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The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds

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The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Lesley Mackie
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As a mother, wife, employer and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. So when a neighbour brings her a new and potentially dangerous puzzle to solve, once again Isabel feels she has no option but to shoulder the burden.

A masterpiece painting has been stolen from Duncan Munrowe, old-fashioned philanthropist, father to two discontented children, and a very wealthy man. As Isabel enters into negotiations with the shadowy figures who are in search of a ransom, a case where heroes and villains should be clearly defined turns murky: the list of those who desire the painting - or the money - lengthens, and hasty judgement must be avoided at all cost.

Morals, it turns out, are like Scottish clouds: complex, changeable and tricky to get a firm grip on; they require a sharp observational eye, a philosophical mindset, and the habit of kindness. Fortunately for those around her, Isabel Dalhousie is in possession of all three.

©2012 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2012 Hachette Digital Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Comedy Suspense Mystery Marriage
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A lovely gentle book - as with all of McCall Smith's writing - that reminds you of the importance of considering the meaning of life. Isabel Dalhousie is an excellent character, and McCall Smith uses her as a mouthpiece for much of his own musings on life. From the acceptance of difference in others to the appreciation of small blessings, he covers it all beautifully. And although there is no sex as such - his suggestion of intimacy between Isabel and Jamie is wonderful. Lesley Mackie's narration is excellent too. Enjoy!

Delightful

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I loved the many references ti clouds which seemed to link the whole together. I disliked the fact that a crime ( first a theft then an attempted blackmail then an attempted fraud) had been committed yet Isabel does not inform the police of her findings - morally questionable.

Isabel always has to get involved where others would steer clear

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Wasn't so keen on this narrator - but usual good story - and a gentle listen.

Not his best

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What a dreary book. I'm clearly far too dumb to grasp all the existential angst within its long, boring pages. I just felt like shouting at the main characters "stop bleating about absolutely nothing!" Ugh. Never again.

Nevermind Dalhousie, this is DULLhousie!

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