The Winds from Further West (paperback)
ISBN:
9781846977084
Publisher:
Polygon
Publication Date:
HBK August 2024/ PBK May 2025
The Winds from Further West is a new, stand alone novel – an intimate and unexpected portrait of one man’s crumbling world. It is exactly the book we need right now so sit back and breathe in every, perfect word.
A call to arms for better society – BBC Radio4
Almost everything starts in a small way. Often it is a very small and apparently insignificant event that ends up moulding the whole shape of our lives.
And so it was for Dr Neil Anderson who had barely been in his new post at the University of Edinburgh for three months when he meets Chrissie. After no time at all, they move in together to a beautiful Georgian flat in the south side of the city and start their life together. Everything seems to be working out well for Neil. But after a throw-away comment lands him in a difficult situation, his principles are put to the test. He ultimately has no choice but to rethink his career and his life. He leaves his job, Chrissie and Edinburgh far behind for the seclusion and remote beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.
No sooner has he started to piece the bits of his shattered life together when a ship comes into Tobermory harbour whose cargo – two wolf cubs – changes the course of his life yet again. These cubs divide opinion on the island and introduce Neil to Jill, a vet on the island, and soon love once again blossoms.
Reviews
‘This beautifully told tale gently flows from Edinburgh to the Isle of Mull, sliding into second chances, love, and kindness, as it highlights the importance of integrity and compassion.
… Alexander McCall Smith’s writing has the ability to set thoughts in motion. His stories on first glance can appear to be light: yes there is a lightness of touch used, and yet there is a real strength to be found within. This story is morally grounded, and empathy swims through the pages which is why it has been chosen as a LoveReading Star Book. There is a reminder to be found here, of what is really important in life. Rewarding and oh-so satisfying, The Winds from Further West is a delight, and highly recommended’
Liz Robinson, LoveReading, STAR BOOK
‘His latest book is something of a departure. It encompasses very present issues in the UK: cancel culture, workplace bullying, and the changing world of academia… an exploration of character… a call to arms for better society‘
BBC Radio 4 Front Row
‘Cancel culture, given its possibilities, has strangely few literary outings. Thank goodness, then, for Alexander McCall Smith, who here kicks off the action with a spectacular de-platforming… while i loved the city-country contrast and the trademark gentle wisdom, the shocking academic skulduggery was my favourite [aspect]’
Daily Mail (London and Ireland editions)
‘Brimming with bonhomie… with his signature lightness of touch and humour, the Edinburgh-based author, an emeritus professor of medical law, does however touch on some challenging issues – “cancel culture”, workplace bullying and the impact of commercialisation of tertiary education…. a captivating page-turner’
Sally McDonald, Sunday Post
‘Lovely stuff from the world’s favourite author’
Saga magazine
‘A NEW BEST-SELLER – this book explores mistakes we make, forgiveness and how to find happiness after starting over’
My Weekly magazine
‘[The main character] Neil takes a thoughtful, understated and deeply humane approach to matters of the heart… gently subversive‘
The Scotsman
‘Rippling with gentle, observational comedy‘
Sydney Morning Herald
‘A delightful and charming book full of the feel-good stuff – McCall Smith’s writing has a gentle, light-hearted pace, even when he discusses the harsher realities of life with his poignant exposures of human frailty. The Winds from Further West is full of compassion and humour, a quiet meditation on love, friendship and finding fulfilment in life‘
Instagram Book influencer review
‘McCall Smith writes in such a way that characters can become our friends and we get upset when they get upset… thank you Alexander McCall Smith‘ FOUR STARS
Good Reading Magazine, Australia
‘In a book that is richly atmospheric and packed with compassion and humour, this is a story about chance encounters, love and second chances… perfect for a summer read… his love of the West Coast shines through’
West Coast Today
‘All is well in the curative Hebrides’
West Highland Free Press
‘The winds blowing here are fresh yet familiar. This book is a romance, on the surface in a traditional sense, but beneath that a yearning for simpler times. There is a spotlight on the disproportionate and unjust weight given to some aspects of modern culture and how fragile reputation can be in terms of cancel culture and the right to be offended, particularly for men. The ease with which these become weaponised by those with very different machinations is touched upon, and the mirror of a more honest life on an island somewhere is incredibly appealing’
Instagram Book Influencer review
‘The Winds from Further West is an immersive experience, one where you sit down to read for an hour only to find yourself lost for the day in the world of Neil, a man who seems to have it all’ Four stars
Scottish Field
‘An inspiring book encouraging positivity and strength‘
Woman magazine, Pick of the Week
‘Warm-hearted’
Woman's Own Magazine
‘Smith’s character work is top-notch, and he’s unflinching with his barbs about the morass of higher education’
Publishers Weekly
‘A serious contender for my favourite book written by this wonderful author. Highly recommended’
Amazon Review, 5 stars
‘A cool midsummer read to help you get by in July… Alexander McCall Smith’s uplifting novel has been referred to as “a call to arms for a better society.” This philosophical exploration of people, academia, and “cancel culture” follows a University of Edinburgh researcher. After disheartening setbacks, he retreats to the isolated, beautiful Isle of Mull, opening his heart to new beginnings.’
Christian Science Monitor
‘A beautifully written and moving take on humanity, warts and all … An excellent entry point for any McCall Smith newcomer’
Literary Hub - Rave Review for Library Journal
