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artbookshelfodyssey's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, this series... it just keeps finding ways of keeping the characters interesting, using subtle and gentle humor with a truly heartbreaking ending - yet an uplifting ending too. I don't know how McCall Smith manages to do both, but he is truly a master story teller.
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
3 and 1/2 stars
It is always nice to catch up on our friends in Scotland, but not a lot happened in this particular installment.
It is always nice to catch up on our friends in Scotland, but not a lot happened in this particular installment.
meenalgarg's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
soniapage's review against another edition
4.0
The majority of the book concerns further developments in the Irene/Stewart marriage. We can only hope for the best for darling Bertie. Audiobook version expertly read by Ian Mckenzie.
hatrireads's review against another edition
3.0
Relaxing, calming on my kindle, Alexander McCall Smith and the cast on Scotland Street never fail to delight. We are on a trip and this is perfect to settle me down to sleep in these crazy times. About to start another.
fionas's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lindseysparks's review against another edition
4.0
The one where you end up rooting for someone to have affair, Bruce gets his comeuppance, and there's not enough Cyril
purplefish101's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
misskatz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
wanderaven's review against another edition
3.0
Sometimes certain books come along and collide with a particular part of one's life, typically entirely coincidentally.
I was happy to be reading the new 44 Scotland Street novel during the last few weeks because it was a world quite apart from the political upheaval we've been dealing with in the States. McCall Smith's book always feel like a witty, gentle escape to me.
But then, unfortunately, I finished the book this week and the unfortunate developments in this collection of the vignettes of life on Scotland Street (and beyond) dovetailed drastically with the unfortunate events in real life.
It's not all doom and gloom, and I know that things will likely turn around in the next installment, but unfortunately this one end with discouragement that I just don't need on top of everything else right now.
There's a lot of Bruce in this one, an unfortunate defenestration (I'm convinced McCall Smith added this element purely for the love of that word), and major developments in the lives of Stuart, Irene, Bertie, and Ulysses.
If you're already addicted to the series, I would never think of suggesting you skip any of them, it's still worth reading, but beware that this time around you may not end with the same level of warm fuzziness you usually get from these.
I was happy to be reading the new 44 Scotland Street novel during the last few weeks because it was a world quite apart from the political upheaval we've been dealing with in the States. McCall Smith's book always feel like a witty, gentle escape to me.
But then, unfortunately, I finished the book this week and the unfortunate developments in this collection of the vignettes of life on Scotland Street (and beyond) dovetailed drastically with the unfortunate events in real life.
It's not all doom and gloom, and I know that things will likely turn around in the next installment, but unfortunately this one end with discouragement that I just don't need on top of everything else right now.
There's a lot of Bruce in this one, an unfortunate defenestration (I'm convinced McCall Smith added this element purely for the love of that word), and major developments in the lives of Stuart, Irene, Bertie, and Ulysses.
If you're already addicted to the series, I would never think of suggesting you skip any of them, it's still worth reading, but beware that this time around you may not end with the same level of warm fuzziness you usually get from these.