The Novel Habits of Happiness (Isabel Dalhousie Novels) Book 10 - Softcover

Alexander McCall Smith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0349141029 ISBN 13: 9780349141022

Publisher: Abacus, 2016

Synopsis

Isabel Dalhousie is one of Edinburgh's most generous (but discreet) philanthropists - but should she be more charitable? She wonders, sometimes, if she is too judgmental about her niece's amorous exploits, too sharp about her housekeeper's spiritual beliefs, too ready to bristle in battle against her enemies.

As the editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, she doesn't, of course, allow herself actual enemies, but she does feel enmity - especially towards two academics who have just arrived in the city. Isabel feels they're a highly destabilizing influence; little tremors in the volcanic rock upon which an Enlightened Edinburgh perches. Equally troubling is the situation of the little boy who is convinced he had a previous life. When Isabel is called upon to help, she finds herself questioning her views on reincarnation. And the nature of grief. And - crucially - the positioning of lighthouses.

The only questions Isabel doesn't have to address concern her personal life. With her young son and devoted husband her home life is blissfully content. Which is the best possible launching pad for the next issue of the Review - the Happiness issue. As Isabel is beginning to appreciate, happiness, for most people, is not quite what it seems . . .

About this title

Review:

Brimming with discreet charm (Mail on Sunday)

Elegant and charming as always, the latest in the Isabel Dalhousie series is as reflective and cultured as its central character (Good Book Guide)

Book Description:

The tenth wonderful story in Alexander McCall Smith's much-loved Isabel Dalhousie series.

About this edition

• Publisher: Abacus
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0349141029
• ISBN 13: 9780349141022
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256