wanderaven's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't imagine abandoning a series I've thoroughly enjoyed halfway through the eleventh book, but I suppose that's what I've just done.
I've abandoned the book, at least, if not the series.
I've said before about McCall Smith that one must be in the right frame of mind to read his gentle, insightful, meandering novels. I am, perhaps, not in the right frame of mind right now. The most exciting thing I found about this one was Charlie and his reactions to his new baby brother. Endearing, spiteful, funny, they were the primary reason I kept reading as long as I did and I was so focused on these interactions that it felt like the rest of the bones of the plot were weakly constructed around this one element.
I'm always going to love the 44 Scotland Street series, and I doubt that I won't return to the Dalhousie books but I've never abandoned one before, either, so I suppose we'll see.
I've abandoned the book, at least, if not the series.
I've said before about McCall Smith that one must be in the right frame of mind to read his gentle, insightful, meandering novels. I am, perhaps, not in the right frame of mind right now. The most exciting thing I found about this one was Charlie and his reactions to his new baby brother. Endearing, spiteful, funny, they were the primary reason I kept reading as long as I did and I was so focused on these interactions that it felt like the rest of the bones of the plot were weakly constructed around this one element.
I'm always going to love the 44 Scotland Street series, and I doubt that I won't return to the Dalhousie books but I've never abandoned one before, either, so I suppose we'll see.
author_d_r_oestreicher's review against another edition
5.0
A Distant View of Everything by Alexander McCall Smith is #11 Isabel Dalhousie novel. She is still married to Jamie. Charlie is four. Magnus is an infant. This is a cozy, cozy mystery. One mystery comes from her friend Bea, matchmaker, who fears she's set up a dinner guest with a man who preys on rich women. The other mystery from Eddie who works at her cousin Cat's deli. He is concerned that Cat has taken a girlfriend.
If you enjoy a world where everyone is nice, and nothing bad ever happens, this is the author for you. Also, consider the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
For more: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-distant-view-of-everything-by.html
If you enjoy a world where everyone is nice, and nothing bad ever happens, this is the author for you. Also, consider the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
For more: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-distant-view-of-everything-by.html
henrismum's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
#11 in series (I started this series in 2012 or possibly 2014. I got bored reading the books so I took some time off, but resumed via audiobooks in late 2022.)
Comparison to others in series:Not as good About the same Better
When you mix philosophy with a bit of mystery, you get an Isabel Dalhousie novel. You self-reflect, roll your eyes and get slightly jealous the woman who seems to have a pretty perfect life.
The narrator was Davina Porter. I have listened to many books by Ms. Porter and I enjoy her voice.
Source: Phoenix Library
#11 in series (I started this series in 2012 or possibly 2014. I got bored reading the books so I took some time off, but resumed via audiobooks in late 2022.)
Comparison to others in series:
When you mix philosophy with a bit of mystery, you get an Isabel Dalhousie novel. You self-reflect, roll your eyes and get slightly jealous the woman who seems to have a pretty perfect life.
The narrator was Davina Porter. I have listened to many books by Ms. Porter and I enjoy her voice.
Source: Phoenix Library
magistratrium's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. Another enjoyable visit with Isabel. I love how she so often goes off into a train of thoughts that have nothing to do with the conversation she is having with someone. I love that Charlie wants to put Magnus down the drain. I love Brother Fox and moral proximity and Isabel getting involved in things that aren’t really her business and Jaime’s music and their free association game. A fun read for a cloudy weekend.
bgg616's review against another edition
4.0
Isabel Dalhousie continues to have a good life but at times there a few ripples on its calm surface. She realizes that little lies of omission can lead to misunderstandings and erode trust. She cannot take her life for granted. As always Isabel gets involved in investigating some problem or mystery someone brings to her. She learns that things are often not what they seem. Her niece Cat who is constantly in and out of relationships is again being secretive. This wasn't my favorite in the series but as a devotee of the series, I will keep reading them if only to see what develops in Isabel's life.
ruthie_the_librarian's review
5.0
Read & reviewed for the bookbag: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=A_Distant_View_of_Everything_by_Alexander_McCall_Smith
Ah, Isabel Dalhousie! The more I read about Isabel, the more I like her. I could see, in this book in particular, how annoying she could potentially be as a friend, since she is forever gazing off into the distance, heading into her inner imaginings rather than staying focussed on the conversation, and yet I think she would be an interesting, and thought-provoking, sort of friend to have. In this, the eleventh novel in the series, Isabel finds herself once more embroiled in someone else's business. She, and her husband Jamie, are starting to be resigned to the fact that she just can't help but get involved! Mysteries abound, both in this business and in her own family life, as we watch her day to day doings up in Edinburgh.
Charlie has the biggest changes to deal with, in this story, as he suddenly finds himself with a baby brother, Magnus. I rather like the entry of another child on the scene, since Charlie no longer behaves like the perfect child and, instead, is really very against the entry of a new child into their lives! I'm looking forward to see how Magnus will change things in the household in the future. I did feel a little jealous of how 'easy' Isabel has things - with Grace there to take care of the children whenever she needs her too, sometimes things feel just a little too convenient for Isabel. I'm quite sure Isabel never turns up for work with her hair unbrushed, or toothpaste stains on her top as I do, and there is a little bit of me that resents her for her excellent cook of a husband, and her 'housewife', Grace, who helps her with everything!
Anyway, the mystery this time relates to a friend of Isabel's who has been matchmaking and now fears she has made an unfortunate, and possibly dangerous match! Isabel must tread carefully in order to investigate a man's credentials, to try and uncover the truth of what is going on. Isabel's niece, Cat, is also proving very mysterious with her new friend. Cat refuses to divulge where they met, and Isabel's imagination is running riot!
The story has a good pace throughout, and I felt there was a good mixture of things happening alongside of the things going on in Isabel's head. I did, once again, get a little twitchy about Isabel and Jamie, and whether everything was going to be okay. You'll be relieved to hear it's another happy ending, thank goodness! There's music, and philosophical discussion, and baby talk, as well as some sadness, and through it all is Isabel's gentle, enquiring nature shining through.
The garden-visiting fox also pays a couple of visits, and so everything feels just as it should, in this little corner of Edinburgh. If I had any complaint at all it would only be that the book felt just a little too short...I wanted more! Perhaps I always feel that way with AMS's books, that I would like just a little bit more to read, since he is one of my absolute favourite authors, and he is rapidly taking over the bookshelves of my home with his prolific writing! Happily, this is another excellent addition to the Isabel Dalhousie stories.
Ah, Isabel Dalhousie! The more I read about Isabel, the more I like her. I could see, in this book in particular, how annoying she could potentially be as a friend, since she is forever gazing off into the distance, heading into her inner imaginings rather than staying focussed on the conversation, and yet I think she would be an interesting, and thought-provoking, sort of friend to have. In this, the eleventh novel in the series, Isabel finds herself once more embroiled in someone else's business. She, and her husband Jamie, are starting to be resigned to the fact that she just can't help but get involved! Mysteries abound, both in this business and in her own family life, as we watch her day to day doings up in Edinburgh.
Charlie has the biggest changes to deal with, in this story, as he suddenly finds himself with a baby brother, Magnus. I rather like the entry of another child on the scene, since Charlie no longer behaves like the perfect child and, instead, is really very against the entry of a new child into their lives! I'm looking forward to see how Magnus will change things in the household in the future. I did feel a little jealous of how 'easy' Isabel has things - with Grace there to take care of the children whenever she needs her too, sometimes things feel just a little too convenient for Isabel. I'm quite sure Isabel never turns up for work with her hair unbrushed, or toothpaste stains on her top as I do, and there is a little bit of me that resents her for her excellent cook of a husband, and her 'housewife', Grace, who helps her with everything!
Anyway, the mystery this time relates to a friend of Isabel's who has been matchmaking and now fears she has made an unfortunate, and possibly dangerous match! Isabel must tread carefully in order to investigate a man's credentials, to try and uncover the truth of what is going on. Isabel's niece, Cat, is also proving very mysterious with her new friend. Cat refuses to divulge where they met, and Isabel's imagination is running riot!
The story has a good pace throughout, and I felt there was a good mixture of things happening alongside of the things going on in Isabel's head. I did, once again, get a little twitchy about Isabel and Jamie, and whether everything was going to be okay. You'll be relieved to hear it's another happy ending, thank goodness! There's music, and philosophical discussion, and baby talk, as well as some sadness, and through it all is Isabel's gentle, enquiring nature shining through.
The garden-visiting fox also pays a couple of visits, and so everything feels just as it should, in this little corner of Edinburgh. If I had any complaint at all it would only be that the book felt just a little too short...I wanted more! Perhaps I always feel that way with AMS's books, that I would like just a little bit more to read, since he is one of my absolute favourite authors, and he is rapidly taking over the bookshelves of my home with his prolific writing! Happily, this is another excellent addition to the Isabel Dalhousie stories.
cdbellomy's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars for me. This book literally had no plot. I keep reading the series, waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever does. I actually ended up listening to the audiobook at double speed just to get through it.
dmchurch's review against another edition
Once again Isabel is drawn into a difficult situation involving a long-time acquaintance's match-making while balancing the demands of domestic life including adapting to a new baby.
originalstepher's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0