A Distant View of Everything: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (11)

PRAISE FOR THE NOVEL HABITS OF HAPPINESS AND THE ISABEL DALHOUSIE SERIES: “No writer makes the philosophical life as inviting and cozy as McCall Smith does in his episodic novels featuring Isabel Dalhousie. . . . The real substance of this charming series lies in Isabel’s thoughtful observations and the interactions among a large cast of characters.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“One does not read a McCall Smith novel for its plot, as such, since the pleasures of his books reside mostly in their idiosyncratic characters and the abundance of knowledge and observations they impart.” —Toronto Star“[A] stimulating thinking-person’s read.” —New York Journal of Books“If you are a fan of the Isabel Dalhousie novels then you will delight in Alexander McCall Smith’s latest addition to the series. . . . The tenth fabulous story in the Isabel Dalhousie series will leave you wanting more.” —Culture Street“Settle in for a soul-soothing read.” —Marie Claire (Australia)“Plot twists keep you reading, but it's Isabel's musings on duty and parenthood that linger.”—People“Isabel Dalhousie is such good company, it's hard to believe she's fictional. You finish [each] installment greedily looking forward to more.” —Newsweek PRAISE FOR ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH:  “McCall Smith’s accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities.” —Newsday “McCall Smith is prolific and he’s habit-forming. He’s the crystal meth of popular fiction.” —The Globe and Mail “Alexander McCall Smith is an excellent, old-fashioned storyteller.” —The Gazette “Scotland’s one-man novel factory. . . . McCall Smith’s writing has tons of charm and kindly wisdom.” —The Times “McCall Smith’s talent for dialogue is matched only by his gift for characterization.” —Chicago Tribune   “McCall Smith makes the sublime look easy. . . . [He] has few peers in capturing the quiet moments of people’s lives.” —Publishers Weekly   “McCall Smith’s characters are well-drawn and alive. . . . A writer . . . who charms many readers.” —Providence Journal   “A prolific, popular and wonderfully peculiar writer.” —The Independent “McCall Smith is a wonderful storyteller, and his stories are characteristically filled with humour and an innate, affectionate disposition towards the human race.” —The Sydney Morning Herald “A vivid observer and an elegant writer.” —The Plain Dealer