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jaxdux's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
loveachelois_'s review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
andrew61's review against another edition
3.0
This is the fourth in a series and with very small sections makes a perfect book to read with my sandwich al lunch. The stories expand on the lives of the residents of Scotland Street in Edinburgh from bertie who at 6 years old has to cope with his appalling mother as well as a new brother, to Angus lordie whose dog cyril is about to be put down until bertie comes to his rescue . These are gentle sketches far removed from the Edinburgh of Ian rankin and Irvine welsh but enjoyable in their own way.
kingfan30's review
4.0
So it's been a year since I last visited Scotland Street, so it was time to grab a coffee, snuggle up in some PJs and get reading. It really is like catching up with friends, Bertie's mum is still just as controlling and I really wish his dad would just man up a bit. Bruce is back and is just as annoying as ever, although he may well have met his match. Antonio and Dominica were quite amusing too, assessing thier friendship now they are neighbours and working out the boundaries. At least this time I know it won't be year before my next visit as I've got the next one to read immediately to give to my secret Santa.
adriana69's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Charming funny and well written. The characters of 44 Scotland street and their ongoing lives. Including poor old Bertie trying to have a normal boyhood.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
aliilman's review against another edition
5.0
Thus far in May, I have read 4 books. All 4 books are 44 Scotland Street novels. I utterly enjoyed reading them. As I am writing this, I think about the few hours I had spent in the morning, reading through over 200 pages of this very book.
What on earth was it that made me bury my head in the book for a few hours? Humanity.
There is amusement, there is callousness, there is compassion, there is contempt, there is empathy, there is frustration, there is kindness, there is love, there is sympathy. These emotions are shown amongst the characters. In turn, the reader can develop a bond towards certain characters such as Bertie. The reader can develop a sense of despise towards certain characters such as Bruce.
At this point, I don’t feel there is a need to describe how the story for a 44 Scotland Street novel goes. It is humanity that makes it a delightful read.
What on earth was it that made me bury my head in the book for a few hours? Humanity.
There is amusement, there is callousness, there is compassion, there is contempt, there is empathy, there is frustration, there is kindness, there is love, there is sympathy. These emotions are shown amongst the characters. In turn, the reader can develop a bond towards certain characters such as Bertie. The reader can develop a sense of despise towards certain characters such as Bruce.
At this point, I don’t feel there is a need to describe how the story for a 44 Scotland Street novel goes. It is humanity that makes it a delightful read.
littlerlara's review against another edition
5.0
This series is incredibly heart warming while still being interesting.
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
4.0
No surprise here, but it was a great read! It reads like a collection of very short stories and is so entertaining. I love McCall Smith's humor - so intelligent you almost miss it. My favorite part was his discourse on short versus long sentences. I'm looking forward to reading another of his!
brentandvickie1978's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know why I love this series. Maybe the fun characters. Maybe because I relate to Bertie--being a Kindergarten teacher, myself. There is something to love in each character and the author's writing style makes it very readable while not being mundane. Can't wait to read the next one!
everything_was_beautiful's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5