Well worth a visit to 44 Scotland Street
|
|
Alexander McCall Smith always entertains and has a charm and wit in his writing. I always look forward to the continuing saga of the Folk of Edinburgh. My only gripe (and it is only a tiny one) is that it was written for serialisation in a newspaper and therefore often comes across in a somewhat bitty way not seen in the prose of a normal chapter. That apart give me more please.....
|
|
A Friendly Kidding Satire of Modern Pretensions
|
Everyone with a little power seems to have an exaggerated opinion of himself or herself in Edinburgh. But it must be true elsewhere: Love Over Scotland employs such a kindly look at such pretensions that I was able to see myself quite clearly in some of the satirized characters. It's good for the soul to read this book.
If you haven't read the earlier books in the series (44 Scotland Street and Espresso Tales), I recommend you do so before beginning Love Over Scotland.
Academic pretensions are laid out for all to see in Domenica Macdonald's research into the family life of today's Asian pirates. Parental pretensions continue to be best displayed by Bertie's mother, Irene Pollock. Pretensions in love are characterized by Pat who leans towards a romance with fellow art student, Wolf. Angus Lordie's pretensions as a sophisticated man and devoted dog lover are also exposed. Psychotherapists' pretensions continue to be displayed by the muddle-headed Dr. Fairbairn. Writers' pretensions are explored with a new character, Antonia Collie.
The foils for these pretenders are very sympathetic: Bertie is at his independent best; Matthew's money doesn't go to his head as he continues to treasure Pat; and Big Lou shows that loving others isn't always rewarded in the right way. I'm sure you'll identify with them and cheer them on as they fight off the effects of the pretenders.
I liked this story the best of the three. Alexander McCall Smith seems to have let his humor run wild more than in the earlier books. As a result, each little segment is a romp worthy of consideration separately from the rest. I imagined I could hear him laughing as I finished several sections.
The introduction of more themes about love is also an improvement.
At the book's end, there are several promising situations that should provide for additional delicious humor and loving reflection in the next volume of the series.
Don't miss Love Over Scotland!
|
|
|
Missing Bruce! (but still a five-star rating)
|
The third in the 44 Scotland Street series, this book describes the continuing adventures of the well-to-do residents of Edinburgh's New Town. I live in Edinburgh myself and the characters, whle humorously exaggerated, are most definitely recognisable.
The chapters were originally published as daily columns in The Scotsman newspaper and are therefore a perfect length to fill an idle moment. But very much like a box of chocolates you will want one more...just one more...
My favourite strand is the one about six-year old Bertie and his hideously overbearing mother Irene. Irene forces Bertie to join the Edinburgh Teenage Orchestra and many adventures ensue. I also loved the way Alexander McCall Smith parodies the TV programme about finding a Maria for the Sound of Music with a related story at Bertie's primary school.
One weakness is the loss of the comically ghastly Bruce but I still had to give this book five stars as it was a delight to read.
|
|
|
I loved this book !!
|
If you are a regular Alexander McCall smith fan then suffice it to say that this latest offering is definitely up to scratch.Personally i think it is currently the best in the Scotland Street series of novels and he has certainly put more thought and plot development into this one.
For those of you not familiar with Mr McCall Smith's work then i will say that he is not to everyone's taste.He has a very sweet natured,kind hearted but also very laid back way of looking at life.His novels don't have plot developments at the turn of every page;he takes time to flesh out the characters and brings to the surface their little eccentricities which lets face it we all have and whilst doing so creates a rich tapestry of life which is often funny,amusing,sad and moving but always with that philosophical overview which makes the author who he is.
This book sees the same characters that we have got to know and like but he seems to have them all travelling away from Scotland street and getting ito some quite amusing capers (Bertie's adventures are a real gem !)which is a most wellcome treat.
All in all this is McCall Smith at his very best.This is definitely for his regular readers but those new to the Scotland Street series may like to check out the previous two books in the series before reading this one so that you have a better idea of what the characters are about.
A real laid back treat of a novel - ideal for lazy summer days !
|
|
|
Lovely!
|
|
I have read a handful of the author's books now, and I find that the more I read, the more I want to read. This is yet another cosy and interesting book by McCall Smith that is testimony to his acute power of observation and wonderful ability to tell a good story.
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada