The Sweet Remnants of Summer: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (14)

Isabel Dalhousie #14

by Alexander McCall Smith

The latest Isabel Dalhousie novel finds our favorite moral philosopher is caught up in a delicate dispute between members of a prominent family as her husband, Jamie, is dragged into his own internecine rivalry.When Isabel is invited to serve on the advisory committee of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, her husband, Jamie, expresses concern about the demands on her time. Never one to duck an obligation, however, Isabel says she’d be happy to join. There she meets a woman named Laura, whose husband—a prominent wine merchant from an illustrious family—and son are at odds. Laura asks whether Isabel might arbitrate between them. Isabel is reluctant to intervene in a familial drama but, always one for practical and courteous solutions to theoretical problems, she feels obligated to help. Will the demands on her moral attention never cease?Meanwhile, having criticized Isabel for getting involved in the affairs of others, Jamie does precisely that himself. He’s helping to select a new cellist for his ensemble but suspects that the conductor’s attention may be focused on something other than his favored candidate’s cello skills. Jamie feels it’s important that the most qualified applicant gets the job—but how to determine whether the conductor has the right qualifications in mind?With so many complicated and fraught issues demanding their attention, Isabel and Jamie will have to tap deep into their reserves of tact and goodwill as they navigate the tricky and turbulent waters of these emotional matters.

Genres: Fiction, Scotland, Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary, Philosophy, Drama

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2022

About the author

Alexander 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.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our fourteenth visit to the world of Isabel Dalhousie and it was every bit as enjoyable as all the ones before. Quite a few years have passed since we first met, however Jamie and Isabel's marriage is as sweet as ever and their two boys are now at school and preschool. Grace, the housekeeper, continues to hold everything together as Isabel follows her busy lifestyle.

In The Sweet Remnants of SummerIsabel tries to help mend a broken family, Jamie gets mixed up in problems with the orchestra, Charlie is not the only one who bites someone, and Cat returns with yet another man and maybe more trouble for Isabel. Through it all Isabel keeps her calm through rational thought and many delightful conversations with Jamie.

Highlights for me were when Isabel eventually takes charge of the conversation with the rather overbearing teacher, and the opening chapter with Jamie in the shower. I do not remember the author ever producing one of his characters in a state of undress before but I am glad he started with Jamie.

This was another delightful, feel good book about Isabel Dalhousie and now I can start to look forward to my next visit with Mma Ramotswe which is coming up soon.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Alexander McCall Smith’s various series of books. I have enjoyed the Isabel Dalhousie series from book one. I enjoy her philosophic rambling thoughts while she solves problems not related to her random thoughts. AMS writes with settle humor and eloquent prose. I found reading this book on Sunday a perfect way to attempt to avoid the horrible heat wave.

I read this book as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Davina Porter is the perfect narrator for the Dalhousie series.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly,I like this series,but this one is really weak.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and pre-order each new book. This one rolled out very slowly, and didn't have the same momentum as past books. McCall Smith has formulas to his series and familiar characters who eventually appeared in this installment.

In this novel, Isabel's family takes a bigger role, including her housekeeper. And eventually it all comes together. This cover is my favorite in the series, and I hope there are many more.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabel, editor of a philosophy journal based in Edinburgh, has a reputation for helping others--her husband would prefer that she refuse some of these requests. Of course, she doesn't. Laura, an acquaintance, is upset because her husband and son have become estranged; she blames the son's roommate, and wants Isabel's help. Isabel reluctantly talks to the roommate, and learns that he is not the one at fault. She also meets her niece Cat's new beau, and faces a dilemma: Cat is flighty and irresponsible, and has neglected to tell her new man much. Isabel must decide if she should warn this kind gentleman, or keep her mouth shut. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Being married to Isabel had many positive features, but it also involved a form of moral self-scrutiny that could be challenging. But Jamie would not have it otherwise. She was the woman he adored, and if he was being influenced by her – which he was – then there was nobody else by whom he would rather be swayed.”

The Sweet Remnants Of Summer is the fourteenth book in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. Isabel Dalhousie, philosopher, wife and mother of two boys, often finds herself in discussion with Jamie over cooking and eating delicious-sounding meals. They might debate Tolstoy’s oft-quoted line about happy families, decide that pious people make us uncomfortable, declare that only the insecure are nasty, and wonder should the private life of an author/composer/poet/actor affect our reading & enjoyment of their work?

In this instalment of our favourite philosopher’s life: Cat, Isabel’s flighty niece, returns to Edinburgh without Leo and, via the business she plans to open with her new boyfriend, demonstrates just how morally casual she is. But might this not turn out quite how Isabel expects?

His teacher informs Isabel that Charlie has been biting at school, but it later turns out he’s not the only one doing the biting. A curly question from Charlie also alert Isabel and Jamie to the need to agree on the concept of God for their young sons’ upbringing.

As she does in every instalment, Isabel counts herself fortunate to be married to Jamie and, as he does in every instalment, Jamie begs Isabel to be careful in her unavoidable meddling. She concedes: “’Oh, I get it spectacularly wrong,’ she admitted. ‘Sometimes. In fact, rather often.’” Jamie describes to Isabel a situation involving a corrupt conductor showing favouritism towards his less talented lover, and confesses that, ironically, he feels the need to interfere.

Isabel is asked by the convener of a gallery advisory board that she has just joined if she will intervene in her family’s rift, but the situation related to her, (a politically intolerant son, his prejudiced [maybe] boyfriend, and an overbearing father), on later consideration and discussion with Jamie, could describe a number of possibilities, so some subtle probing is needed. Jamie reflects that “Family pathology was usually deep-seated and recalcitrant; a well-meaning outsider would be able to do little to shift it from its ancient moorings.”

Their housekeeper, Grace offers to consult her network of contacts in service for information, but advice from an unconventional source has her reconsidering. Isabel’s thoughts regularly veer off on tangents and this fourteenth instalment also sees her contemplating the need for co-operation and peace in the world, euphemism, and the marital short-hand used by couples who know each other well to avoid touchy subjects, all while in mid-conversation.

As always, McCall Smith includes plenty of gentle philosophy and an abundance of wisdom: “Sometimes, Isabel felt, the most honest thing to do was to confess that one was not entirely sure; and that uncertainty, even vagueness, was a perfectly defensible position.” Isabel’s reflections often bring a smile to the face, and her banter with Jamie and Charlie provide some laugh-out-loud moments Another delightfully entertaining dose of Alexander McCall Smith.

[FashionablyEvil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I occasionally wish Isabel actually had to WORK for something—her children seem to go to bed perfectly every night, leaving her free to make dinner with Jamie, and money is no object. She’s very thoughtful but effortless? It gets a little tiring.

[Ruby Grad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series a lot. This time, philosopher Isabel Dalhousie is asked by the mother of a family to intervene between father and son allegedly because the son's roommate has come between them and influenced the son to break with his family, especially his father. Small spoiler: We don't find out the real reason for the split until nearly the end of the book. In the meantime, her husband Jamie may find himself intervening into a situation in his orchestra. And their oldest son Charlie has apparently developed a problem with biting others, with which his teacher, his mother, and Grace (their housekeeper) all become involved. And Isabel's niece Cat is back and newly single once again but with a boyfriend in two (yet again).

I love the writing, especially the tone of wry humor, and the author's evocation of Edinburgh, which I'd love to visit again someday.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Remnants of Summer is yet another charmer in the delectable Isabel Dalhousie series set in incomparable Scotland. Isabel and Jamie both become enmeshed in local socialness after Jamie felt his wife took on too much. She is invited to sit on the Scottish National Portrait Gallery Board where her skill set and compassion come in very handy. She becomes involved in lives of those around her including a dear friend. Sometimes she puts a foot in it (don't we all!) but is usually philosophical and wise in her views. The story is extraordinary in its ordinary daily life thoughts and hopes as Isabel and Jamie love each other and their wee boys. Alexander McCall Smith writes thoughtfully with great insight into human nature. But he does it gently with wit and candor. His characters, particularly married Isabel and Jamie, are curious people who think and verbalize many thoughts I've had...so very relatable! What happens in this series could easily happen in your life or mine. Their two young boys also appear in the story as only two energetic children can. After reading every book by this author, I am always eager to read the newest. His descriptions and writing style are uniquely him. Just beautiful! Readers of many genres will find rest for the soul with the sweet Isabel Dalhousie series. You will smile and chuckle and nod with understanding. My sincere thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this refreshing book, written in typical McCall-Smith fashion.

[Loïne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A clash between the back-cover blurb on my Little, Brown edition and some of the key character names and relationships at the heart of Isabel’s investigation in this story may be a symptom of something having gone awry in the writing and publication of this new novel in the entertaining Dalhousie series. I was disappointed to find the storyline very slow to get moving in The Sweet Remnants of Summer - and somewhat disjointed. His usual sparkling style was certainly evident in patches and had returned towards the end of the book. However, I was left with a sense that this endearing, witty and philosophically thoughtful writer was out of sorts or, as possibly evident from the conflicting back cover blurb, that the original plot was for some reason changed mid-stride, throwing out McCall Smith’s usual pacey writing style and coherence. Being a great fan of the ethics journal editor series, I look forward to a bounce-back with future editions and am encouraged that some unfinished story lines in this novel point to more on their way!

[Suzy Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am going to quit reading the Dalhousie books. Way too philosophical for me. And when I skip over those bits, there’s really not much left except the constant fawning over perfect Jamie.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love AMS and his wonderful work so much. He is so very prolific, and the world is lucky to have him.

I’ve recently found my way back to this, his Sunday Philosophy Club series. Isabel Dalhousie is the editor of a philosophical journal of applied ethics. She is sometimes asked to get involved in ’investigating’ situations which are an extension of a question of moral philosophy that’s come up in her life. Trust me, it’s more interesting than it sounds. 😀

This, like all of his novels, is a comfort read, perfect for a time when you find yourself on edge, or in an introspective mood. You’ll follow Isabel and her niece, Cat, both unmarried when the series begins, along with other recurring characters. Isabel sometimes fills in for Cat, who owns a deli in Edinburgh, where the series is set. One of my favorite characters is Brother Fox, a frequent visitor to her garden.

An unlikable male character who appeared in the last two books is unlikely to recur, and has been replaced by someone infinitely better, which has me looking forward to the 15th book, which was recently published.

I just listened to a recent interview he gave to Oldie magazine, where he revealed that he is currently writing the 16th book in this series. Here is a link:

https://www.theoldie.co.uk/podcasts/a...

He is a wonderful example of a good and decent human being. The fact that maybe he’s a writing genius, former lawyer and law professor, musician, poet, etc. along with being an extraordinarily decent person is just icing on the cake.

AMS, I wish I could run a million copies of you in some kind of cloning machine. There is so much fear, sadness and hatred in this world right now, and you are the anti-all of that. Thank you. We love you!

[Laura Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Pantheon and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on July 19th, 2022.

Number 14 in my favorite McCall Smith series featuring Isabel Dalhousie, moral philosopher extraordinaire. While the narrative in these novels feature every day troubles such as family disagreements, child rearing, and interpersonal … irritations, the real story is the deep and well-expressed thoughts they trigger in our editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. The musings of her “tangential mental life” are endlessly intriguing, insightful, and thought provoking. Her brand of philosophy is never dry — it is philosophy as applied to actual human lives.

I love McCall Smith’s writing — it consistently reminds me of the beauty of the English language and embeds new (to me) or rarely used words that I find absolutely stimulating. Well, I never said I wasn’t a weirdo! Two of my favorites from this volume: adumbration and purlieus (if you like words, look them up!)

He always tackles topics of current concern, and no topic is left un-thoroughly discussed. No slogans, no strict identification with any party line. Characters get to examine and evolve their own thoughts and principles (sometimes with a little gentle help) into something that better adapts to their current situation.

I always feel calmer after reading one of these books.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book because of the picture of thistle on the cover, and I liked its title. I wanted an easy summer read, and I got it! What was nice about the book was, their marriage was sweet, and I learned a bit about Scotland, which was nice. But that was about it. Characters were a bit shallow, and Isabel I found very judgmental, as well as her philosophizing a bit shallow. Her description of needing religious faith in order to do good, implied an ignorant view of atheism. Perhaps she hasn't read the studies showing that children who are atheists are kinder than children who are Christians. Otherwise, though, it was a nice book.

[Kiran Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander McCall Smith has penned another book of sweetness and sublimity. The Sweet Remnants of Summer puts us once again in the shoes of Miss Isabel Dalhousie. McCall Smith portrays her thoughts with astonishing depth. His insights on small things from the labeling of shampoo bottles to the small tit-for-tats between women are fun and full of life. He really makes Scotland and his people come alive. His warmth of observation remind me a lot of Mary Gaskell or Naguib Mahfouz, only with a more contemporary feeling.

I recommend The Sweet Remnants of Summer for McCall Smith old and new. He certainly is making me appreciate his work far more than I'd like to admit!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been quite a while since I had read one of the books from this series and really enjoyed catching up with Isabel, her husband and sons. Thank goodness her niece Cat makes only a cameo appearance without any major disruptions to the peace of the family.
A request is made, as usual, from someone in need and Isabel manages to deliver some advice to a proud man who didn't initially embrace her assessment of the problem with his son.
There is some toddler biting that needs to be addressed with her young sons, but overall this is a peaceful sojourn and refreshing to observe the philosopher in action.

Library Loan

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my fav Isabel Dalhousie book if I'm completely honest but I did love the parts with Jamie, Eddie and Grace. Sprinkled throughout was all the wit and philosophical wisdom we've all come to love and expect from this series. Good on audio too. Overall a quick, easy, feel-good read.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it’s always a pleasure to spend time with the characters in this series this installment seemed like a rehash — for me there was nothing new or interesting.
There was a lot of good advice to be compassionate and kind, which is worth repeating of course. But I was left feeling I would have liked something more by way of a plot.
It is not often that Alexander McCall Smith disappoints but in addition to being pedestrian this book left me with a sad feeling, not the usual uplift at the end.
The fault may be in that I already knew what he wanted to say about homosexuality, spiritualism, and children biting one another, but another hundred pages about what some of the minor recurring characters have been up to would have been welcome.
He is still my favorite author. (I can count on one hand his books that I have not read. ) But this is definitely NOT my favorite of his books.

[Donald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another unbearably twee slice of Morningside life which bears little resemblance to the synopsis. Characters have completely different names and histories. This has happened before with AMS. Does he submit his synopsis for the cover art and then decide to rewrite the story? Richard (not David) comes from a family of wine merchants (not a clan chief in sight) and the socialist sister Catriona has become Stephanie (perhaps to avoid confusion when her niece Cat reappears) and is just married to an English man, and barely gets a mention. It all sounds very tense and complicated but in fact 95% of the book is just Isabel and Jamie mooning at each other over their expensive meals. The great family feud is sorted out in one chapter at the end.

[Dianeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!! Having been a first grade teacher for many years, I especially loved the problem with Charlie and the “biting”. I could relate to Grace’s act!! It would be wonderful if everyone read this series and tried to be kinder and more loving to all the people they know and meet!!! “What a wonderful world it would be.”

This is my second reading because I enjoy this author so much. I realized rereading it that it has so many themes that pertain to the world today! We all need to be more conscious of our actions,to be kinder to everyone and accept others as they are! To live and let live!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has dipped a bit as not much really happened, I just hope the next one picks up.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a slight book should have a slight review. This oddball series is so tender and kind it makes you feel there's hope for humanity. At the same time, our dear Isabelle is realistic about our foibles and pratfalls. These books start off so slowly that you wonder why on earth you're reading. But then you're lulled into the gentle pace, and you find that you're indeed enjoying the story. And, of course, Isabelle's husband Jaime is so perfect that you can't help but be a tad jealous!

[bubble butt book lover · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main character comes across as annoying, rich, and selfish. Not relatable or romantic what so ever.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Being married to Isabel had many positive features, but it also involved a form of moral self-scrutiny that could be challenging. But Jamie would not have it otherwise. She was the woman he adored, and if he was being influenced by her – which he was – then there was nobody else by whom he would rather be swayed.”

The Sweet Remnants Of Summer is the fourteenth book in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. The audio version is narrated by Stephanie Moore. Isabel Dalhousie, philosopher, wife and mother of two boys, often finds herself in discussion with Jamie over cooking and eating delicious-sounding meals. They might debate Tolstoy’s oft-quoted line about happy families, decide that pious people make us uncomfortable, declare that only the insecure are nasty, and wonder should the private life of an author/composer/poet/actor affect our reading & enjoyment of their work?

In this instalment of our favourite philosopher’s life: Cat, Isabel’s flighty niece, returns to Edinburgh without Leo and, via the business she plans to open with her new boyfriend, demonstrates just how morally casual she is. But might this not turn out quite how Isabel expects?

His teacher informs Isabel that Charlie has been biting at school, but it later turns out he’s not the only one doing the biting. A curly question from Charlie also alert Isabel and Jamie to the need to agree on the concept of God for their young sons’ upbringing.

As she does in every instalment, Isabel counts herself fortunate to be married to Jamie and, as he does in every instalment, Jamie begs Isabel to be careful in her unavoidable meddling. She concedes: “’Oh, I get it spectacularly wrong,’ she admitted. ‘Sometimes. In fact, rather often.’” Jamie describes to Isabel a situation involving a corrupt conductor showing favouritism towards his less talented lover, and confesses that, ironically, he feels the need to interfere.

Isabel is asked by the convener of a gallery advisory board that she has just joined if she will intervene in her family’s rift, but the situation related to her, (a politically intolerant son, his prejudiced [maybe] boyfriend, and an overbearing father), on later consideration and discussion with Jamie, could describe a number of possibilities, so some subtle probing is needed. Jamie reflects that “Family pathology was usually deep-seated and recalcitrant; a well-meaning outsider would be able to do little to shift it from its ancient moorings.”

Their housekeeper, Grace offers to consult her network of contacts in service for information, but advice from an unconventional source has her reconsidering. Isabel’s thoughts regularly veer off on tangents and this fourteenth instalment also sees her contemplating the need for co-operation and peace in the world, euphemism, and the marital short-hand used by couples who know each other well to avoid touchy subjects, all while in mid-conversation.

As always, McCall Smith includes plenty of gentle philosophy and an abundance of wisdom: “Sometimes, Isabel felt, the most honest thing to do was to confess that one was not entirely sure; and that uncertainty, even vagueness, was a perfectly defensible position.” Isabel’s reflections often bring a smile to the face, and her banter with Jamie and Charlie provide some laugh-out-loud moments Another delightfully entertaining dose of Alexander McCall Smith.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The philosophical issues in this particular book were of more interest to me than some of the topics discussed in earlier books. For that reason, this book was very enjoyable and I flew through it. There were only a couple of loose ends that I'm sure will be resolved in the next book. Will Charlie and Grace make up with each other? Will Cat and Gordon stay together? I'm guessing "yes" to the first question and "no" to the second. Cat is always a "loose end".

One off the wall question, what is Jamie's last name? I don't recall.

I especially love reading this series after visiting Scotland. Now I actually know and remember some of the places talked about in the books. It's like reliving my trip in a small, but fond manner.

[Patricia Hoesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful compendium of philosophy, morals and ordinary questions of life. How far should we go to help, or interfere in, another's life even when asked to?

Isabel Dalhousie gets herself, and her husband, involved almost by chance in another family's problems and multiple questions of how to deal with someone who doesn't want them to be involved. Meanwhile, she faces her own small crises and her husband's issues with a possible moral question with his orchestra.

The book is delightful and thought-provoking, and all the little questions we all have daily are discussed and dealt with harmlessly.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy the next AMS book. They are all full of gently humor & interesting moral musings, especially the Isabel books, as she is a philosopher & always thinks about the moral implications of all her actions. Once again she is asked by someone to help out, this time in a family situation. Her husband, Jamie, objects to her getting involved, all the while knowing she will feel like her moral proximity compels her to assist. But in this novel, Jamie himself gets involved in a situation where he may need to intervene in an orchestra matter to help another musician. So many things to question. Cat, Eddie, & Grace all appear to spice up the narrative.

[Michele Dancer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 14th book in the Isabel Dalhousie series and it follows the usual path. Someone asks Isabel for help with a personal problem, and even though she knows she should stay out of it, and even though her endlessly patient (not to mention hot!) husband Jamie warns her against it, she gets involved and saves the day. There's also the usual little twist which makes the problem not quite what it seemed, as well as a couple of little side stories involving the other characters in these stories.
Now, this may seem a bit unoriginal on Smith's part, but you try that 14 times and still produce a book that is enjoyable, interesting, and a genuinely relaxing read. I will always look forward to spending time with Isabel Dalhousie.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best of the series but still a fun, relaxing read (and sometimes we all need that). I enjoyed being with Isabel, Jamie, Grace and the boys again. The Edinburgh setting, the mental musings of Isabel . . . all familiar and all still very enjoyable. 3.5

[Jennifer Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been some time since I had a book that got me excited to read again. Finding a new Smith novel was cause for celebration. As we come through Covid into political upheaval, Isabel the philosopher ruminates about being involved but ultimately being kind. She is so happy with what she has in life which is another welcome reminder