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alidottie's review
4.0
You always know what to expect with the 44 Scotland St series. It is fun to peek in on the lives of "old acquaintances."
mary_soon_lee's review
3.0
This is the ninth book in the 44 Scotland Street series. As with the earlier volumes, it interweaves the stories of a diverse set of characters: the highly likable 6-year-old Bertie; his far less likable mother; Big Lou, a kind-hearted owner of a coffee shop, and a dozen others. I note that in this volume I especially liked the thread with Big Lou and, as ever, Bertie. The book is easy reading, lightened by humor. The author's generosity of heart helps me feel some sympathy even for characters--such as Bertie's mother--whom I would normally purely dislike. While it doesn't give me the same joy as McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, it is nonetheless very agreeable company. Recommended.
soniapage's review against another edition
4.0
Bertie finally reaches the age of 7 and his awful mother unintentionally gives him the best birthday present ever.
wanderaven's review against another edition
4.0
Far and away the best ending yet for our beloved Bertie.
Bertie turns seven in this, the most recently published of the 44 Scotland Street series and by the end of the novel he's received (almost) all of the gifts poor Bertie could ever want (there's still the matter of a pocket knife...).
I'm adoring the introduction of two new(er) and promising friends for Bertie. Ranald Braveheart Macpherson, who has been around for a couple of novels now, and Finlay, whose origin I won't reveal as it could be a spoiler. Ranald certainly lives up to his middle name and Finlay we're just having the pleasure of meeting.
If you haven't yet started to enjoy this series there is a bit of dark thread throughout the narratives. For the most part, these books are rather light, philosophical, gentle novels with somewhat-like-vignettes stringing related stories together. They are accompanied by charming wood-cut looking illustrations. Sometimes there's seriousness and some deeper things to think about in the conversations between the characters. But it's the relationship between Bertie and his mother that is the darkest thread and while it can sometimes be laughable it is altogether too often a bit... disturbing. This is illustrated rather starkly by the joyful way in which this particular entry into the series ends.
There are also significant life steps for Big Lou, a potential new love for Pat, and a disturbing visit for Angus and Dominica. Bruce barely figures in this one, and Matthew and his brood are there, but mostly for the exposition of yet another transition.
And I was happy to see Cyril finally get drunk again.
Bertie turns seven in this, the most recently published of the 44 Scotland Street series and by the end of the novel he's received (almost) all of the gifts poor Bertie could ever want (there's still the matter of a pocket knife...).
I'm adoring the introduction of two new(er) and promising friends for Bertie. Ranald Braveheart Macpherson, who has been around for a couple of novels now, and Finlay, whose origin I won't reveal as it could be a spoiler. Ranald certainly lives up to his middle name and Finlay we're just having the pleasure of meeting.
If you haven't yet started to enjoy this series there is a bit of dark thread throughout the narratives. For the most part, these books are rather light, philosophical, gentle novels with somewhat-like-vignettes stringing related stories together. They are accompanied by charming wood-cut looking illustrations. Sometimes there's seriousness and some deeper things to think about in the conversations between the characters. But it's the relationship between Bertie and his mother that is the darkest thread and while it can sometimes be laughable it is altogether too often a bit... disturbing. This is illustrated rather starkly by the joyful way in which this particular entry into the series ends.
There are also significant life steps for Big Lou, a potential new love for Pat, and a disturbing visit for Angus and Dominica. Bruce barely figures in this one, and Matthew and his brood are there, but mostly for the exposition of yet another transition.
And I was happy to see Cyril finally get drunk again.
coops456's review against another edition
4.0
Bertie turns seven at last, and joyously embraces the absence of his mother who is fortuitously detained in Dubai.
The one jarring shock was discovering that Domenica and Angus are in their late forties. Wtf?? I always thought they were well in their sixties!
The one jarring shock was discovering that Domenica and Angus are in their late forties. Wtf?? I always thought they were well in their sixties!
school_librarian60's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorites in this series so far. Love Alexander McCall Smith's writing style. Feels like I'm catching up with old friends.
louisek's review against another edition
4.25
I love this series sooo much! People on here were complaining that AMS was too cruel to Irene and tbh I disagree she deserves everything she gets! Wish there were more Matthew and Elspeth but the other stories were v interesting! I even cared about a pat storyline and that is not like me! Don't ever want to finish this series!
jenc5309's review against another edition
3.0
I thought Alexander McCall Smith was awfully mean to Irene this time. He usually treats her badly, but in this one she's unbearable. Everyone else gets a happy ending, what about Irene?
booktwitcher23's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0