Review by Booklist Review
The prodigiously prolific and popular McCall Smith (especially renowned for his long-running No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series) gives readers a quirky, thought-provoking, thoroughly entertaining stand-alone novel. Quirky because the action mimics Homer's Odyssey. Traveler Dr. Neil Anderson is a public health expert who accepts a position at an Edinburgh institution that tracks the worldwide spread of infectious diseases. A misunderstood remark in one of his lectures brings the Furies of an offended student and a corrupt chairperson on Anderson's head, wrecking his career. His girlfriend betrays him, and he withdraws to the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland to recover. There, battle-scarred from academic infighting, he encounters Circe--a veterinarian given the nickname by locals because her beauty is so powerful that every man who meets her becomes a love-struck fool. McCall Smith, who was a professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh before launching his writing career, here delivers a credibly scathing attack on academic pettiness and viciousness. Readers will be enchanted by McCall Smith's depiction of the beauty of Mull, and galvanized by his through-theme of the roles chance and choice play in our lives.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Smith (the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series) spins an entertaining tale about the vagaries of relationships. Public health researcher Dr. Neil Anderson finds himself in a minor imbroglio at the Edinburgh university where he teaches when one of his students misconstrues his remarks about a lower-working-class neighborhood as "disgusting" (he meant the conditions, not the inhabitants). Making matters worse, a blossoming new romance with colleague Chrissie Thomson turns sour several months after they move in together. Fed up by the drama, Neil retreats to the Scottish Highlands, where his medical school friend James puts him up in his farmhouse on the secluded island of Mull. He finds kindred spirits in the house's closest neighbors: Stuart, a fisherman and oyster rancher; Maddy, a website designer; and Jill, the attractive local vet known for breaking men's hearts, whom he supports through a professional crisis of her own. In their earthy company, Neil enjoys university-grade philosophical discussions along with freedom from the stultifying campus, where "the democratic traditions of collegiate governance were consigned to history." Smith's character work is top-notch, and he's unflinching with his barbs about the morass of higher education. The author's fans will love this. Agent: Robin Straus, Robin Straus Agency. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
This stand-alone novel from McCall Smith, best known for his "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" mystery series, examines issues of betrayal, justice, and life choices, as seen through the eyes of professor Neil Anderson. Neil has a cushy teaching and research job at the University of Edinburgh, and he and his girlfriend enjoy their life together in a swanky apartment. That is, until an ethics complaint from one of his students changes Neil's life forever, as everything he had relied upon starts to fall apart. His friend James urges him to fight back, especially against the brash administrator who seems biased against him. Neil opts instead to relocate, at least temporarily, to the Island of Mull. He's not licking his wounds so much as rethinking his perspective on life, which might include a fresh shot at love. VERDICT This is McCall Smith, so expect a beautifully written and moving take on humanity, warts and all. The idyllic setting on a Scottish island and the romantic elements are reminiscent of Jenny Colgan's cozy novels and should appeal to her fans. An excellent entry point for any McCall Smith newcomer.--Laurel Bliss
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