The Winds from Further West

De: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrado por: James Rottger

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.

©2025 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2025 Recorded Books

Very somber. Disappointed.

I couldn’t even get halfway because I was so thoroughly depressed by all the gloominess and the monotone narrator. There was no humor or lightness as in The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street. There’s enough strife in life. I listen to audiobooks to be happy.

Kind and philosophical.

I enjoyed that the story took me away to Scotland. I enjoyed this book although I thought it moved along rather slowly and I thought the main character too timid. He should have stood up for himself and for the sake of others who would be affected lack of action. But I guess that’s philosophical.

One of His Best

I’ve read all of McCall Smith’s adult novels, and this may be my favorite, despite a lack of his usual gentle humor. There is a warmth to his fluid prose, an acknowledgement of life’s inequities, and an understanding of motivation that make for a thoughtful tale of betrayal with silver linings. The characters are believable and the dialogue natural and seemingly inevitable. I listened to the audiobook edition, then bought the hardback to reread it.

Subtle Entertainment, Finding A True Road

This book sped by in one sitting. The academic setting and human problems were presented in all too real tangles of truth vs ambition, lovers who are strangers to each others' souls, and finding a true path leading to a longed for but unknown place and person. Mysterious in its own way, and it leaves one thinking about the importance of honesty and patience when life seems whirling out of control.

Wonderful characters.

Great pacing and very timely commentary.
There is a weird typo in the book though where the character of Stuart is accidentally referred to as James twice. I think in chapter ten. Not sure if it’s the narrator’s mistake or if it’s in the text.

Wonderful Story

A wonderful critique of our faltering culture and a gentle story of the forces of good that will redeem it.

Refreshingly thought provoking

A story about honor, love, understanding…very timely for our world as it is today. Excellent.

Too much philosophical discussion.

I loved the characters but needed more from them. Will there be a Book 2?

An Unexpected Gem

Anything by Alexander McCall Smith is absolutely brilliant - he has always been a favourite author of mine. It’s almost as if the Universe said “NOW is the time you must read this book”, because it resonated with me in ways I was not expecting. This story, so brilliantly written and narrated, is being recommended to everyone I know!

Excellent Diagnosis of Society’s Ills

Another winner by Alexander McCall Smith. His stories reveal a deep understanding of human nature and society. In this latest novel, his description of tyrannical politics and political correctness in academia will be uncomfortably familiar to anyone who’s ever worked in that setting - a milieu where not giving offense to self-identified victims usually trumps the truth. McCall Smith can develop the “intellectual bitch” character like no one else. (This must surely come from personal experience!) Unfortunately he pits these witches against wimpy Beta males - not very satisfying for the reader but probably true to life. Manly men wouldn’t put up with them for a minute.