One of Alexander McCall Smith’s most beloved characters is back in "The Geometry of Holding Hands." Isabel Dalhousie, who uses philosophy to deal with the problems of life, is once again caught up in problems not of her own making. She is known for getting to the bottom of dilemmas. Isabel does this while dealing with the problems of her own life at the same time. She deals with her two small children and her loving husband who warns her to not take on other people’s problems.
In this book, Isabel must deal with her niece, Cat, who is recently engaged. Cat’s new beau comes complete with complications, including the idea of selling the delicatessen that Cat owns. The major problem with this sale is Eddie, who works there and is not really suited to changing jobs.
Isabel is also approached by a retired physician. He doesn’t really know Isabel, but they have mutual acquaintances. He wants Isabel to be the executor of his will and to decide which of his cousins should inherit a certain piece of property. Should it be Sarah the builder, John the accountant, or Jack the artist? To complicate this matter is the fact that Isabel served on a jury with Jack’s wife. Isabel later saw the wife and Jack with the person who was on trial. Should that be taken into consideration?
Isabel comes through both of these situations with her usual thoughtfulness. Both problems are solved with a touch of grace and elegance. This book is one of the best in the Isabel Dalhousie series. If philosophy is your cup of tea, you will enjoy this book tremendously!