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alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
I like the Scotland St stories. This particular volume didn't really have anything interesting in--just moved everyone's lives along, thus only the 3 stars.
wanderingmole's review against another edition
4.0
Charming characters and pertinent reflections on the human condition. Loved it.
megangraff's review against another edition
3.0
As I read, I had a vague feeling that I had already read this book but I think it is just that the characters and stories are similar throughout the series and having read the books before and after this one there had been references to events etc in this one.
soniapage's review against another edition
4.0
Lots of wonderful new developments in the series, but will Bertie ever turn seven?
Favorite quote:
"Dreadfully insincere," said Angus. "Psycopaths--every one of them. Show me a cat, Domenica, and I'll show you a psychopath. Textbook examples."
Favorite quote:
"Dreadfully insincere," said Angus. "Psycopaths--every one of them. Show me a cat, Domenica, and I'll show you a psychopath. Textbook examples."
mousecroghan's review against another edition
5.0
I keep fearing that AMS will write a dud book. He doesn't. I read all his various series and I think this is my favourite. The characters are real right?! No? Well they might as well be. Loved this book so much.
kmatthe2's review against another edition
4.0
Always a pleasant thing to return to 44 Scotland street.
lorees_reading_nook's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Real rating: 3.8
As always, Alexander McCall Smith's witty observations of human foibles are a pleasure to read and the perfect antidote for escaping the real world. The characters are perfectly imperfect but easy to relate to and I love how we even get to know the thoughts of Cyril the dog. I was laughing aloud several times while reading this book, especially when it came to Cyril's opinion of cats. But the overall message that I get from these books is that the world would be a much better place if we were kinder to each other. As amusing and endearing as ever, I am really happy to have ended my reading year with a smile on my face.
As always, Alexander McCall Smith's witty observations of human foibles are a pleasure to read and the perfect antidote for escaping the real world. The characters are perfectly imperfect but easy to relate to and I love how we even get to know the thoughts of Cyril the dog. I was laughing aloud several times while reading this book, especially when it came to Cyril's opinion of cats. But the overall message that I get from these books is that the world would be a much better place if we were kinder to each other. As amusing and endearing as ever, I am really happy to have ended my reading year with a smile on my face.
everything_was_beautiful's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wanderaven's review
3.0
It seems apparent to me that McCall Smith clearly has or has had a dog in his life. He's so fantastic at observing and portraying human nature, and canine as well.
"Some dogs may enjoy snow, but (Cyril) was not one of them, and he had a tendency to blame Angus for the uncomfortable white disaster that snow represented for him.
'Not my fault, Cyril,' Angus would say under Cyril's reproachful gaze. 'I can do nothing about the weather, I'm afraid. We must bear it with as much patience as we can muster.'
That, unfortunately, was no answer. Cyril regarded Angus as omnipotent, the author and controller of his life, and by natural extension, of the conditions under which it was lived. Angus was, in fact, God to Cyril: a simple metaphor that has not escaped the attentions of some theologians who see the man/dog relationship as a helpful cipher for our own relationship with a creator. But whereas the human notion of god allows the creator freedom to order the world in a way which we may not find to our taste - acts of God, it must be remembered, include typhoons, lightning, and pestilence, at least as far as the interpretation of insurance contracts is concerned - in Cyril's theology there was no room for such discretion. Snow was uncomfortable and should not be there: Why had Angus allowed it and what was he proposing to do about it?"
I can't tell you how many times it's snowed for the first time each winter and I've looked down at my dog and wondered whether they believe I have any control over the weather.
And these are the moments for which I love McCall Smith.
Also, I agree with Cyril: Snow is uncomfortable and should not be here.
"Some dogs may enjoy snow, but (Cyril) was not one of them, and he had a tendency to blame Angus for the uncomfortable white disaster that snow represented for him.
'Not my fault, Cyril,' Angus would say under Cyril's reproachful gaze. 'I can do nothing about the weather, I'm afraid. We must bear it with as much patience as we can muster.'
That, unfortunately, was no answer. Cyril regarded Angus as omnipotent, the author and controller of his life, and by natural extension, of the conditions under which it was lived. Angus was, in fact, God to Cyril: a simple metaphor that has not escaped the attentions of some theologians who see the man/dog relationship as a helpful cipher for our own relationship with a creator. But whereas the human notion of god allows the creator freedom to order the world in a way which we may not find to our taste - acts of God, it must be remembered, include typhoons, lightning, and pestilence, at least as far as the interpretation of insurance contracts is concerned - in Cyril's theology there was no room for such discretion. Snow was uncomfortable and should not be there: Why had Angus allowed it and what was he proposing to do about it?"
I can't tell you how many times it's snowed for the first time each winter and I've looked down at my dog and wondered whether they believe I have any control over the weather.
And these are the moments for which I love McCall Smith.
Also, I agree with Cyril: Snow is uncomfortable and should not be here.
rjmcewan's review against another edition
5.0
I have a soft spot for these sweet stories and beautifully drawn characters, and I always enjoy time spent in Scotland Street.