The Isle of Good Karma
ISBN:
9781846977619
Publisher:
Polygon
Publication Date:
1 October 2026
From one of the world’s favourite authors comes a beautifully atmospheric novel set in the Hebrides and Nepal. The writing is irresistible – tender – as this master storyteller leads us through a literary world where happiness might, possibly, be found where it is least expected.
Mary is a logical soul; a much-loved teacher and crofter whose busy Hebridean life leaves little room for flights of fancy. But when a windfall comes her way, Miss Macdonald decides it’s time to sample some clear mountain air – on the other side of the world.
The Isle of Good Karma is a new novel from a much-loved author in celebration of travel, karma and broadening the mind, all while staying true to your principles.
‘Alexander McCall Smith – Literary legend’ – Big Issue
See below for a time limited offer for pre-orders on this title. Available until 24 July only. Only available on Waterstones online.
Reviews
‘An outrageously happy story, deliciously unrealistic, and one I can’t imagine anyone else writing other than [Alexander McCall Smith]… Somewhat like Mary McDonald’s Life, his writing has got such excellent karma that it always seems to work out perfectly’
David Robinson, Literary Critic
‘McCall Smith has built a remarkable literary career writing about goodness in human beings, and this standalone novel is no exception’
The Scotsman
‘This feel-good novel set on the Isle of Lewis and in the Himalayas is evocative, entertaining, and thought-provoking’
Scottish Field
‘Alexander McCall Smith has published 100+ books – this one deserves to be cherished… It has all the good-natured cosiness cherished by his loyal readers… [but] one can’t help being impressed by how effortlessly it seems to flow – the lightness of touch McCall Smith displays as he turns from descriptions of the mighty Himalayan landscape (peppered with red and yellow flags to show the presence of “human worth and feeling”) to intimate tête-à-têtes about Blake and Buddhism – with such apparent ease and an undeniable twinkling charm’
Alastair Mabbot, The Herald
