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A Distant View of Everything cover art

A Distant View of Everything

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Karlyn Stephen
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Summary

The latest novel in Alexander McCall Smith's much-loved Isabel Dalhousie series.

Recently distracted by the arrival of her and Jamie's second son, Magnus, Isabel Dalhousie - philanthropic editor of the Review of Applied Ethics - is anxious. The next issue of the Review is far from ready, her eldest, Charlie, is jealous, and their housekeeper, Grace, has an officious approach to childcare. With some relief, Isabel returns to helping out at her niece Cat's delicatessen, where surely the most taxing duty is the preparation of sandwiches.

It's not long before Isabel's helpful, philosophical nature draws her into customers' problems, specifically that of ambitious, self-proclaimed matchmaker, Bea Shandon. Bea has staged a potentially dangerous liaison involving enigmatic plastic surgeon, Tony MacUspaig, who may not be quite who he claims to be - and Isabel's help is required in getting to the truth of the matter.

When the truth finally reveals itself, Isabel must conclude that along with MacUspaig, Bea, Jamie - and even Cat - she herself is not immune to misunderstandings, or the neurotic fantasies that arise from keeping secrets....

©2017 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2017 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"Alexander McCall Smith novels never fail to delight..." ( The Guardian)
"To say McCall Smith is a literary phenomenon doesn't quite describe what has happened. He has become more of a movement...[His books] make a splash of colour in a drab world and provide a genial buffer against the disappointments of life." ( The Telegraph)

What listeners say about A Distant View of Everything

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Edinburgh wih love

Isabelle's lifestyle is se relaxing, and her view of life so peaceful!
I only wish the plot were thicker.

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Gentle philosophy

The faults and foibles of Isabel Dalhousie - marvellously written and well narrated. Not for everyone - but I love it.

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