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Corduroy Mansions: A Novel [Hardcover]

Alexander McCall Smith , Iain McIntosh
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

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Hardcover, Large Print CDN $37.34  
Hardcover, July 6 2010 --  
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Book Description

July 6 2010
From the author of the global bestseller The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency comes a brand-new novel — the start of a new series — set in the heart of London.

"Corduroy Mansions" is the affectionate nickname given to a genteelly crumbling mansion block in London's vibrant Pimlico. This is the home patch of — among others — a lovelorn literary agent, possibly the first ever nasty Liberal Democrat MP and Freddie de la Hay, an urbane terrier trained to be vegetarian and respectful of feline rights, and with the ability to fasten his own seatbelt.

Sandy has delivered a whole new cast of incredible characters including, but not limited to: Berthea Snark, psychoanalyst and unwilling mother to Oedipus Snark (the nasty Lib Dem). William French, wine merchant living in Corduroy Mansions, and lover of wines of the Bordeaux region. Marcia Light, proprietrix of Marcia's Table with her sights set on William. Barbara Ragg, lover of Oedipus Snark — would like to marry him; would like to marry anybody.

Loafers, wine merchants, vitamin evangelists and the occasional psychoanalyst pass each other on the stairs of this delightful metropolitan des res. With his trademark wit, charm and lightness of touch, Alexander McCall Smith introduces a colourful cast of characters, full of the life, laughter and humanity so beloved in his writing.

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Review

“This cheerful novel is more about personalities than events. . . . Corduroy Mansions, like all McCall Smith’s books, is gentle and genteel . . . . Cosy and comfortable.”
— The Vancouver Sun
 
Corduroy Mansions is like the cloth of its title — comfortable, easy, homey. . . .  McCall Smith, a master of weaving the many strands of his complex stories together, does so here with supreme virtuosity. He . . . remains deeply affectionate toward his flawed cast. And so, Dear Reader, will you.”
— The Washington Post
 
“The creator of the successful No. 1 Ladies’  Detective Agency series returns with a new cast of characters to love. . . . Alexander McCall Smith is a writer of such fond, heartfelt geniality that at the end of this cozy read, fans will be grateful that the series has just begun.”
— Entertainment Weekly

Corduroy Mansions is the beginning of a new series for McCall Smith, and, once again, he doesn’t disappoint. . . . McCall Smith’s characters are, for the most part, the best of what you want people to be­­. . . . In general they have a warmth and depth to their character that is almost profound. . . . His books are beach books, they are airport books, they are summer and winter books, they are books that make you want to embrace life. Corduroy Mansions is another gem to add to the pile.”
— The Globe and Mail

Praise for the online serial:
"[Corduroy Mansions] has turned into a daily laugh-out-loud treat on my journey into work."
Bookseller

"The end of [the first series of] Corduroy Mansions, with its beguiling characters, rambling narrative and celebration of life's small moments, has left readers utterly bereft."
The Telegraph

About the Author

ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Born in what is now known as Zimbabwe, he was a law professor at the University of Botswana and the University of Edinburgh. He lives in Scotland.

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Most helpful customer reviews
By Donald Mitchell #1 HALL OF FAME TOP 10 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
"If you are wise, you are wise for yourself," -- Proverbs 9:12 (NKJV)

Don't miss this book!

Corduroy Mansions displays all of the best traits of Alexander McCall Smith's writing about UK characters: Introspection, musings about the human condition, gentle seeking for love, outrageous satire, canine perspectives on humans, and one of the most obnoxious politicians you can imagine.

I was very impressed by the story. Only the absurd M.P. Oedipus Snark seems seriously unlikely to be a real person. He provides a perfect foil for introducing the other characters and making them sympathetically interesting. The other characters resonated with me in their discomfort, inertia, and willingness to step into the world of possibilities when the door to the future opens. The plot itself has many delightful twists that make for both gentle humor and belly laughs. Through it all, Alexander McCall Smith provides the kind of wisdom about knowing oneself and living authentically that makes his books so life affirming and enjoyable to read.
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3.0 out of 5 stars not his best May 30 2011
Format:Hardcover
I am a big fan of this author but I did not find this one of his best. I cannot believe it spent so many weeks on the bestseller lists-shows how reliable those are. It was very disjointed and the author seemed to be trying too hard to make a story out of a bunch of anecdotes in order to produce another bestseller.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful. Funny. Great new 1st of Series. Dec 14 2010
By JJ
Format:Hardcover
Delightful story of ordinary people, and some extra-ordinary, like MP Oedipus Snark, hated by many, including, of course, his mother. There is William and his dog Freddie de la Hay (this fictional dog has his own real life Twitter page) and William's troublesome son Eddie. The minutia of the quirky characters' lives is told with insight & humor. A world where quaint rules and dogs protect and serve. AMS at his best. Can't wait for the next installment.
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