The Forgotten Affairs of Youth: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel

I can never decide which characters I like best in the McCall Smith universe. Is it Precious Ramostwe in Botswana and her #1 Ladies' Detective Agency? Or is it Isabel Dalhousie, detective of a different sort, investigator of the mind and all things philosophical? Or is it Bertie and his well-meaning but dysfunctional parents who are part of the cohort at 44 Scotland Street?

In any case, I love the way this man writes. Slower-paced, reflective and ruminating, but never so indulgent that the reader is driven nuts with impatience. His books are like listening to familiar music - you can savor the slow parts because you know what's coming. And he does it all with an economy of words.

I think this latest is one of McCall Smith's best. It has all the suspense of a true "search for identity" case, mixed with all the usual ambiguities, odd juxtapositions, and perils of the "examined life" that go along with Isabel Dalhousie's life and work as editor and publisher of a philosophical journal. McCall Smith seems to strike just that perfect combination of outward narrative and inner landscape that makes his characters so relatable.

I don't know quite where I'll turn for this sort of literary fun if or when Smith ever retires from cranking out these stories. I know that day is inevitable, but I hope it's not coming any time soon.

I like the reader's voice and, of course, following Isabel through another adventure which the darling father of her child wishes she wouldn't!

I think the gentleness....

Mercy! I should have listened again before answering this...

Isabel Dalhousie because she is such a kind soul who is really interested in the
people in her world..

I have AMS books but this one seems to be very light on plot and very long on rambling semi-philosophical thoughts.

Yes

the new girl in Cat's deli

no

When I read this book I feel as if I at a Sunday afternoon tea with Isabel listening to her accounts of her musings and activities since last we had tea together. It is such a delightful feeling I forget it is a book I am listening to. Davina Porter is great with her slight Scot accent. I enjoy Isabel's philosophical musings and they always get me to thinking also. I had to laugh when Charlie yells out olives in the church during the wedding service. Can not wait for the next book in the meantime I will have philosophical musings of my own about the story line.

Just can't beat an Alexander McCall Smith listen, and Isabel Dalhousie is still up to her usual interesting life observations.

If and when I review the entire series.

She has become the characters for me.

I first fell in love with the #1 Ladies Detective Agency and then moved on from there. Alexander McCall Smith is endearing, but your readers are who keep me coming back.

This was another hit from Alexander McCall Smith. I love all these gentle, sweet, thoughtful stories.

Isabel Dalhousie's train(s) of thought take us to such fascinating places and amazingly bring together many different experiences into one theme. The smallest incident can take her off in many wild directions; but by the end they have all been tied together and we suddently realize that we have seen the world in a different way.

Obviously, Isabel. Being inside her head is an enlightening trip. But is also hard not to choose Jamie. He knows when to follow along with Isabel's diversions and when to let her go her own way. And he is a great Dad.

I have never read a hard copy of an Isabel Dalhousie book. Isabel would not be the same experience without the voice, accent, and expressions of Davina Porter.

Have we learned from them [the forgotten affairs or youth], or let them haunt our lives?

This is another wonderful story about Isabel, Jamie and Charlie.
Once again a charming visit with Isabel and the people she tries to help.

The techniques that McCall uses for his Ladies No. 1 detective novels set in Botswana do not work in this story. The frequent detailing of the characters' thoughts that are utterly delightful in the detective novels are too long and esoteric in The Forgotten Affairs of Youth. The reader is wonderful. The problem is with the story.

Yes, definitely!

I really enjoyed listening to the Scottish accents.

Yes, it was interesting to learn about life in Scotland