovely to step into a “standalone” world of Smith’s - he never seems to run out of comforting stories that soothe the soul.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my review.
August 10, 2024
It actually helped me to change my thinking
It’s a good read as to be expected from my favourite author and yet again it challenged my thinking re revenge, getting even, respond with hatred to hatred and malice with malice. There’s a better way and quietly it can be accepted. It doesn’t make you a gullible fool to be a better more loving person than your enemy. You don’t have to let them get away with injustice but you don’t have to go all the way for revenge and you can go about it without hot headed bother. Good things that come your way after being wronged are reward enough. Fixing injustice doesn’t have to consume all your time and energy and peace of mind.
It’s a good read as to be expected from my favourite author and yet again it challenged my thinking re revenge, getting even, respond with hatred to hatred and malice with malice. There’s a better way and quietly it can be accepted. It doesn’t make you a gullible fool to be a better more loving person than your enemy. You don’t have to let them get away with injustice but you don’t have to go all the way for revenge and you can go about it without hot headed bother. Good things that come your way after being wronged are reward enough. Fixing injustice doesn’t have to consume all your time and energy and peace of mind.
July 29, 2025
Unexpected!
Strangely haunting, yet arresting tale of a honest, decent man Dr. Neil Anderson. Neil is a medical researcher and lecturer in Public Health at Edinburgh University.
Neil’s reported by a student for using improper language about people who live in a downtrodden area. He didn’t. The student is a would be activist. Neil’s ambitious head of department decides that Neil must apologise to the class. She can make political mileage out of this!
Neil refuses and resigns. At the same time he finds out his partner Chrissie Thomson is having an affair. Neil comes home early and walks in on Chrissie and her lover.
Neil heads off to the Isle of Mull, off the West Coast of Scotland, to think things through. He stays in a house belonging to his gay friend James.
Neil finds himself becoming more involved with his neighbors in this very different community on the Isle.
An interesting fellow James who has strong ideas on injustices and retribution.
James is further annoyed on the part of Neil when Neil finds out that Chrissie has been employed by his ex boss to carry on with Neil’s research and lectures. Hmmm!
A winsome treatise on thoughts, actions, life and choices run through this rather fascinating tale from McCall Smith.
A Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Strangely haunting, yet arresting tale of a honest, decent man Dr. Neil Anderson. Neil is a medical researcher and lecturer in Public Health at Edinburgh University.
Neil’s reported by a student for using improper language about people who live in a downtrodden area. He didn’t. The student is a would be activist. Neil’s ambitious head of department decides that Neil must apologise to the class. She can make political mileage out of this!
Neil refuses and resigns. At the same time he finds out his partner Chrissie Thomson is having an affair. Neil comes home early and walks in on Chrissie and her lover.
Neil heads off to the Isle of Mull, off the West Coast of Scotland, to think things through. He stays in a house belonging to his gay friend James.
Neil finds himself becoming more involved with his neighbors in this very different community on the Isle.
An interesting fellow James who has strong ideas on injustices and retribution.
James is further annoyed on the part of Neil when Neil finds out that Chrissie has been employed by his ex boss to carry on with Neil’s research and lectures. Hmmm!
A winsome treatise on thoughts, actions, life and choices run through this rather fascinating tale from McCall Smith.
A Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 30, 2025
Alexander McCall Smith can always be counted on to deliver a smooth, comforting story alongside his philosophical musings. The story is a simple one but Smith gives you several scenarios where you ponder over life and humanity. Loved the setting which was the Isle of Mull off the coast of Scotland.
August 6, 2025
I have read and loved almost all of his books, but this one is beyond boring. Very disappointing.
February 14, 2025
The Winds From Further West is a stand-alone novel by award-winning, best-selling British author, Alexander McCall Smith. The audio version is narrated by James Rottger. Just a few months after he takes a medical research position in Edinburgh, Dr Neil Anderson is living with a microbiologist at the same institution, Chrissie Thomson, and life seems pretty good.
Then an anti-establishment student with a bee in his bonnet makes a complaint about a remark made in a lecture. Nineteen-year-old Tom Barnes wilfully misconstrues a comment James makes as offensive, and the recently-appointed director of his department supports the student over her staff member, exhibiting a jaw-dropping lack of impartiality. When Henrietta Fold suggests he make a public apology, Neil refuses: he’s not going to apologise for something he didn’t do.
Chrissie, at first expressing sympathy for a woman trying to breach the glass ceiling, eventually urges Neil to stand his ground, but that leads to his suspension. Then, a shocking betrayal sees him losing the energy to fight, and he resigns. His good, kind and generous friend, James makes him welcome, first in his spare room, then, in his small farmhouse on Mull, a refuge from the conflict and toxicity.
On Mull, he finds the pace and the people much more to his liking: peace and quiet, the absence of pressure, but still, intelligent discussions on poetry and literature. Freedom of speech, interbreeding of wild and domestic animals, expenses claims: all topics that get aired between neighbours and friends.
Some of the discussion is sober and serious: “Historical hatreds are like Japanese knotweed – the roots go deep, spread out in every direction, and are difficult to eradicate. The only way of dealing with them is to allow forgetfulness to do its work” and “The trouble with conspiracies is that nobody wants to be thought paranoid, and so conspirators get away with it” are examples.
McCall Smith gives his militant student a nicely flawed defence of plagiarism: “Words can’t be the property of just one person. Words belong to language - and language belongs to us all.” And Henrietta’s discussion of what education should be: “We are not here to educate young people. We are here to share. We are here to participate in the process of discovery that the students themselves will initiate ad control” is reminiscent of parts of Lionel Shriver’s brilliant novel, Mania.
He gives his characters wise words and insightful observations that are not without humour: “Imagine being the Pope. Imagine realising you’ve got something wrong. You couldn’t correct yourself without undermining your infallibility. It could be awkward” and “One had to become indifferent to the things you could not do anything about, unless you were prepared to let them hurt you indefinitely.” Thought-provoking, heart-warming and hopeful: McCall-Smith never misses.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Bolinda Audio.
Then an anti-establishment student with a bee in his bonnet makes a complaint about a remark made in a lecture. Nineteen-year-old Tom Barnes wilfully misconstrues a comment James makes as offensive, and the recently-appointed director of his department supports the student over her staff member, exhibiting a jaw-dropping lack of impartiality. When Henrietta Fold suggests he make a public apology, Neil refuses: he’s not going to apologise for something he didn’t do.
Chrissie, at first expressing sympathy for a woman trying to breach the glass ceiling, eventually urges Neil to stand his ground, but that leads to his suspension. Then, a shocking betrayal sees him losing the energy to fight, and he resigns. His good, kind and generous friend, James makes him welcome, first in his spare room, then, in his small farmhouse on Mull, a refuge from the conflict and toxicity.
On Mull, he finds the pace and the people much more to his liking: peace and quiet, the absence of pressure, but still, intelligent discussions on poetry and literature. Freedom of speech, interbreeding of wild and domestic animals, expenses claims: all topics that get aired between neighbours and friends.
Some of the discussion is sober and serious: “Historical hatreds are like Japanese knotweed – the roots go deep, spread out in every direction, and are difficult to eradicate. The only way of dealing with them is to allow forgetfulness to do its work” and “The trouble with conspiracies is that nobody wants to be thought paranoid, and so conspirators get away with it” are examples.
McCall Smith gives his militant student a nicely flawed defence of plagiarism: “Words can’t be the property of just one person. Words belong to language - and language belongs to us all.” And Henrietta’s discussion of what education should be: “We are not here to educate young people. We are here to share. We are here to participate in the process of discovery that the students themselves will initiate ad control” is reminiscent of parts of Lionel Shriver’s brilliant novel, Mania.
He gives his characters wise words and insightful observations that are not without humour: “Imagine being the Pope. Imagine realising you’ve got something wrong. You couldn’t correct yourself without undermining your infallibility. It could be awkward” and “One had to become indifferent to the things you could not do anything about, unless you were prepared to let them hurt you indefinitely.” Thought-provoking, heart-warming and hopeful: McCall-Smith never misses.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Bolinda Audio.
October 9, 2024
I did not really enjoy "The Winds from Further West" because of its predictable story and simplistic characters and simplistic depiction of Scotland. Our protagonist works for the University of Edinburgh and quits because of false student accusations and an evil Irish woman wanting him gone. His then girlfriend is also complicit. So our dude flees to the Isle of Mull where he finds wolf cubs (??? none of this made any sense) and true love. Yeah, wow. I disliked all characters in this book and didn't find the Scottish bits particularly convincing either. Meh. 2.5 stars
October 29, 2025
A stand alone novel by favorite author but this one far short of Isabel Dalhousie or Scotland Street novels. Characters underdeveloped, just a rather dull story but still has flashes of charm and all the usual philosophizing of McCall Smith. 2.5
September 9, 2025
This is definitely the book of two halves - or should I see thirds.
I was mesmerized by the first third of the book where it delved into the political ambitions of faculty and unfortunately the evil shenanigans of students. Rather than fight a rather flimsy student accusation, our protagonist - Dr Neil Anderson resigns and flees to the Highlands where we get a full on tourist guide of the Isle of Mull.
The author attempts to bring it all together, but it fails because he suddenly introduces (the young female faculty gold-digger trope.
It felt as if the book didn't know what it wanted to be when it grew up.
I was mesmerized by the first third of the book where it delved into the political ambitions of faculty and unfortunately the evil shenanigans of students. Rather than fight a rather flimsy student accusation, our protagonist - Dr Neil Anderson resigns and flees to the Highlands where we get a full on tourist guide of the Isle of Mull.
The author attempts to bring it all together, but it fails because he suddenly introduces (the young female faculty gold-digger trope.
It felt as if the book didn't know what it wanted to be when it grew up.
August 23, 2025
Felt as if he had social commentary to make—which I happen to agree with—but then he had to concoct a plot to make his point, with one-dimensional characters and wordy, tangential conversations. Also, there were a couple of things the editors missed. Like—during a conversation between Stuart and Neil, for a sentence or two the speaker “Stuart” becomes “James,” another character in the book (page 125).
June 11, 2025
Very thoughtful, slow paced and philosophical.
I learned 3 new words (which is very rare for me!)
teleological - relating to or involving the explanation of phenomena in terms of the purpose they serve rather than of the cause by which they arise
Bruxism - excessive teeth grinding
Guddle - to fish by hand (bears guddle salmon)
I learned 3 new words (which is very rare for me!)
teleological - relating to or involving the explanation of phenomena in terms of the purpose they serve rather than of the cause by which they arise
Bruxism - excessive teeth grinding
Guddle - to fish by hand (bears guddle salmon)
January 27, 2025
This was quite a slow, meandering book where not much actually happens. The plot line with the wolf dogs and the veterinarian felt fairly arbitrary.
Lots of talking and pondering. It was an easy read but not one I’m likely to remember. I think it would work better as a play, or a short story.
Lots of talking and pondering. It was an easy read but not one I’m likely to remember. I think it would work better as a play, or a short story.
August 14, 2025
Everything he writes is readable, but this is the weakest effort I’ve read from him in some time. Characters are annoying, the story is moralizing and over-didactic. When he’s writing at his best, his books are whimsical and joyful. This had none of that. 2.5 stars.
August 3, 2025
2.5 stars
I appreciate the message of the book, but it lacks subtlety. I skimmed the last 50 pages.
I appreciate the message of the book, but it lacks subtlety. I skimmed the last 50 pages.
December 12, 2025
This author continues to amaze me with his canny ability to write so beautifully in different ways.
His No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, I wait every year for the fall offering of Mma Ramotswe's latest, for which I set aside time specifically to read. His other series haven't caught me at all. . .they read differently for me and I'm just not as engaged. I've had better luck with his standalones, which is why I picked this one up - that was the promise - that it was a standalone.
Neil Anderson's problems with who he spends time with (people he works with) results in some reverses that takes the entire book trying to get his head and heart wrapped around. It felt a little sleepy, but it was interesting enough to keep me in. I liked and approved of his final conclusions.
*A Sincere thank you to Alexander McCall Smith, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Pantheon, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheWindsfromFurtherWest #NetGalley 25|52:34e
His No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, I wait every year for the fall offering of Mma Ramotswe's latest, for which I set aside time specifically to read. His other series haven't caught me at all. . .they read differently for me and I'm just not as engaged. I've had better luck with his standalones, which is why I picked this one up - that was the promise - that it was a standalone.
Neil Anderson's problems with who he spends time with (people he works with) results in some reverses that takes the entire book trying to get his head and heart wrapped around. It felt a little sleepy, but it was interesting enough to keep me in. I liked and approved of his final conclusions.
*A Sincere thank you to Alexander McCall Smith, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Pantheon, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheWindsfromFurtherWest #NetGalley 25|52:34e
November 1, 2024
Happy publication day 🥳🎉
2.5 🌟 rounded up.
This title got off to a brilliant start for me, it does one of my favourite things in that it’s a little voice in your head amongst a massive furore asking you what you think. I love being made to question my values by an author.
From part 2 onwards the story became a little bit disjointed for my liking, the mc moves to a remote island meets some people, ponders revenge, and really that seems to be it. The novel is very conversation heavy, which is no bad thing, I’d have loved to love it a little bit more.
The narration was really nice, although I did experience some minor sound issues.
My thanks to Bolinda audio and NetGalley for this ALC 🎧
2.5 🌟 rounded up.
This title got off to a brilliant start for me, it does one of my favourite things in that it’s a little voice in your head amongst a massive furore asking you what you think. I love being made to question my values by an author.
From part 2 onwards the story became a little bit disjointed for my liking, the mc moves to a remote island meets some people, ponders revenge, and really that seems to be it. The novel is very conversation heavy, which is no bad thing, I’d have loved to love it a little bit more.
The narration was really nice, although I did experience some minor sound issues.
My thanks to Bolinda audio and NetGalley for this ALC 🎧
January 18, 2025
I am a great fan of AMC's Number One Ladies' Detective Agency series, but hadn't read any of his other books, so wasn't sure it it would appeal or not. It took me a while, but then I started to love the way he described the scenery, way of life and people of Mull, and by half-way through I was hooked! Need to visit Mull one day now.....
August 31, 2025
OK Boomer
January 9, 2026
3.5 stars round up. In McCall Smith’s novels, there is often a mind-mannered, kind-hearted man or woman, who is at the receiving end of injustice or ill treatment. The Winds From Further West is no exception. It’s interesting to see that one of my favorite authors writes a novel about cancel culture. It’s true that it’s one small aspect of the cancel culture: a college student calls out a teacher, and also true that in this novel, the nature of the accusation is false, and the issue is class, less contentious than race, sex or gender. I like that the focus is not the student/teacher dynamics (McCall Smith rather gives the young, angry student a pass), but the power play from above. The villain is a woman who loves and abuses power.
The ending is warm and fulfilling. The author’s signature quiet, philosophical musing and accurate observation of human behaviors is present throughout the book.
I have more to say. For example, why write about the cancel culture in the first place? Why is the villain an Irish, the second Irish villain in his novels? And why does he let Christie excuse Henrietta for her gender? The first book I read in 2026 deserves a longer review, but I am running out of time.
The ending is warm and fulfilling. The author’s signature quiet, philosophical musing and accurate observation of human behaviors is present throughout the book.
I have more to say. For example, why write about the cancel culture in the first place? Why is the villain an Irish, the second Irish villain in his novels? And why does he let Christie excuse Henrietta for her gender? The first book I read in 2026 deserves a longer review, but I am running out of time.
Read
January 11, 2026I wanted an escape into fiction, but Smith hit me with real life, and reflection on human behavior. The characters have deep conversations — maybe a little hard to believe—but to be honest, I would love to be part of them.
“…people don’t want to forget,” she interjected. “They keep reminding themselves of the past. They prefer the comfort of hatred. Liking other people —loving them—is hard, because people are not always lovable. And, if you talk down to others, you get a momentary boost yourself”.
“…people don’t want to forget,” she interjected. “They keep reminding themselves of the past. They prefer the comfort of hatred. Liking other people —loving them—is hard, because people are not always lovable. And, if you talk down to others, you get a momentary boost yourself”.
February 14, 2025
The Winds From Further West is a stand-alone novel by award-winning, best-selling British author, Alexander McCall Smith. Just a few months after he takes a medical research position in Edinburgh, Dr Neil Anderson is living with a microbiologist at the same institution, Chrissie Thomson, and life seems pretty good.
Then an anti-establishment student with a bee in his bonnet makes a complaint about a remark made in a lecture. Nineteen-year-old Tom Barnes wilfully misconstrues a comment James makes as offensive, and the recently-appointed director of his department supports the student over her staff member, exhibiting a jaw-dropping lack of impartiality. When Henrietta Fold suggests he make a public apology, Neil refuses: he’s not going to apologise for something he didn’t do.
Chrissie, at first expressing sympathy for a woman trying to breach the glass ceiling, eventually urges Neil to stand his ground, but that leads to his suspension. Then, a shocking betrayal sees him losing the energy to fight, and he resigns. His good, kind and generous friend, James makes him welcome, first in his spare room, then, in his small farmhouse on Mull, a refuge from the conflict and toxicity.
On Mull, he finds the pace and the people much more to his liking: peace and quiet, the absence of pressure, but still, intelligent discussions on poetry and literature. Freedom of speech, interbreeding of wild and domestic animals, expenses claims: all topics that get aired between neighbours and friends.
Some of the discussion is sober and serious: “Historical hatreds are like Japanese knotweed – the roots go deep, spread out in every direction, and are difficult to eradicate. The only way of dealing with them is to allow forgetfulness to do its work” and “The trouble with conspiracies is that nobody wants to be thought paranoid, and so conspirators get away with it” are examples.
McCall Smith gives his militant student a nicely flawed defence of plagiarism: “Words can’t be the property of just one person. Words belong to language - and language belongs to us all.” And Henrietta’s discussion of what education should be: “We are not here to educate young people. We are here to share. We are here to participate in the process of discovery that the students themselves will initiate ad control” is reminiscent of parts of Lionel Shriver’s brilliant novel, Mania.
He gives his characters wise words and insightful observations that are not without humour: “Imagine being the Pope. Imagine realising you’ve got something wrong. You couldn’t correct yourself without undermining your infallibility. It could be awkward” and “One had to become indifferent to the things you could not do anything about, unless you were prepared to let them hurt you indefinitely.” Thought-provoking, heart-warming and hopeful: McCall-Smith never misses.
Then an anti-establishment student with a bee in his bonnet makes a complaint about a remark made in a lecture. Nineteen-year-old Tom Barnes wilfully misconstrues a comment James makes as offensive, and the recently-appointed director of his department supports the student over her staff member, exhibiting a jaw-dropping lack of impartiality. When Henrietta Fold suggests he make a public apology, Neil refuses: he’s not going to apologise for something he didn’t do.
Chrissie, at first expressing sympathy for a woman trying to breach the glass ceiling, eventually urges Neil to stand his ground, but that leads to his suspension. Then, a shocking betrayal sees him losing the energy to fight, and he resigns. His good, kind and generous friend, James makes him welcome, first in his spare room, then, in his small farmhouse on Mull, a refuge from the conflict and toxicity.
On Mull, he finds the pace and the people much more to his liking: peace and quiet, the absence of pressure, but still, intelligent discussions on poetry and literature. Freedom of speech, interbreeding of wild and domestic animals, expenses claims: all topics that get aired between neighbours and friends.
Some of the discussion is sober and serious: “Historical hatreds are like Japanese knotweed – the roots go deep, spread out in every direction, and are difficult to eradicate. The only way of dealing with them is to allow forgetfulness to do its work” and “The trouble with conspiracies is that nobody wants to be thought paranoid, and so conspirators get away with it” are examples.
McCall Smith gives his militant student a nicely flawed defence of plagiarism: “Words can’t be the property of just one person. Words belong to language - and language belongs to us all.” And Henrietta’s discussion of what education should be: “We are not here to educate young people. We are here to share. We are here to participate in the process of discovery that the students themselves will initiate ad control” is reminiscent of parts of Lionel Shriver’s brilliant novel, Mania.
He gives his characters wise words and insightful observations that are not without humour: “Imagine being the Pope. Imagine realising you’ve got something wrong. You couldn’t correct yourself without undermining your infallibility. It could be awkward” and “One had to become indifferent to the things you could not do anything about, unless you were prepared to let them hurt you indefinitely.” Thought-provoking, heart-warming and hopeful: McCall-Smith never misses.
August 25, 2025
this book is so… political??? and let me be clear, it has absolutely no reason to be. the author goes on random tangents that are quite opinionated. in one breath, he condemns hunting (which agreed) …… but then he throws in wacky UK pitbull slander (which again, was NOT necessary AT ALL). he is ok with killing dogs but not wildlife. BUT WAIT… THEN he doesnt want to kill a dog BECAUSE its also a wolf. wolf hybrids are ok, pitbulls are not. right. wacky. AND THIS BOOK ISNT EVEN ABOUT ANIMALS! also this book is just boring. anyway, GTG cuddle with my pitbull goodnight
October 17, 2025
This is a stand alone novel, although I’d love if it became another series by this beloved author. The main character, a medical doctor and professor from Edinburgh, goes to stay at a friend’s house on the Isle of Mull to recover from the upsetting experience of being falsely accused of saying something offensive during a lecture to his students. Rather than apologizing as he is requested to do by the administration he resigns. In his time off he hopes to figure out what plans he should make going forward. The Isle of Mull is a wonderful setting for the novel. The pace of life there is slower and calmer. The conversations between the characters often include philosophical ideas which are very interesting, inspiring and very rooted in present day problems in our world. I highly recommend this as an engaging story and food for thought as well.
January 8, 2025
Written in McCall Smith's familiar style, well-written and well-plotted with believable characters and occasional philosophical asides musing on the vagaries of life and existence.Would have been better IMHO without the romantic element, but maybe that plays better with whatever his readership demographic is ...
January 15, 2026
This is the first book I've read from Mr. McCall Smith that wasn't part of a series, and I enjoyed it very much. His characters come alive as always and the situations are ones we can all relate to. He always writes with such thoughtfulness.
December 28, 2025
The plot of The Winds from Further West is a little thin and meandering, but I enjoyed the journey. I pretty much love any works set in Scotland or by Scottish authors so it worked for me.
January 3, 2026
The author’s writing style feels rather too familiar, with his characteristic meanderings of thought, though there is just enough plot to keep the novel interesting. The title and cover are a bit misleading, as it is about a doctor caught up in university politics and the injustice of an ethics dispute.
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