Corduroy Mansions

A Novel

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency comes this serialized novel—reminiscent of his acclaimed 44 Scotland Street.

In London’s Pimlico neighborhood lies a tenement described in architectural guides as “a building of no interest whatsoever”. But the residents of Corduroy Mansions—including a literary agent, a wine merchant, a thoroughly unpleasant member of Parliament, and a vegetarian dog—are a rather fascinating lot. There’s the vitamin evangelist, the psychoanalyst, the art student with a puzzling boyfriend, and Freddie de la Hay, the Pimlico terrier who insists on wearing a seat belt and is almost certainly the only avowed vegetarian canine in London.

Filled with the ins and outs of neighborliness in all its unexpected variations, Corduroy Mansions showcases the life, laughter, and humanity that have become the hallmarks of Alexander McCall Smith’s work.

©2010 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"[A] daily laugh-out-loud treat on my journey into work.” ( Bookseller)

"Smith's charming first in a new series offers a variation on his 44 Scotland Street books, centering on the eccentric occupants of Corduroy Mansions and their offbeat doings....[T]he wry humor he elicits from the collisions of lives and their repercussions will bring smiles to the faces of many readers." ( Publishers Weekly)

Corduroy as himself

As usual, Smith introduces us to a palate of unusual characters most delightful of whom is Corduroy. I wish there had been more of him. Th ending makes it MOST worthwhile. Also, I like the CURLY image of Corduroy best.

Characters Easy to Live With

A very good story, or rather--collection of various characters and their intermigled--stories. While different in many ways, certainly overall intent, this book reminded me quite a bit of THE WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE, which is high praise indeed. I've read many of A.M. Smith's books now, and always look forward to each as a time to simultaneously laugh, be inspired, and provoked to better thought and understaning. Occassionally I get tired of the endless meandering thoughts of each and every single character, and I believe CORDUROY MANSIONS brought this minor irritation out more strongly than usual, simply because each one of the many many characters is star of her or his own story, so there is an incredible amount of inner, random, meandering, thougtfulness indeed. Still, I come away from the book feeling refreshed and happy to have met more of the delightful characters from Smith's delightfully-peopled universe. I'm immensely grateful that he provides me with these most enjoyable diversions.

A Fun, Relaxing Read

As a fan of Alexander McCall Smith I knew I would enjoy this book and I did. The author’s clever, gentle humor and his way with words is a joy in a world that seems to have run amok. Thanks for a lovely getaway.

Still good, yet far from the best.

I am a big fan of Mr. Alexander McCall Smith, but, after having listened to Corduroy Mention, I felt a bit disappointed. It resembles the 44 Scotland street series in its setup, well, only it takes place in London. However, it is much flatter than the Edinburgh-placed stories: the characters are harder to engage with, there are too many of the second-plan people and stories, and London is not really present, not even in the background (and one expects the location to play at least some role in McCall Smith???s books). To me, the book felt busy and lacking depth, and some story lines were left uncompleted or not fully realized, or not connected to each other in any meaningful way.

Start of a fabulous friendship!

Would you listen to Corduroy Mansions again? Why?

Yes I would listen to Corduroy Mansions again just as I would visit a friend again even though I had already been to their house. The story is peopled with interesting characters and a sweet dog I would gladly welcome into my home.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Freddy de la Hay, the dog.

Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narration is great and reliable.

Who was the most memorable character of Corduroy Mansions and why?

Freddy de la Hay, the dog.

Any additional comments?

The story is great clean fun. I will want to listen to more in the series.

Wise and funny observations from my fave author.

I have read and/or listened to all of Alexander McCall Smith's books, but somehow missed the start of this new series. I began listening to "Corduroy Mansions" in audiobook format at the beginning of an intercontinental flight and it was a real struggle not to laugh out loud. I just couldn't stop listening and am now seriously jet-lagged!! Mr. McCall Smith was the first author in the yearly Pen and Podium series here in Denver. Nobody since has been as interesting, charming and funny. He's my favorite author.

Just OK

I ADORE the Ladies Detective Agency books. This is only the second or third of McCall Smith's books that I've read outside of that series, and all have disappointed. This one was OK - nothing offensive about it, and once I was well into it the characters did kind of grow on me to the point where I wanted to see them through. But there isn't that much to see through - the plot is slow and not much happens. There are TOO MANY characters and subplots woven together, and really, none of them is all that compelling. It really was kind of boring, and seemed to go on and on and on (100 chapters!?)

The reading was FINE - well done.
There were a few characters that really were a hoot - Oedipus Snark (mostly for his name) and I especially liked Terrence. But there was nothing really compelling about it - either plot or characters. And although much of it was mildly amusing, I just don't get how anyone could find it "hilarious" -?!

I'll stick to Mma Ramotswe and friends in the future. THOSE are a GIFT!

Another Good Series

I was leery of this because, as much as I love Precious Ramotswe, I hated the characters in 44 Scotland St. So I put this off for a long time. But this was fun, with characters I really liked. I plan to read more in the series just to see what happens to them next. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars, but I decided that Precious and Grace were 5s and these were right below.

Completely Charming!

What did you like best about this story?

A quiet and thoroughly delightful excursion into the lives of a group of people living in Corduroy Mansions, which has been broken up into flats. The odd occurrences and everyday ups and downs of the inhabitants and their acquaintances are almost like a British "Rear Window" with glimpses into everyone's life. No murders, of course, unless you count a most beautiful pair of shoes.....! A regular treat, this book is!

More plot please

Any additional comments?

I always enjoy Alexander McCall Smith's work, and this was not exception. He charactors are interested and weel developed. I just wish they did something! Charactor development is fine, but some action would be appreciated.