My Italian Bulldozer: A Paul Stuart Novel (1)

Typical Alexander McCall Smith. Gently looks into the hearts of several people going through life changes or wishing for life changes or finding the courage to make life changes. The Italian countryside is lavishly described and the characters varied and complex.

"My Italian Bulldozer" is classic Alexander McCall Smith. I don't know of another writer, living or dead, who better captures the national character of countries or the people who live in them, all with great affection and gentle humor. The Italy of this novel is one where outrages, miracles, names, voices, sins and redemptions all combine for both amusement and heartbreak. Never again will I rent a car without hoping and praying that I will drive away in a bulldozer.

A lovely read full of humorous truths. Mr. McCall Smith never fails to deliver with his delightful tales and charming characters. His wonderful ability to convey a sense of place leaves the reader wanting to go there, wherever 'there' may be!

I typically read complex novels and nonfiction. I always read McCall Smith's books to restore my faith in the world that is constantly tested this election year

This is an adorable, kind, thoughtful stand alone book. It has an absurd premise that McCall Smith makes believable. I laughed a lot and had this overwhelming urge to do something ridiculous after I read it. Nice for this old lady. I went out and bought a laughable shirt.

This book is by Alexander McCall Smith. Need I say more? It is quirky, sweet without being saccharine, and a very enjoyable read.
I do wish he'd not add any silly references to the 'Global Warming' hoax that Liberals seem to take as sacrosanct as Moslems do their personal Faith ('Open Season' on other Faiths, especially Judaism; but they get violent if you don't treat Islam etc., as holy and untouchable.), but there were only one or two, and easily passed over.

I adore McCall Smith's #1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, but I have tried the author's other series and found them wanting. This title had me hoping--after all, Italy, a bulldozer, a main character who writes about food & wine. How can you miss? The book starts with a promising mix-up at the car rental in Italy and a rather funny scene in a jail cell. But it was downhill from there. McCall Smith manages to make getting a bulldozer in place of a rental car seem absolutely commonplace--if you can believe, the main character NEVER gets into any difficulty driving a bulldozer around Italy. SERIOUSLY?? From then on, the flat characters, predictable romance, and lack of charm or atmosphere almost suggest the author has never been to Italy experienced Italy, romance, or a good meal. Not quite as blah as his other series (#1 Ladies' excluded), but not a book to return to. It was like getting a can of Chef Boy-Ar-Dee ravioli & box wine when you were expecting the real thing. I have come to imagine that McCall Smith writes the #1 Ladies' series himself, and someone else entirely does his other work. Or vice versa?

Mr. Smith is always good for what ails me, whichever of his series I read. This stand alone novel was read to tide me over a bit until the next series book came along, but once again I am charmed and beguiled by a new story. I am always fascinated by the author's ability to write such a variety of characters convincingly. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of this adventure into Italy.

This book is an absolute gem. It contains gentle humor, some laugh-aloud moments, thoughts worth pondering, wonderful characters. It is by far the finest book I've read in a couple of years. I do not believe in giving plots away, but let me just say that this novel captures the beautiful soul of Italy, an exquisite country. I know, I was born and grew up there.