Great idea for a book and really well executed. A thoroughly good read. Highly recommended. .

Alexander McCall Smith presents a new character in My Italian Bulldozer in which Paul Stuart ensconces himself in a small Italian village to research his next culinary book on Italian cuisine and to recuperate from a failed romantic relationship. Good story of manners.

I think I can safely describe Alexander McCall Smith's books as reliable "palate cleansers". This is the second book of his I read recently, and it did the trick. This one is a standalone and not part of one of McCall Smith's many series. Paul is a Scottish writer of food and wine. He heads off to Tuscany to finish off his latest book, while trying to get over a recent break up. My Italian Bulldozer is not action packed, but McCall Smith reliably delivers interesting characters, humour and a humane view of life. I find McCall Smith walks skilfully on the right side of a fine line between charming and saccharine. This book had the added bonus of being set in Italy, leaving me with a craving for good wine and authentic Italian food, and a touch of wanderlust. It was a good way to spend a quiet Saturday afternoon. And I will try to remember to turn to McCall Smith in the future when in need of something more gentle to read. But I must admit that I couldn't read his books back to back. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.