Corduroy Mansions, Pimlico is an oasis of old-fashioned civilisation, its inhabitants considerate and peace-loving. But beneath the polite exterior seismic change is stirring.
Barbara Ragg makes an eye-popping discovery about her stolid Scottish suitor's past, while Oedipus Snark - newly appointed and tirelessly self-interested Government Minister - has a close encounter in Switzerland that leaves him a new man all together. Then plucky canine Freddie de la Hay goes missing, and his owner, widower William French, is so shaken by an unexpected declaration of love that he seriously considers making a disappearance himself.
Goodhearted, well-intentioned but often to be found barking up the wrong tree, the residents of Corduroy Mansions remain a thoroughly entertaining example to us all.
This unabridged audio download edition includes exclusive additional interviews with the characters of Corduroy Mansions, voiced by the wonderful Andrew Sachs.
©2011 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2011 Hachette Digital
"Evelyn Waugh Revisited"
This really reminded me of Waugh's work (which I love) and that was strangely unsettling because there were a lot of modern references to technology... yet this story really felt as if it belonged in the 1930s or 40s. I liked it, and enjoyed listening to it, but I couldn't say I was utterly compelled or drawn in by any of the characters. It was very much an ensemble piece. Nice if you're on a long journey, or doing the iroing!