This book is by the same author that writes #1 Ladies Detective Agency novels. This one is not a mystery, but rather a study of one week in the lives of flatmates in a London building. A quick, easy read. I enjoyed easy pace. I would recommend this book.
I admit I was drawn to my first Alexander McCall Smith book by the cute title and the dog on the cover. Its a moments-in-the-lives-of novel centering on the residents of the title building in the Pimlico section of central London, including the new canine resident, Freddie de la Hay. Hes an ex-Heathrow sniffer dog sacked for gender inequality in the ranks whose subsequent owner has trained him to be vegetarian and wear seat belts, now acquired by the wine merchant who lives in the top floor flat. Those seeking a structured story arc or a sense of closure should look elsewhere. I found it utterly charming, delivering astute observations on life through funny incidents which do not poke fun at the object of the lesson in 100 easily digestible chapters. In fact, the only snark in the book is the MP named Oedipus whose psychoanalyst mother has decided to write an unflattering biography of her son. Im looking to future installments.
Virginia W. (geepers13) reviewed Corduroy Mansions (Corduroy Mansions, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
First in the series, thus the author spends most of the book introducing the characters. Not much action. Was hoping for more activity involving the dog.
Patricia T. (Stormbuff) reviewed Corduroy Mansions (Corduroy Mansions, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
I was expecting and hoping for another "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and it isn't. It is amusing, though.
Sherri C. (longhorngal) reviewed Corduroy Mansions (Corduroy Mansions, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I actually did not read this book as I could not get past the first page. All it had was dialogue. And per my book club friends there was no plot to the book and the separate characters were not woven together in the end. Very strange format for a novel. I need a plot so this book did not work for me.
