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Isabel Dalhousie #3
Il piacere sottile della pioggia
La chiave della felicità è ottenere il meglio da ciò che si ha a disposizione. Saggio proposito che però Isabel Dalhousie, filosofa colta e raffinata, cultrice di belle arti e di teatro e detective a tempo perso, proprio non riesce a mettere in pratica. La sua vita al momento è troppo affollata di pensieri: trovare un appartamento per la fedele governante Grace, evitare alla giovane nipote Cat nuove delusioni d'amore, conservare l'amicizia con Jamie, l'ex fidanzato della nipote, nonostante il fatto che si sia irrimediabilmente innamorata di lui e le riesca davvero difficile mantenere le distanze. Ma soprattutto Isabel si annoia. Nelle sue giornate manca l'azione. Finché all'improvviso all'orizzonte compare un colto e gentile milionario americano, impegnato in un rapporto di coppia avvilente che potrebbe addirittura metterne a repentaglio la vita, e la filosofa Isabel Dalhousie si ritroverà presto coinvolta in un sorprendente giallo dei sentimenti.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2006
299 people are currently reading
2776 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
676 books12.8k 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 871 reviews
February 18, 2024
EXCERPT: One of these smaller galleries was hosting an opening and Isabel could see the crowd milling about within. At the front door stood a small knot of smokers, drawing on their cigarettes, bound together in their exclusion. She strained to make out the features of one of them, a tall man wearing a blue jacket, who was talking animatedly to a woman beside him, gesturing to emphasise some private point. He looked vaguely familiar, she decided, but it was difficult to tell from that distance and angle. suddenly the man in the blue jacket stopped gesturing, reached forward and rested a hand on the woman's shoulder. She moved sideways, as if to shrug him off, but he held on tight. Her hand went up in what seemed to be an attempt to prise off his fingers, but all the time she was smiling - Isabel could see that. Strange, she thought; an argument conducted in the language of smiles.
ABOUT 'THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO RAIN': When friends from Dallas arrive in Edinburgh and introduce Isabel to Tom Bruce – a bigwig at home in Texas – several confounding situations unfurl at once. Tom’s young fiancée’s roving eye leads Isabel to believe that money may be the root of her love for Tom. But what, Isabel wonders, is the root of the interest Tom begins to show for Isabel herself? And she can’t forget about her niece, Cat, who’s busy falling for a man whom Isabel suspects of being an incorrigible mama’s boy. Of course, Grace and Isabel’s friend Jamie counsel Isabel to stay out of all of it, but there are irresistible philosophical issues at stake – when to tell the truth and when to keep one’s mouth shut, to be precise – and philosophical issues are meat and drink to Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. In any case, she’s certain of the ethical basis for a little sleuthing now and again – especially when the problems involve matters of the heart.
MY THOUGHTS: If I could invite a fictional character to a dinner party, it would be Isabel Dalhousie. I love the way she thinks - her mind just never stops! Her thoughts wander off at odd tangents, as do mine, and often winds up miles away from where the original thought began. She's a people watcher and likes nothing better than sitting in a cafe watching what is going on out in the street. That is not to say that she isn't above doing a little eavesdropping of the conversations taking place near her, too, something she does not find morally wrong. How do you not hear what other people are saying when they are sitting in close proximity?
Isabel has acknowledged her attraction to Jamie and I was getting a little peeved at the amount of mooning and swooning she does over this good-looking younger man, but then I remembered how I had felt when, in my late forties, I met my current husband. Enough said.
There are problems with Cat and her relationship with, and Isabel is trying not to be judgmental or interfere although the young man's mother desperately wants her to, a 'mummy's boy'. Cat also doesn't take it well when she learns of Isabel's infatuation with Jamie, whereas it pleases other people enormously.
Mimi, Isabel's cousin from Texas, and her husband Joe come to stay and introduce Isabel a friend of theirs, Tom, an oil baron from Texas and his much younger fiancé and yet another moral dilemma.
There is a small mystery which doesn't occur until almost the end of the book, and which remains unresolved. I am still thinking about that mystery which, no doubt, is the author's intention. It is not a mystery in the true sense of the word, yet I am at a loss for another word to describe it.
This is not a book for people whose passion is action-packed thrillers. If you enjoy quiet, reflective, character-driven books, then I am sure you will love this as much as I do.
I enjoyed, as I always do, my visit with Isabel Dalhousie and her friends and look forward to the next in this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheRightAttitudetoRain
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.
DICLOSURE: I own my copy of The Right Attitude to Rain by Alexander McCall Smith.
ABOUT 'THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO RAIN': When friends from Dallas arrive in Edinburgh and introduce Isabel to Tom Bruce – a bigwig at home in Texas – several confounding situations unfurl at once. Tom’s young fiancée’s roving eye leads Isabel to believe that money may be the root of her love for Tom. But what, Isabel wonders, is the root of the interest Tom begins to show for Isabel herself? And she can’t forget about her niece, Cat, who’s busy falling for a man whom Isabel suspects of being an incorrigible mama’s boy. Of course, Grace and Isabel’s friend Jamie counsel Isabel to stay out of all of it, but there are irresistible philosophical issues at stake – when to tell the truth and when to keep one’s mouth shut, to be precise – and philosophical issues are meat and drink to Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. In any case, she’s certain of the ethical basis for a little sleuthing now and again – especially when the problems involve matters of the heart.
MY THOUGHTS: If I could invite a fictional character to a dinner party, it would be Isabel Dalhousie. I love the way she thinks - her mind just never stops! Her thoughts wander off at odd tangents, as do mine, and often winds up miles away from where the original thought began. She's a people watcher and likes nothing better than sitting in a cafe watching what is going on out in the street. That is not to say that she isn't above doing a little eavesdropping of the conversations taking place near her, too, something she does not find morally wrong. How do you not hear what other people are saying when they are sitting in close proximity?
Isabel has acknowledged her attraction to Jamie and I was getting a little peeved at the amount of mooning and swooning she does over this good-looking younger man, but then I remembered how I had felt when, in my late forties, I met my current husband. Enough said.
There are problems with Cat and her relationship with, and Isabel is trying not to be judgmental or interfere although the young man's mother desperately wants her to, a 'mummy's boy'. Cat also doesn't take it well when she learns of Isabel's infatuation with Jamie, whereas it pleases other people enormously.
Mimi, Isabel's cousin from Texas, and her husband Joe come to stay and introduce Isabel a friend of theirs, Tom, an oil baron from Texas and his much younger fiancé and yet another moral dilemma.
There is a small mystery which doesn't occur until almost the end of the book, and which remains unresolved. I am still thinking about that mystery which, no doubt, is the author's intention. It is not a mystery in the true sense of the word, yet I am at a loss for another word to describe it.
This is not a book for people whose passion is action-packed thrillers. If you enjoy quiet, reflective, character-driven books, then I am sure you will love this as much as I do.
I enjoyed, as I always do, my visit with Isabel Dalhousie and her friends and look forward to the next in this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheRightAttitudetoRain
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.
DICLOSURE: I own my copy of The Right Attitude to Rain by Alexander McCall Smith.
November 29, 2009
About halfway through this book, I thought to myself, "Is anything ever going to HAPPEN, or do we only get to read about Isabel Dalhousie's anguishing over philosophical questions?" Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I think I am as concerned with moral issues as the next person and maybe more so than some of the "next people" of my acquaintance, but the process of intellectual theorizing about these questions page after page after page, alleviated by very minimal action, makes for a fairly tedious read. And that's what we get in this book - an extended tour of the landscape of Isabel's moral and philosophic make-up and very little action.
These books are about thoroughly decent people who strive very hard to always do the right thing - to never be unkind to others, to always act in the interest of the common good. Even the "bad" people who are introduced as characters are ambivalent in their badness. Are they really as bad as we think they are, or are our prejudices showing?
This series is billed as a cozy mystery, but, although there is a lot of coziness, there is really very little mystery here, except will she or won't she. For the record, and without really spoiling the "suspense," she finally does, but by then it was rather hard for me to work up much interest in the venture.
I am a great fan of Smith's Precious Ramotswe series and I really, really want to like this one as well. It should be easy as they are about similar people, but there seems to me to be something lacking about Isabel. Maybe it is simply that there is very little drama or conflict in her life. Everything just seems too easy for her. She has plenty of money, her friends are supportive, she is beautiful, she has a profession that suits her. Perhaps if just once she had a real obstacle to overcome it might be easier to empathize with her and to care about what decisions she makes after all her moral agonizing.
I think I am as concerned with moral issues as the next person and maybe more so than some of the "next people" of my acquaintance, but the process of intellectual theorizing about these questions page after page after page, alleviated by very minimal action, makes for a fairly tedious read. And that's what we get in this book - an extended tour of the landscape of Isabel's moral and philosophic make-up and very little action.
These books are about thoroughly decent people who strive very hard to always do the right thing - to never be unkind to others, to always act in the interest of the common good. Even the "bad" people who are introduced as characters are ambivalent in their badness. Are they really as bad as we think they are, or are our prejudices showing?
This series is billed as a cozy mystery, but, although there is a lot of coziness, there is really very little mystery here, except will she or won't she. For the record, and without really spoiling the "suspense," she finally does, but by then it was rather hard for me to work up much interest in the venture.
I am a great fan of Smith's Precious Ramotswe series and I really, really want to like this one as well. It should be easy as they are about similar people, but there seems to me to be something lacking about Isabel. Maybe it is simply that there is very little drama or conflict in her life. Everything just seems too easy for her. She has plenty of money, her friends are supportive, she is beautiful, she has a profession that suits her. Perhaps if just once she had a real obstacle to overcome it might be easier to empathize with her and to care about what decisions she makes after all her moral agonizing.
August 3, 2011
Aristotle was wrong. When he wrote “Why is it that all men who are outstanding in philosophy, poetry and the arts are melancholic”, he reckoned without Alexander McCall Smith, an author whose expertise in these fields is matched, if not exceeded, by his frivolity. The character of Isabel Dalhousie reflects this mixture of high intellect, sharp observation and easy sense of humour. During some pre-party wardrobe angst we read that “There were word people, idea people – and then there were clothes people – fashion people. She knew which group she belonged to.” I am sure that the same analysis could apply to her real fans.
So, from my biased viewpoint, I found this the best book of the series so far, despite the light plot. This was largely due to the development and refinement of Isabel’s character. As editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, she’s as intelligent as ever, dismantling both illogical arguments and bad grammar. She’s still gently funny: “Global cooling – everybody else gets warmer while Scotland gets colder”. She still analyses to death everything said to her, always unimpressed by shallow questions such as that from Tom, a friend-of-a-friend: “Do you like living in Edinburgh?” because it’s either pointless, if answered “yes”, or tactless, if “no”. But when Cat’s Merger & Acquisition solicitor boyfriend, Patrick, asserts that “People can’t expect a job for life”, she coaxes him into firstly admitting that he sees Law as a job for life, and secondly that “Law firms tend not to get taken over.” Good for you girl, I thought.
The other character development is that of housekeeper Grace. Whereas in the first two books she was lightly mocked for her lack of intellectual rigour and her séances, she now balances Isabel’s intellect with some needed street-wisdom. When Isabel frets about why Cat should care if she ends up with Jamie, who Cat has previously dumped, it takes Grace to tell her “People are human. That’s something you should write about in that Review of yours.” The Greek philosopher would have approved.
So, from my biased viewpoint, I found this the best book of the series so far, despite the light plot. This was largely due to the development and refinement of Isabel’s character. As editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, she’s as intelligent as ever, dismantling both illogical arguments and bad grammar. She’s still gently funny: “Global cooling – everybody else gets warmer while Scotland gets colder”. She still analyses to death everything said to her, always unimpressed by shallow questions such as that from Tom, a friend-of-a-friend: “Do you like living in Edinburgh?” because it’s either pointless, if answered “yes”, or tactless, if “no”. But when Cat’s Merger & Acquisition solicitor boyfriend, Patrick, asserts that “People can’t expect a job for life”, she coaxes him into firstly admitting that he sees Law as a job for life, and secondly that “Law firms tend not to get taken over.” Good for you girl, I thought.
The other character development is that of housekeeper Grace. Whereas in the first two books she was lightly mocked for her lack of intellectual rigour and her séances, she now balances Isabel’s intellect with some needed street-wisdom. When Isabel frets about why Cat should care if she ends up with Jamie, who Cat has previously dumped, it takes Grace to tell her “People are human. That’s something you should write about in that Review of yours.” The Greek philosopher would have approved.
September 24, 2017
Обичам как пише този човек. Как разказва на пръв поглед незначителни, скучни истории, но успява да вмъкне в тях толкова мъдрост и хумор. Усещането от тази книга е като това от приятен дъждовен следобед, които прекарваш у дома в приятна компания или с книга в ръка.
May 8, 2008
Far and away the best of Smith's Isabel Dalhousie novels, IMO. They're branded as mysteries, but they're not really. The first two had more of a "figure out what really happened" kind of vibe, but this one focuses more Isabel's life and personal search for happiness ("How Isabel Got Her Groove Back") and I think it's a stronger story as a result.
Sure, you gotta want a cerebral read. Isabel is a moral philosopher who thinks about everything way, way too much. But she's got such an interesting perspective that even the mundane takes on new depth.
And in The Right Attitude to Rain, this over-analysis becomes truly personal as she begins to figure out that her feelings for Jamie, her younger-by-fourteen-years male friend, do not constitute cradle-robbing or bring with it social pariah status. And she begins to see parallels in the lives of several other people close to her.
I know, I know...it sounds like a "girl" book, full of feelings and thinking about feelings and stuff. Yep, that's what it is, but it's also really good. I *like* Isabel as a character and I want her to be happy.
What's interesting is that all of these various relationships in Isabel's life begin to tell a story about happiness and how it can be achieved. And *that's* what I like about Smith's books. They're all really about happiness, its myriad challenges, and its infinite possibilities. These books just make you feel good and I could use that once in a while.
Sure, you gotta want a cerebral read. Isabel is a moral philosopher who thinks about everything way, way too much. But she's got such an interesting perspective that even the mundane takes on new depth.
And in The Right Attitude to Rain, this over-analysis becomes truly personal as she begins to figure out that her feelings for Jamie, her younger-by-fourteen-years male friend, do not constitute cradle-robbing or bring with it social pariah status. And she begins to see parallels in the lives of several other people close to her.
I know, I know...it sounds like a "girl" book, full of feelings and thinking about feelings and stuff. Yep, that's what it is, but it's also really good. I *like* Isabel as a character and I want her to be happy.
What's interesting is that all of these various relationships in Isabel's life begin to tell a story about happiness and how it can be achieved. And *that's* what I like about Smith's books. They're all really about happiness, its myriad challenges, and its infinite possibilities. These books just make you feel good and I could use that once in a while.
October 6, 2010
In creating the character of Isabel Dalhousie, McCall Smith has given us a heroine who is very real and someone I for one am able to identify with (it may be because I am 40!). It is possible that a younger reader may not appreciate her life, her thoughts and her actions as much. However, this is where Mccall Smith is at his best no doubt. He writes so beautifully and so exactly about Isabel's state of mind and the thoughts that almost always seem to make her a participant and an observer at the same time. He may ascribe her going into a thinking state about everything that she does and that happens around her to her being a philosopher. However, I think that it describes almost every other woman at that age - philosopher or not. At least it does me...
Her ability to question herself about what she is doing and why she is doing it, does not stop her from living her life. A lesson many of us can learn. I think that many of us in asking ourselves these questions, are either too scared or forget to live. Hurray for McCall Smith and hurray for a heroine like Isabel...
Her ability to question herself about what she is doing and why she is doing it, does not stop her from living her life. A lesson many of us can learn. I think that many of us in asking ourselves these questions, are either too scared or forget to live. Hurray for McCall Smith and hurray for a heroine like Isabel...
June 7, 2012
The Right Attitude to Rain is the sort of novel which readers will either love or loathe. If you value action and despise what you see as overly thinking about what in Isabel Dalhousie's philosophical journal is called "practical morality" -- moral issues in our everyday lives -- this book, like the others in the Sunday Philosophy Club series, is definitely not for you. You will be ground down by minute examinations of how our everyday decisions truly define who we are at our cores.
However, if you've caught yourself musing about one's duty to our fellow travelers on the Planet Earth, you'll love the various moral discussions. What do we owe the less fortunate? When is it correct to interfere in others' romantic entanglements? When is something better left unsaid? Does age make a difference when it comes to love? Is taking advantage of someone's jumping to an incorrect conclusion without setting that person straight tantamount to one's lying in the first place?
Yes, Isabel Dalhousie can over-think even minor moral imperatives, but it is an antidote to one's propensity to get so caught up in quotidian matters that one merely reacts instead of consciously taking steps in order to improve one's self and one's world. This may be my favorite of the three books in that Isabel, who is ever ready to forgive others, finally learns to forgive herself and give herself permission to be happy.
However, if you've caught yourself musing about one's duty to our fellow travelers on the Planet Earth, you'll love the various moral discussions. What do we owe the less fortunate? When is it correct to interfere in others' romantic entanglements? When is something better left unsaid? Does age make a difference when it comes to love? Is taking advantage of someone's jumping to an incorrect conclusion without setting that person straight tantamount to one's lying in the first place?
Yes, Isabel Dalhousie can over-think even minor moral imperatives, but it is an antidote to one's propensity to get so caught up in quotidian matters that one merely reacts instead of consciously taking steps in order to improve one's self and one's world. This may be my favorite of the three books in that Isabel, who is ever ready to forgive others, finally learns to forgive herself and give herself permission to be happy.
July 3, 2022
Jauks, nedaudz garlaicīgs romāns.
Pēc Bērdžesa "Mehāniskā apelsīna" bija tieši laikā. Tāds labestīgi nomierinošs.
Pēc Bērdžesa "Mehāniskā apelsīna" bija tieši laikā. Tāds labestīgi nomierinošs.
January 27, 2012
Rating: 3 disappointed stars of five
The Book Report: Isabel Dalhousie, moral philosopher and newly reawakened lust-pot, entertains her American cousin and her husband in this third installment of the Sunday Philosophy Club series of novels. Much happens, all of it spoilery, but one big thing occurs here: Isabel finally asks her younger musician friend and lust object, Jamie, to bed. He, unsurprisingly, says yes.
Isabel does this because almost everyone in her world spends the whole book saying, "So! Boinked Jamie yet? He's obviously hot for you, what'cha waitin' for?" or words to that effect. The Big Event At Last!
My Review: And what happens when love thwarted becomes love consummated? Remember Moonlighting? Before Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis Did The Deed, it was sparkling, witty, and fun; after, such a snooze it shoulda been available only by prescription.
Same ol' same ol' here. This book isn't *bad* but...there is something just too expected, or something just not suspenseful enough...it's just not fully engaging, like the first two are. But things will get better next time. I know they will.
They HAVE TO.
The Book Report: Isabel Dalhousie, moral philosopher and newly reawakened lust-pot, entertains her American cousin and her husband in this third installment of the Sunday Philosophy Club series of novels. Much happens, all of it spoilery, but one big thing occurs here: Isabel finally asks her younger musician friend and lust object, Jamie, to bed. He, unsurprisingly, says yes.
Isabel does this because almost everyone in her world spends the whole book saying, "So! Boinked Jamie yet? He's obviously hot for you, what'cha waitin' for?" or words to that effect. The Big Event At Last!
My Review: And what happens when love thwarted becomes love consummated? Remember Moonlighting? Before Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis Did The Deed, it was sparkling, witty, and fun; after, such a snooze it shoulda been available only by prescription.
Same ol' same ol' here. This book isn't *bad* but...there is something just too expected, or something just not suspenseful enough...it's just not fully engaging, like the first two are. But things will get better next time. I know they will.
They HAVE TO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
2.5 stars
Occasionally I venture into Smith’s series that aren’t The Number One Ladies Detective series, though so far without success.
Here, we go from his usual plot-light style to something that barely has a point, much less a plot. Despite glimpses of the charm that comes to a lot of his work, this story-bound reader needs at least a thread of purpose. But I did finish the book, hoping that something would come together by the end.
It’s not that nothing at all happened. A few things sort of did, though mostly accidentally and tangentially. Isabel’s hand-wringing, fanciful, insight-poor personal dilemma is what served for a through-line, though the way it evolves and finally lands felt non-lifelike and eventually contrived.
The source of Smith’s charm is the lifelike feel of his characters and their moment to moment lives. This book has some of that, but unfortunately not where it counts.
Occasionally I venture into Smith’s series that aren’t The Number One Ladies Detective series, though so far without success.
Here, we go from his usual plot-light style to something that barely has a point, much less a plot. Despite glimpses of the charm that comes to a lot of his work, this story-bound reader needs at least a thread of purpose. But I did finish the book, hoping that something would come together by the end.
It’s not that nothing at all happened. A few things sort of did, though mostly accidentally and tangentially. Isabel’s hand-wringing, fanciful, insight-poor personal dilemma is what served for a through-line, though the way it evolves and finally lands felt non-lifelike and eventually contrived.
The source of Smith’s charm is the lifelike feel of his characters and their moment to moment lives. This book has some of that, but unfortunately not where it counts.
July 22, 2019
In this third installment of the series featuring the Edinburgh philosopher, Isabel Dalhousie’s cousin Mimi arrives with her husband, Joe, from Dallas for a visit. Mimi introduces Isabel to Tom Bruce, a wealthy Texan who has recently become engaged to Angie. But Angie seems much more interested in Isabel’s friend Jamie, who used to date Isabel’s niece, Cat. Meanwhile, Cat seems to be falling for a totally unsuitable young man.
What I really like about this series are Isabel’s philosophical musings, and this one is no exception. The central ethical dilemma seems to be when to keep one’s mouth shut vs when to tell all one knows. Is it interfering to let someone know what you’ve observed? Is it appropriate to voice one’s feelings for someone who is clearly attached to another?
I like the developing relationships in the series, which are slowly forming, as they do in real life, with occasional missteps, tiffs, and make-ups.
Hilary Neville does a fine job performing the audiobook. She has good pacing and I love the way she voices Isabel. However, I didn’t realize I had received an abridged audio until the second disc, and I then abandoned the audio to read the text.
What I really like about this series are Isabel’s philosophical musings, and this one is no exception. The central ethical dilemma seems to be when to keep one’s mouth shut vs when to tell all one knows. Is it interfering to let someone know what you’ve observed? Is it appropriate to voice one’s feelings for someone who is clearly attached to another?
I like the developing relationships in the series, which are slowly forming, as they do in real life, with occasional missteps, tiffs, and make-ups.
Hilary Neville does a fine job performing the audiobook. She has good pacing and I love the way she voices Isabel. However, I didn’t realize I had received an abridged audio until the second disc, and I then abandoned the audio to read the text.
July 11, 2021
Haven't read the rest of the series but don't think I will after this. It was cozy and a nice story but I feelt like nothing really happened and I wasn't very excited about it
May 27, 2012
What can I say? This is my third book in this series (the Isabel Dalhousie mysteries) in a short amount of time. I didn't quite devour this one at the breakneck speed employed for the first two, but it still was a very satisfying read. After this one, I would strongly suggest potential readers to read them in order.
I'm reminded of math books that teach a transition to higher (abstract) math. These books are almost like a trasition from murder mysteries to literature. In fact, in this one, ..., well, I don't want to spoil anything.
The writing, as usual, is very capable, and very enjoyable. Try it sometime.
I'm reminded of math books that teach a transition to higher (abstract) math. These books are almost like a trasition from murder mysteries to literature. In fact, in this one, ..., well, I don't want to spoil anything.
The writing, as usual, is very capable, and very enjoyable. Try it sometime.
August 21, 2017
These books help me through tough times. There have been times, like when my husband was abruptly laid off the Friday before Obama's first inauguration, and then interviewed and interviewed for jobs, and kept coming in #2 of 2, that I would go in the bathroom and just cry and cry while I ran water & played music. He felt so helpless and felt as if it was his fault rather than the economic downturn. I tried to stay strong and positive for him, this the bathroom. Then my emotions felt so raw, any book seemed too much to read. Then Isabel Dalhousie came into my life and her philosophy and life in Scotland would bring me peace. These books are a treasure. Very highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2016
Best in the series so far. No mystery, but a sweet story anyway. Not as much philosophy, more romance.
July 21, 2009
It's hard to believe that Alexander McCall-Smith, the same author who wrote the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency and the 44 Scotland Street series, wrote this book from the Sunday Philosophy Club series. So far, I think that this is the worst of the four-book series. The main character, Isabel Dalhousie, a philosopher and professor of ethics, can't seem to get through an hour of her day without analyzing everything into the ground. She spends so much time worrying about her feelings, beliefs, and actions (as well as those of others) that the stories just stagnate. What probably started out as a clever idea to get the reader to think of the moral and ethical implication of everyday interactions has become, unfortunately, a very boring book. It just plodded along and I could hardly wait to finish. A big disappointment.
January 23, 2022
I reread this 8 years later to prepare to catch up to the current installment in this series! So very glad I did. I just adore Isabel and this series and wish I could just hunker down and keep reading!! But there is "real life" which disrupts such fantasies...work, cooking, eating, sleeping...you know the drill! But then there is this wonderfully calming and introspective writing of Smith's to escape to! YAY!!
So wonderful to see Isabel happy and Jamie such a large part of her life. It strikes me how understated and calm each of them can be...they have a true resonance with each other. I love the way we never know the TRUE story of Tom and Angie...and can only guess as to the truth! Isabel is my hero; I adore her philosophical meanderings, perhaps because I tend to do the same.
So wonderful to see Isabel happy and Jamie such a large part of her life. It strikes me how understated and calm each of them can be...they have a true resonance with each other. I love the way we never know the TRUE story of Tom and Angie...and can only guess as to the truth! Isabel is my hero; I adore her philosophical meanderings, perhaps because I tend to do the same.
December 16, 2019
Loved the title, love Isabel.
February 10, 2017
This review breaks my cardinal rule of no spoilers. It is the first, and hopefully the last, time I will ever have to do that in order to adequately explain part of the reasoning behind my review. I have warned when the spoiler is coming and made the text of it white in an attempt to not ruin the book for a cursory reader.
The Isabel Dalhousie books by Alexander McCall Smith, are my go-to when I need a proper cozy. The serene life of an independently wealthy, cultured Scottish philosopher and her internal musings as she attempts to lead a philosophically moral life (or justify her nosiness) is perfect for when the world seems just a bit too cruel, unforgiving and hostile.
And given the fact that this particular installment resolves a fairly major character plot arc in the way I was hoping, this should've been one of my favorite installments.
And yet, it was my least favorite and left me feeling vaguely frustrated and unsatisfied.
Part of the reason, I suppose, is that Alexander McCall Smith was still trying to cram a mystery into a world in which the characters' lives have simply transcended that genre (as has also happened, for example, with Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series).
Now, I don't mind reading future installments o)f mystery series as novels. A good series can endure a genre switch. But the purported mystery in this story not only wasn't actually a mystery but also didn't even appear until the last third of the book! Something about that just feels lazy to me.
Secondly, a subplot introduced as a rather major story arc was abandoned entirely and then wrapped up abruptly, and in a rather unlikely way, towards the end of book.
Finally, the big twist ending surprise was such a predictable letdown.
[SPOILER FOLLOWS -- Out of sheer necessity, I assure you. I hate reveiws that give spoilers and as a general rule never do, but there is no other way to further explain my feelings about this book.]
So, I suppose I'm being a curmudgeon about a character's evolution. But it honestly didn't feel natural for either character and feels a bit like a calculated demographics grab, quite frankly. I'll read the next installment to see where it goes, but I have to be honest: I won't be surprised if it's time for Isabel and I to, unfortunately, part ways.
The Isabel Dalhousie books by Alexander McCall Smith, are my go-to when I need a proper cozy. The serene life of an independently wealthy, cultured Scottish philosopher and her internal musings as she attempts to lead a philosophically moral life (or justify her nosiness) is perfect for when the world seems just a bit too cruel, unforgiving and hostile.
And given the fact that this particular installment resolves a fairly major character plot arc in the way I was hoping, this should've been one of my favorite installments.
And yet, it was my least favorite and left me feeling vaguely frustrated and unsatisfied.
Part of the reason, I suppose, is that Alexander McCall Smith was still trying to cram a mystery into a world in which the characters' lives have simply transcended that genre (as has also happened, for example, with Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series).
Now, I don't mind reading future installments o)f mystery series as novels. A good series can endure a genre switch. But the purported mystery in this story not only wasn't actually a mystery but also didn't even appear until the last third of the book! Something about that just feels lazy to me.
Secondly, a subplot introduced as a rather major story arc was abandoned entirely and then wrapped up abruptly, and in a rather unlikely way, towards the end of book.
Finally, the big twist ending surprise was such a predictable letdown.
[SPOILER FOLLOWS -- Out of sheer necessity, I assure you. I hate reveiws that give spoilers and as a general rule never do, but there is no other way to further explain my feelings about this book.]
So, I suppose I'm being a curmudgeon about a character's evolution. But it honestly didn't feel natural for either character and feels a bit like a calculated demographics grab, quite frankly. I'll read the next installment to see where it goes, but I have to be honest: I won't be surprised if it's time for Isabel and I to, unfortunately, part ways.
September 5, 2011
Highly ambiguous novel, due to the main character, Isabel Dalhousie, who turns out to be an unreliable narrator. At first, 'The right attitude to rain' appears to be a real 'feelgood' book, homely and cosy, paying attention to weather issues and the small complexities of human life.
The main character, Isabel Dalhousie, is a careful observer of human life. She believes she knows how to live life at the fullest and is quick in offering some mental support or advice. She wants to secure the financial future of her housekeeper Grace, the love interests of her wild niece Cat, and her relationship with Jamie, a former boyfriend of Cat with whom Isabel falls helplessly in love.
This reminds one of Jane Austen's 'Emma', set in the 20th century and pretty predictable in plot developements. But gradually, McCall Smith manages to establish a completely new image of Isabel. There is a wide discrepancy between what Isabel believes to be real and reality itself. She often opts for romantic frameworks, e.g. she believes that Jamy is really in love with her, when alle he does is denying that he has a 'girlfriend'. At one point in the novel, the word 'liar' is mentioned very literally, and confirms the creepy picture the reader has of Isabel. She seems neurotic and extremely detached from real life. She often seeks confirmation in parallel situations in the past (for instance her mother, who also had a passionate affair with a younger man).
The question remains however whether or not McCall Smith manages to bring this discrepancy across to the reader. It is done in a very subtle way, by means of offering various loose endings...This could be an aspect of his mastercraft or the result from neglect. It is yet not clear to me whether this is actually a good novel or not. It leaves one restless and insecure, and that has not happened for quite a long time.
The main character, Isabel Dalhousie, is a careful observer of human life. She believes she knows how to live life at the fullest and is quick in offering some mental support or advice. She wants to secure the financial future of her housekeeper Grace, the love interests of her wild niece Cat, and her relationship with Jamie, a former boyfriend of Cat with whom Isabel falls helplessly in love.
This reminds one of Jane Austen's 'Emma', set in the 20th century and pretty predictable in plot developements. But gradually, McCall Smith manages to establish a completely new image of Isabel. There is a wide discrepancy between what Isabel believes to be real and reality itself. She often opts for romantic frameworks, e.g. she believes that Jamy is really in love with her, when alle he does is denying that he has a 'girlfriend'. At one point in the novel, the word 'liar' is mentioned very literally, and confirms the creepy picture the reader has of Isabel. She seems neurotic and extremely detached from real life. She often seeks confirmation in parallel situations in the past (for instance her mother, who also had a passionate affair with a younger man).
The question remains however whether or not McCall Smith manages to bring this discrepancy across to the reader. It is done in a very subtle way, by means of offering various loose endings...This could be an aspect of his mastercraft or the result from neglect. It is yet not clear to me whether this is actually a good novel or not. It leaves one restless and insecure, and that has not happened for quite a long time.
December 1, 2007
Every once in a while, I like a book that makes me think, but makes me think about my immediate world, the little questions that occur to me every day. The big world questions (how to bring world peace, how to solve hunger, why do men kill each other) are too ambitious and depressing for the likes of me. And that's why this series by McCall Smith appeals to me so much -- he makes me think, but does so in an immediate, useful sort of way.
This, the third in his Isabel Dalhousie series, doesn't disappoint on that account. As usual, Isabel is occupied with musings about the oddities of people and their motives. She's forced to turn her scrutiny inward as she finds herself tempted to go against her ethical leanings for a variety of reasons.
As in the other Dalhousie books, not a heck of a lot happens in this book. Her relationship with Jamie is furthered, and we learn more about her "sainted American mother." But other than a deepening of relationships, the action is thin.
That would be fine, except for the fact that this series is billed as a mystery series, and the mysterious is few and far between.
I do enjoy Isabel's musings, if I'm a little tired of the way she (and everyone else in the book) seems to repeat everything they say. Really repeat it. Do people in Scotland talk that way? I mean, really? Really really?
Still, I give the book -- and the series -- high marks for making this busy mom of three take a break and think about life. Really think about it. Really.
This, the third in his Isabel Dalhousie series, doesn't disappoint on that account. As usual, Isabel is occupied with musings about the oddities of people and their motives. She's forced to turn her scrutiny inward as she finds herself tempted to go against her ethical leanings for a variety of reasons.
As in the other Dalhousie books, not a heck of a lot happens in this book. Her relationship with Jamie is furthered, and we learn more about her "sainted American mother." But other than a deepening of relationships, the action is thin.
That would be fine, except for the fact that this series is billed as a mystery series, and the mysterious is few and far between.
I do enjoy Isabel's musings, if I'm a little tired of the way she (and everyone else in the book) seems to repeat everything they say. Really repeat it. Do people in Scotland talk that way? I mean, really? Really really?
Still, I give the book -- and the series -- high marks for making this busy mom of three take a break and think about life. Really think about it. Really.
April 19, 2014
Always gentle, always bright, always just right!
Alexander McCall Smith books are wonderfully, intellectually comforting.
Love this Isabel Dalhousie series. Inadvertently, I read this novel out of order, but no matter - still lovely.
Love her life as a thinker - a philosopher - questioning moral ethics, but living freely.
Enjoy McCall Smith's quaint descriptions of the city of Edinburgh:
"Isabel...was sitting in the window of the Glass and Thompson café at the top of Dundas Street - where it descended sharply down the hill to Canonmills. From that point in the street, one could see in the distance the hills of Fife beyond: dark-green hills in that light, but at times an attenuated blue, softened by the sea - always changing. Isabel liked this café, where the display windows of the shop it had once been had now been made into sitting areas for customers. Edinburgh was normally too chilly to allow people to sit out while drinking their coffee, except for a few short weeks in the high summer when café life spilled out onto the pavement, as if expecting a rebuff from the elements. " (p.3-4)
I take my time with his books and never rush them. Just stall and savour. Nightstand specials.
Alexander McCall Smith books are wonderfully, intellectually comforting.
Love this Isabel Dalhousie series. Inadvertently, I read this novel out of order, but no matter - still lovely.
Love her life as a thinker - a philosopher - questioning moral ethics, but living freely.
Enjoy McCall Smith's quaint descriptions of the city of Edinburgh:
"Isabel...was sitting in the window of the Glass and Thompson café at the top of Dundas Street - where it descended sharply down the hill to Canonmills. From that point in the street, one could see in the distance the hills of Fife beyond: dark-green hills in that light, but at times an attenuated blue, softened by the sea - always changing. Isabel liked this café, where the display windows of the shop it had once been had now been made into sitting areas for customers. Edinburgh was normally too chilly to allow people to sit out while drinking their coffee, except for a few short weeks in the high summer when café life spilled out onto the pavement, as if expecting a rebuff from the elements. " (p.3-4)
I take my time with his books and never rush them. Just stall and savour. Nightstand specials.
February 13, 2020
Slow paced, thoughtful, more of a romance than a mystery, more literary than romance, but more pleasant than literary fiction tends to be for me. Isabel, 42-year-old philosopher, meanders through a summer in which relatives visit from Dallas, a friend of theirs from Dallas rents a country house in Scotland and hosts a house party, Isabel's niece Cat dates the son of an ambitious-by-proxy mother, and Isabel herself contemplates her own attraction to the 28-year-old musician recently dumped by Cat. Not a whole lot happens, and Isabel thinks a whole lot about the ethics of this and that.
Dithering on the stars. If I hadn't read one of this series before I'd rate it higher because of how beautifully it immerses me in Isabel's Scottish world. I wanted more to happen - there's a bit of a mystery, but it's only potential until the very last few pages, and even then it's not explored very thoroughly. Still, it was a pleasant way to spend a half-hour here and there, and it was nice not feeling compelled to race through to find out what happened next, since when I read it we had company so I only had bits and pieces of reading time.
Dithering on the stars. If I hadn't read one of this series before I'd rate it higher because of how beautifully it immerses me in Isabel's Scottish world. I wanted more to happen - there's a bit of a mystery, but it's only potential until the very last few pages, and even then it's not explored very thoroughly. Still, it was a pleasant way to spend a half-hour here and there, and it was nice not feeling compelled to race through to find out what happened next, since when I read it we had company so I only had bits and pieces of reading time.
March 24, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 as I love a book that I can finish in 2 days. This one of this series was more soap opera than mystery--unless you can call wondering what is going to happen to central characters a type of mystery. I also am a little taken a back on a man writing the internal musings of a woman but I find Isabel Dalhousie and especially Edinburgh just a combination I can not get enough of. Little happens in these books but the pondering of philosophical questions opens my mind and since I've read the last few of the series I know that some are better than others and I hunt for the nugget of beauty that always seems to hide in the pages. Yes I am also taken in by the story of Isabel and her young lover (the sex only insinuated most of the time) so I am on the way of hunting for the next in the series even if it is like feasting on popcorn--fun to eat but one never feels full.
August 21, 2017
I'm not sure why the Isabel Dalhousie series is classified as mystery; the novels seem to be more about Isabel's gradual uncovering or correcting a misconception she had had. Since she's a philosopher, much of the novels detail her interior dialogues about moral philosophy or ethical imperatives, and I thoroughly enjoyed following along her trains of thought. In this novel, Isabel's attention is devoted to love: what makes love real or not, who loves genuinely or not, and it's a gentle, good read--perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon.
January 18, 2022
I really liked this third instalment in the Isabel Dalhousie series. Unlike the first two this one is character driven rather than plot driven. I usually prefer plot driven but AMcS has done a great job with this one and has pressed the series forward on a couple of important points.
Isabel is a philosopher so it is full of philosophical ideas, many of which I’ve dog-eared. And as usual it is a love story about beautiful Edinburgh. Not through Rose tinted glasses though. A love that accepts Scotland with all its rain and cold weather.
A lovely read for those enjoying the series.
Isabel is a philosopher so it is full of philosophical ideas, many of which I’ve dog-eared. And as usual it is a love story about beautiful Edinburgh. Not through Rose tinted glasses though. A love that accepts Scotland with all its rain and cold weather.
A lovely read for those enjoying the series.
December 26, 2025
***Second read***
I’m really enjoying rereading these books. They always give you something to think about and the main character’s life is heating up in this one!
***First read***
Best of the series so far, and the least "mystery-oriented". But don't let that bother you. This author is consistently good. Human nature is examined as a matter of course in his books, they're always interesting and thought-provoking.
I’m really enjoying rereading these books. They always give you something to think about and the main character’s life is heating up in this one!
***First read***
Best of the series so far, and the least "mystery-oriented". But don't let that bother you. This author is consistently good. Human nature is examined as a matter of course in his books, they're always interesting and thought-provoking.
October 7, 2020
The moral of this story is that I, at 41, can get a 28 year old boyfriend who's outrageously gorgeous if I move to Scotland.
I'll start looking for a job now.
I'll start looking for a job now.
May 23, 2020
Този път ми е между 3 и 4 оценката, но съм доволна от книгата. Пристрастих се към шотландския пейзаж, манталитет и народопсихология. Много добре са описани като характер и научаваме тяхната история чрез Изабел Далхаузи и нейните познайници.
В тази трета част на книгата Изабел разсъждава върху морални-етичните норми на любовта, връзките и характера на човека.
В тази трета част на книгата Изабел разсъждава върху морални-етичните норми на любовта, връзките и характера на човека.
November 8, 2018
Listened to as an audiobook. Always enjoy Isabel, Jamie, and Grace. I've read & listened to these all out of order (first one I read was #11) so was very nice to hear the story of Isabel and Jamie becoming a couple.
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