The Emperor's New Clothes....
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More and more I find that the hype for films and books way, way exceed the actual product - and this book is yet another example of this.
Admittedly some sections were entertaining but, on the whole, the writing is dreary and concentrates on a bunch of self-absorbed people. Perhaps a matter of personal taste. I found the characters annoying and trite - a narcissistic former tenant of 44 Scotland Street, daddy's little rich girl, a feeble art gallery owner etc etc. The most interesting character is probably Cyril the dog. Probably would have been more interesting if Cyril had contracted rabies and bitten them all.
My personal opinion and I doubt I will be reading another McCall Smith book.
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snooze-fest.
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this book was bought for me so i thought i'd better read it, but i wish i hadn't bothered! i very rarely give up on books ut i came close with this one several times. after giving it several "last chances" i wish i'd gone with my first thoughts and not bothered! the only parts i came close to enjoying were the bits about "the child genius" which were mildly amusing, but otherwise a load of rubbish!
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A Great Mix
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Having only discovered this author through watching the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency on the television - oh what a find. I have started with this set of Alexander McCall Smith books.
The characters are warm and interesting, who all make up the foundations of the house in Scotland Street. Pat was slightly dysfunctional and I thought at times very awkward within the book. Perhaps that is why she is on her second gap year.
Bruce makes you want to despise every man ever living, but you know he is like a scratch annoying when you have got it but you just have to itch it. I hope he gets some sort of justice - perhaps his move into wine might be the down fall for him?
Bertie was the strongest that shone through for me. A delightful child trapped with this mother who has the issues and is getting far more from therapy then Bertie. A child that just wants to be a child - train sets and all.
This book is simple in its understanding and great to dip in and out of but leaving you wanting more. Just as soon as a couple of chapters have gone past and characters have been dealt with then the author changes track and focuses on another. A great comparison with Charles Dickens, for me who serialised some of his books in a paper over a period of time, again switching back from characters and situations to keep the reader hooked.
The reason for 4 stars is easy - I am not from Scotland and many of the places and the 'in jokes' were slightly lost on me. However, this did not stop me enjoying the novel immensely and I am off to enjoy book 2!
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I absolutely loved it!
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It has been a long time since a book totally delighted me - and this book definitely did! I cannot recommend it highly enough. I thought it was hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times when reading this book.
The character development is brilliant - I read it in a day, page turning to see what happened next. So many funny 'cringe' moments - Bruce and his pants was a particular favourite. I've now ordered the next in the series and can't wait to read it!
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A great cast of characters
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44 Scotland Street introduces us to a cast of great characters all living in a house that has been turned into several flats. It takes a witty, sometimes wry look at Edinburgh life. We meet the fairly horrid Bruce, Pat, his flatmate, and the unforgettable Bertie - a child prodigy, and his truly dreadful parents. Young Pat (2 gap years)takes a job in a gallery and there is a lot of fun and misunderstanding over a certain painting. Good fun, a real feel good read.
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