The Pavilion in the Clouds Audiobook by Alexander McCall Smith
The Pavilion in the Clouds is an unabridged audiobook by Alexander McCall Smith, narrated by David Rintoul. Its story follows Bella from a childhood in colonial-era Ceylon to adulthood in Scotland, as she revisits an unresolved family mystery.
At a glance
- Standalone story spanning Bella's childhood in Ceylon and later life in Scotland.
- A family mystery involving Bella, her governess and her father unfolds across two periods of her life.
- The listing specifies an unabridged recording narrated by David Rintoul.
Reference price: $21.38
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The stated 6-hour-and-50-minute length helps listeners gauge the commitment before choosing.
- The two-period storyline combines a colonial-era family drama with a later reckoning in Scotland.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Format | Audiobook |
|---|---|
| Edition | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 6 hours and 50 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Author | Alexander McCall Smith |
| Narrator | David Rintoul |
| Publisher | Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 August 2021 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners looking for a self-contained family mystery with historical and psychological themes.
- Fans of Alexander McCall Smith seeking an unabridged audio edition.
Less suited to
- Listeners specifically seeking a short recording or a different language or narrator.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
48% 48% - 4 stars
33% 33% - 3 stars
15% 15% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes an engaging story, with praise for its evocative portrayal of declining British colonialism, plot turns, ending, storytelling and character development. That response may appeal to listeners drawn to a reflective family mystery. The overall ratings lean positive, though a notable share are mid-range rather than top-rated, so reactions are not uniformly enthusiastic.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback praises the storytelling, character development and evocative historical atmosphere.
- The story and plot are described as engaging, with an interesting ending and surprising turns.
Mixed feedback
- The overall rating distribution includes substantial mid-range ratings as well as many high ratings, indicating varied levels of satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the audiobook?
The listed listening length is 6 hours and 50 minutes.
Who wrote and narrates this edition?
The author is Alexander McCall Smith and the narrator is David Rintoul.
Is this edition abridged?
The listing describes it as unabridged.
What is the story about?
Bella grows up in Ceylon amid suspicion and family tensions, then returns to questions about her past while living in Scotland.
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