The Winds from Further West: A Novel
Jul 2025 · Sold by Pantheon
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"A beautifully written and moving take on humanity, warts and all. . . . An excellent entry point for any McCall Smith newcomer." —Library Journal, starred review
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.
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.
"A beautifully written and moving take on humanity, warts and all. . . . An excellent entry point for any McCall Smith newcomer." —Library Journal, starred review
From the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a dazzling and uplifting novel of new beginnings and endl...
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3 reviews
Linda Brown
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July 29, 2025
🗃Exit academic drama for relaxed Mull life🌅 Poor Neil gets drummed out of his Edinburgh scientific academia position & discovers the joys of life on Mull in the Scottish Western Isles. His romantic ups & downs added to the story, but I found the descriptions of the island & philosophical discussions about how attitudes are changing the best part (and very timely, relevant, too). Neil is a champion of a more compassionate, forgiving attitude. Too bad his student nemesis isn't. Thoughtful.👍
About the author
ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels and of a number of other series and stand-alone books. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been best sellers throughout the world. He lives in Scotland.
ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels and of a number of other series and stand-alone books. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been best sellers throughout the world. He lives in Scotland.
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