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

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?

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.

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.