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bibliotechied's review against another edition
5.0
#37 a book guaranteed to bring you joy
Any book in the 44 Scotland Street series is guaranteed to bring joy especially one that sees the delightful Bertie given more freedom to do boyish things unimpeded by his mother's controlling nature. In this novel Bertie's father also makes a short lived bid for freedom but ends up doing the right thing rather than the selfish one. Bruce makes a return with an appalling Australian girlfriend and for once doesn't emerge in a better position than he deserves but does provide much hilarity and problem of the au pairs is solved.
A delightful read.
Any book in the 44 Scotland Street series is guaranteed to bring joy especially one that sees the delightful Bertie given more freedom to do boyish things unimpeded by his mother's controlling nature. In this novel Bertie's father also makes a short lived bid for freedom but ends up doing the right thing rather than the selfish one. Bruce makes a return with an appalling Australian girlfriend and for once doesn't emerge in a better position than he deserves but does provide much hilarity and problem of the au pairs is solved.
A delightful read.
toryhallelujah's review against another edition
3.0
I hadn't read any of the other books in the series, but this stood on its own pretty well. Charming and smart, as is everything of McCall's I've read, albeit wordier than the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency books. I was frustrated by the ending though, since Irene is emotionally abusive and uses the kids as collateral, which is BS. Hopefully that situation will be resolved in the next book.
entwifereads's review against another edition
5.0
Eloquent, endearing, and insightful as always. Every time a new installation in this series comes out, I feel a bit of the comforts and down-to-earth wisdom of home calling to me. Eagerly awaiting the next volume.
kittykatereads's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
linda_edwards's review against another edition
4.0
Poor Bertie, poor Stuart, another great book from the 44 Scotland Street series.
avidreadergirl1's review
4.0
Another fine installment in the series.
I adore that series and most of its characters but we’re, unfortunately, still stuck with despicable Irene whom I’d like to have left in the harem.
It’s seems that Bruce has found his female equivalent in that Clare that struck me as cross between Bruce and Irene. Hopefully Clare might not last long in the series as she seems to be prone to cause situation that cause her dismissal from employment.
The rest of the characters are up to their usual activities and it seems that Ulysses Pollock finds out that his dad isn’t whom he is led to be it by Irene.
Can’t wait to read the next instalment.
I adore that series and most of its characters but we’re, unfortunately, still stuck with despicable Irene whom I’d like to have left in the harem.
It’s seems that Bruce has found his female equivalent in that Clare that struck me as cross between Bruce and Irene. Hopefully Clare might not last long in the series as she seems to be prone to cause situation that cause her dismissal from employment.
The rest of the characters are up to their usual activities and it seems that Ulysses Pollock finds out that his dad isn’t whom he is led to be it by Irene.
Can’t wait to read the next instalment.
smack's review against another edition
3.0
All I want is a Bertie spin off series please! I'm losing interest in the other characters.
micrummey's review against another edition
4.0
Bertie is my favourite character in this series something always seems to happen when he makes an appearance. Then again Irene, his mother has her moments and without this conflict the book wouldn't be as entertaining.
As always I applaud Alexander McCall Smith for his short chapters, comic observation and for giving a sense of place to Edinburgh.
The author introduces a word I have never heard of before, defenestration, a word Alexander McCall Smith must also enjoy as he gleefully reuses it several times throughout the book.
As always I applaud Alexander McCall Smith for his short chapters, comic observation and for giving a sense of place to Edinburgh.
The author introduces a word I have never heard of before, defenestration, a word Alexander McCall Smith must also enjoy as he gleefully reuses it several times throughout the book.
evieomills's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5