-
The Forgotten Affairs of Youth
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $24.49
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, Book 9
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One afternoon over coffee at Cat’s delicatessen, a friend of Isabel’s shares a call for help from Duncan Munrowe. Crafty thieves have stolen a prized painting from his collection, a work by the celebrated French artist Nicolas Poussin that was earmarked for donation to the Scottish National Gallery. Munrowe has been approached by the thieves and hopes that Isabel will assist him in recovering the painting. Never one to refuse an appeal, she agrees, and discovers that the thieves may be closer to the owner than he ever would have expected.
-
-
Great story, simply gorgeous narration...
- By Benedict on 10-29-12
-
The Woman Who Walked In Sunshine
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Business is slow at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, so slow in fact that for the first time in her estimable career Precious Ramotswe has reluctantly agreed to take a holiday. The promise of a week of uninterrupted peace is short-lived, however, when she meets a young boy named Samuel, a troublemaker who is himself in some trouble. Once she learns more about Samuel's sad story, Mma Ramotswe feels compelled to step in and help him find his way out of a bad situation.
-
-
The busiest vacation ever
- By Pamela J on 01-15-16
-
44 Scotland Street: Series 1-3
- Full-cast radio adaptations of the much-loved novels
- By: Alexander McCall-Smith
- Narrated by: Crawford Logan, Carol Ann Crawford, full cast
- Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anthropologist Domenica MacDonald observes the lives of her neighbours and the neighbourhood in Edinburgh's New Town. Pat, a new young tenant, arrives at 44 Scotland Street to flat share with Bruce. Bruce is a surveyor with more of an eye for the ladies than a sound property. We're introduced to five-year-old Bertie, who is controlled by his pretentious and intellectual mother, Irene - he's learning the saxophone, speaks Italian, and is extremely knowledgeable about many subjects.
-
-
Author's way with words LOST
- By Jamie S. Gibson on 05-15-19
-
Chance Developments
- Stories
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie, Jamie Jackson, John Keating, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is said that a picture may be worth a thousand words, but an old photograph can inspire many more. In this beguiling book, Alexander McCall Smith casts his eye over five chanced-upon photographs from the era of black-and-white photography and imagines the stories behind them. Who were those people, what were their stories, why are they smiling, what made them sad?
-
-
Several "I wish that I had written that..."
- By N. David Blocher on 01-20-17
-
The Second-Worst Restaurant in France
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Timothy Ackroyd
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Renowned cookbook writer Paul Stuart, renewed and refreshed from his time in Tuscany, has returned to Scotland to work on his new book. Writing, though, is complicated by Paul's changed domestic circumstances. His editor and new girlfriend, Gloria, has moved in with him despite not being specifically invited, and she's brought her two rather demanding Siamese cats. When Paul's cousin, Chloe, suggests Paul visit her in the French countryside, Paul jumps at the chance. However, once he arrives, he finds his fortunes tangled up with the infamous local restaurant.
-
-
it was never amazing, but consistently enjoyable.
- By Judy on 09-26-19
-
Corduroy Mansions
- A Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Simon Prebble
- Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Oedipus Snark, MP
- By connie on 04-25-12
-
The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, Book 9
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One afternoon over coffee at Cat’s delicatessen, a friend of Isabel’s shares a call for help from Duncan Munrowe. Crafty thieves have stolen a prized painting from his collection, a work by the celebrated French artist Nicolas Poussin that was earmarked for donation to the Scottish National Gallery. Munrowe has been approached by the thieves and hopes that Isabel will assist him in recovering the painting. Never one to refuse an appeal, she agrees, and discovers that the thieves may be closer to the owner than he ever would have expected.
-
-
Great story, simply gorgeous narration...
- By Benedict on 10-29-12
-
The Woman Who Walked In Sunshine
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Business is slow at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, so slow in fact that for the first time in her estimable career Precious Ramotswe has reluctantly agreed to take a holiday. The promise of a week of uninterrupted peace is short-lived, however, when she meets a young boy named Samuel, a troublemaker who is himself in some trouble. Once she learns more about Samuel's sad story, Mma Ramotswe feels compelled to step in and help him find his way out of a bad situation.
-
-
The busiest vacation ever
- By Pamela J on 01-15-16
-
44 Scotland Street: Series 1-3
- Full-cast radio adaptations of the much-loved novels
- By: Alexander McCall-Smith
- Narrated by: Crawford Logan, Carol Ann Crawford, full cast
- Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anthropologist Domenica MacDonald observes the lives of her neighbours and the neighbourhood in Edinburgh's New Town. Pat, a new young tenant, arrives at 44 Scotland Street to flat share with Bruce. Bruce is a surveyor with more of an eye for the ladies than a sound property. We're introduced to five-year-old Bertie, who is controlled by his pretentious and intellectual mother, Irene - he's learning the saxophone, speaks Italian, and is extremely knowledgeable about many subjects.
-
-
Author's way with words LOST
- By Jamie S. Gibson on 05-15-19
-
Chance Developments
- Stories
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie, Jamie Jackson, John Keating, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is said that a picture may be worth a thousand words, but an old photograph can inspire many more. In this beguiling book, Alexander McCall Smith casts his eye over five chanced-upon photographs from the era of black-and-white photography and imagines the stories behind them. Who were those people, what were their stories, why are they smiling, what made them sad?
-
-
Several "I wish that I had written that..."
- By N. David Blocher on 01-20-17
-
The Second-Worst Restaurant in France
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Timothy Ackroyd
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Renowned cookbook writer Paul Stuart, renewed and refreshed from his time in Tuscany, has returned to Scotland to work on his new book. Writing, though, is complicated by Paul's changed domestic circumstances. His editor and new girlfriend, Gloria, has moved in with him despite not being specifically invited, and she's brought her two rather demanding Siamese cats. When Paul's cousin, Chloe, suggests Paul visit her in the French countryside, Paul jumps at the chance. However, once he arrives, he finds his fortunes tangled up with the infamous local restaurant.
-
-
it was never amazing, but consistently enjoyable.
- By Judy on 09-26-19
-
Corduroy Mansions
- A Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Simon Prebble
- Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Oedipus Snark, MP
- By connie on 04-25-12
-
The Man with the Silver Saab
- Detective Varg, Book 3
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the hilarious new novel in the best-selling Detective Varg series, an eminent art historian is framed and the ace investigators of the department of sensitive crimes are on the case.
-
-
I love Detective Varg!
- By Kirsten Anderson on 11-16-21
-
The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Val Eliot, a young woman working on an English farm during the war, meets Mike, a US Air Force pilot stationed nearby. When Val rescues a Border Collie named Peter Woodhouse, who is being mistreated by his owner, she realizes the dog would actually be safer with Mike. And so Peter Woodhouse finds a new home on the air force base, and Val finds herself falling in love.
-
-
wonderful
- By T. Bellan on 04-23-18
-
Your Inner Hedgehog
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Paul Hecht
- Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the latest entertaining and hilarious Professor Dr. Dr. Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld novel, our hopelessly out-of-touch hero is forced to confront uppity librarians, the rector of the university, and a possible hostile takeover, all while trying to remain studiously above it all.
-
-
A brilliant satire on university life
- By Catherine on 08-05-21
-
The Strange Case of the Moderate Extremists
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 2 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Detective Ulf Varg from the Department of Sensitive Crimes is often called upon to investigate unusual matters. But rarely is he asked to conduct an inquiry on behalf of his own family. Is such a thing ethical? Adding to Ulf's moral discomfort is the fact that he does not exactly see eye to eye with his younger brother Bjorn - a leading player in one of Sweden's right-wing parties, the Moderate Extremists. Still, family is family, so Ulf finds himself working to uncover the mole leaking secrets to a rival party, the Extreme Moderates.
-
-
I wanted to know who did what.
- By A. Bohn on 07-31-20
-
La's Orchestra Saves the World
- A Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Emily Gray
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1939, Lavender flees London to escape the German bombs and her shattered marriage. Settling in a small town, she pulls together a makeshift orchestra to help cope with the times.
-
-
McCall Smith Does It Again!
- By Pamela Harvey on 12-17-09
-
Trains and Lovers
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the words of Alexander McCall Smith: "You feel the rocking of the train, you hear the sound of its wheels on the rails; you are in the world rather than suspended somewhere above it. And sometimes there are conversations to be had, which is what the overarching story in this collection is all about. It is a simple device: people brought together entertain one another with tales of what happened to them on trains. It takes place on a journey I frequently make myself and know well, the journey between Edinburgh and London. It is best read on a train, preferably that one."
-
-
Loved It
- By sharon on 07-20-14
-
What W. H. Auden Can Do for You
- Alexander McCall Smith
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: William Neenan
- Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When facing a moral dilemma, Isabel Dalhousie--Edinburgh philosopher, amateur detective, and title character of a series of novels by best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith - often refers to the great twentieth-century poet W. H. Auden. This is no accident: McCall Smith has long been fascinated by Auden. Indeed, the novelist, best known for his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, calls the poet not only the greatest literary discovery of his life but also the best of guides on how to live.
-
-
On the Power of Poetry, Mostly Auden's
- By Rich S. on 12-09-13
-
Tiny Tales
- Stories of Romance, Ambition, Kindness, and Happiness
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii, Jamie Jackson, Robert Ian Mackenzie
- Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the original Greek financial crisis (when the profligate Gods of Olympus were punished by Odin and the other Norse Gods for their unchecked spending) to a handy unintended benefit of cosmetic surgery; from Pope Ron (the first Australian pope, who wants nothing more than to live quietly) to a rather droll cat named Stanley to Good President Wenceslas (benevolent leader of a snowy land) - these stories are by turns funny, poignant, and deliciously wicked, each one a gift begging to be unwrapped and enjoyed again and again.
-
-
A Wonderful Collection of Pithy Stories
- By Joan Zak on 05-17-21
-
Death of a Laird
- A Hamish Macbeth Short Story
- By: R. W. Green, M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: David Monteath
- Length: 1 hr and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Sergeant Hamish Macbeth is sent to investigate reports that the wealthy new laird of the remote Naglar House has disappeared, northwest Scotland is hit by the worst storm in living memory. The road is washed away, phone lines are down, mobile reception is dead, and his police radio is out of order. He is trapped with the laird's high-class house guests. Then he discovers the laird's body.
-
-
Awful narration and too short
- By Areana S on 03-31-22
By: R. W. Green, and others
-
The Apothecary's Daughter
- By: Julie Klassen
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After enjoying London's sophisticated society and the attentions of wealthy suitors, Lilly returns home to help her ailing dad. Determined to resurrect his apothecary business, Lilly labors tirelessly - praying her family's secrets and her rivals' schemes won't cloud her future.
-
-
A really sweet story
- By susan on 04-17-15
By: Julie Klassen
-
No Place to Hide
- Cherringham. A Cosy Crime Series - Mystery Shorts 41
- By: Matthew Costello, Neil Richards
- Narrated by: Neil Dudgeon
- Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Ed Finnlay - computer programmer and devoted father of two - goes missing, there's not a lot the local police can do. After all, Ed himself told them he would be gone... for quite some time. As the weeks go by with no news, his wife reaches out to Jack and Sarah for help. But they soon learn that there are odd secrets about this missing husband and that he might not only be gone, but also in serious danger. Can Jack and Sarah do what seems impossible.
-
-
Felt a shift in this story.
- By Julie on 05-29-22
By: Matthew Costello, and others
-
Outlander
- Outlander, Book 1
- By: Diana Gabaldon
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 32 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why we think it’s a great listen: An all-time Audible favorite that mixes historic fiction, adventure, and romance with one of the most fascinating literary devices: time travel. Outlander introduces an exhilarating world of heroism and breathtaking thrills as one woman is torn between past and present, passion and love. In 1945, former combat nurse Claire Randall returns from World War II and joins her husband for a second honeymoon. But their blissful reunion is shattered....
-
-
Interesting story with a little too much romance
- By Anonymous User on 11-30-18
By: Diana Gabaldon
Publisher's Summary
In the eighth installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s best-selling Isabel Dalhousie series, the inquisitive heroine helps a new friend discover the identity of her father. Jane, a visiting Australian philosopher on sabbatical in Edinburgh, has more questions than answers. Adopted at the age of six, she knows little about her father, other than he was a student in Edinburgh years ago. Always up for a challenge, Isabel is more than happy to help.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Forgotten Affairs of Youth
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Pamela Harvey
- 12-17-11
Smitten by Smith once again!
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.
16 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jean
- 02-15-12
Sunday afternoon tea with Isabel
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.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 01-24-12
Never read Isabel Dalhousie without Davina Porter
What did you love best about The Forgotten Affairs of Youth?
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.
Who was your favorite character and why?
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.
Which character ??? as performed by Davina Porter ??? was your favorite?
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.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Have we learned from them [the forgotten affairs or youth], or let them haunt our lives?
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lee
- 02-21-16
Love this series
Isabel Dalhousie is an amazing, thoughtful woman, whose philosophic conversations stay in one's mind. i enjoy all the characters .
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ann Malokas
- 02-13-12
Forgotten Affairs of Youth
Just can't beat an Alexander McCall Smith listen, and Isabel Dalhousie is still up to her usual interesting life observations.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dale
- 01-30-12
McCall Smith is a great voice of many!
What made the experience of listening to The Forgotten Affairs of Youth the most enjoyable?
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!
What did you like best about this story?
I think the gentleness....
Which scene was your favorite?
Mercy! I should have listened again before answering this...
If you could take any character from The Forgotten Affairs of Youth out to dinner, who would it be and why?
Isabel Dalhousie because she is such a kind soul who is really interested in the
people in her world..
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sarah
- 02-08-12
I'm a big fan of Alexander & Isabel.
Would you listen to The Forgotten Affairs of Youth again? Why?
If and when I review the entire series.
What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?
She has become the characters for me.
Any additional comments?
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.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Teresa
- 02-07-12
Very satisfying
Any additional comments?
This was another hit from Alexander McCall Smith. I love all these gentle, sweet, thoughtful stories.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Christine
- 08-27-12
Isabel never lets me down
This is another wonderful story about Isabel, Jamie and Charlie.
Once again a charming visit with Isabel and the people she tries to help.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Larry
- 07-09-12
A story that meanders too much
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
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.
Would you ever listen to anything by Alexander McCall Smith again?
Yes, definitely!
What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
I really enjoyed listening to the Scottish accents.
You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Yes, it was interesting to learn about life in Scotland