The Winds from Further West
A Novel
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4.3 • 15 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
"A beautifully written and moving take on humanity, warts and all. . . . An excellent entry point for any McCall Smith newcomer." —Library Journal, starred review
From the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a dazzling and uplifting novel of new beginnings and endless possibilities, in which a slew of personal and professional disasters cause a young researcher to upend his seemingly stable life in Edinburgh and move to a remote island off the Scottish coast.
Dr. Neil Anderson has just started a new position at the University of Edinburgh when he meets Chrissie, an intelligent and ambitious colleague at the institute. Before long, the two move into a gorgeous flat on the south side of the city. Things seem to be going well for Neil, until an accusation of insensitive comments lands him in hot water with the university and he discovers a troubling secret about his relationship. Suddenly feeling as though his life is unraveling, he leaves everything behind for the remote and secluded beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.
Not long after his arrival, a ship comes in to the harbor whose cargo—two wolf cubs—will drastically change the course of his life yet again. These cubs spark controversy on the island, leading Neil to Katie, the island’s resident veterinarian, and bring with them the possibility of new beginnings and a budding romance.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful
Top ten books category of 2025