In Review

21 November 2008 16:00 BST

The Right Attitude to Rain by Alexander McCall Smith

Published by Little, Brown, out now, hardback, 256 pages, £16.99.

In a nutshell…

Thoughtful. Gently-paced. Intelligent. Philosophical.

What's it all about?

Isabel Dalhousie is a clever, wealthy and good-looking philosopher, living a quiet life in the beautiful city of Edinburgh as a periodicals editor. Most of her attention is focused upon kindly offerings for her nearest and dearest, such as buying an apartment for her spiritualist housekeeper Grace and welcoming her American relatives to her home. Her niece Cat is also a source of worry, dating yet another dodgy suitor and as Isabel loves a bit of interfering, the newly engaged American couple consisting of the millionaire Tom and his young, bombshell of a fiancé Angie provide a perfect excuse to stick her nose in.

However, Isabel’s interests soon start to turn to Jamie, Cat’s ex-boyfriend, who is musical, funny and easy on the eye. Oh yes, and 14 years her junior. And possibly still in love with her niece.

Who's it by?

McCall Smith has written about medical law, criminal law and philosophy but is best known for his award wining series The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, wining over the world with his witty but compassionate writing.

The Isabel Dalhousie collection of stories is just one of four series of fiction and McCall draws on his own life experience in his works, from his upbringing in Zimbabwe to his post as Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh.

Like his philosophical heroine Isabel, McCall Smith also lives in Edinburgh.

As an example…

“To take interest in the affairs of other is entirely natural; so natural that even a cat, lying cat-napping on top of a wall, will watch with half an eye the people walking by below. But between such curiosity…and nosiness…there lies a dividing line that some people simply miss”

Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster

It’s hard to see how the slow-burning storylines in The Right Attitude to Rain could translate to the big screen, especially as it’s just one in a series. However, it’s packed full of quirky characters, feel-good moments and beautiful settings which never fail to do well at the box office.

What the others say

“The literary equivalent of herbal tea and a cozy fire” – The New York Times

So is it any good?

Although The Right Attitude to Rain picks up where Friends, Lovers, Chocolate left us, previous knowledge of McCall Smith’s work isn’t necessary as the detailed narrative of his loveable characters welcomes you into this snug section of Edinburgh society. The dialogue is sharp yet often sweet.

Having said that, the interjections of philosophical and high-brow intellectual reasoning, from Wittgenstein to WH Auden, can seem snobbish and isolating to the average reader, ie those without a PhD. However, McCall Smith’s presentation of real, human emotion and social situations so recognisable you can’t help but cringe mean that even with the A-level philosophy notes thrown in, Isabel Dalhousie’s contemplations on life leave you wanting more.

The Right Attitude for Rain is perfect for those looking for a slow, romantic read situated somewhere between chick-lit and Proust.

7/10

Rachael Gormley