The Unbearable Lightness of Scones: A New 44 Scotland Street Novel (44 Scotland Street 5): A New 44 Scotland Street Novel (44 Scotland Street 5) |
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Alexander McCall Smith
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Pages: 368 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1846970571
Pub: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited
Pub date: 2008-07-01
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 616
Editorial Review:
The phenomenal acclaim for Alexander McCall Smith's Botswana-set detective series featuring the 'comfortably built' Precious Ramotswe took the publishing world by storm, notably because the gentle, unforced humour of the books was such a contrast with the far grittier fare on offer from most publishers and crime authors. Of course, it's probably true that readers were ready for something a touch more ingratiating --- that's to say, crime books that didn't always end with the walls painted with blood.
The latest book in McCall Smith's highly successful career, The Unbearable Lightness of Scones, is, however, not one of his Precious Ramotswe books, but an entry in the pleasing (and undemanding) Scotland Street series, full of the good-natured charm and inventiveness that is the author's hallmark. Bertie, McCall Smith's precocious six-year-old protagonist, is still at odds with his domineering mother, Irene, but enjoying his time as a cub scout. Matthew is struggling with the demands of marriage, while Domenica has her own struggle with the loneliness that accompanies her somewhat arid intellectual lifestyle. The residents of 44 Scotland St offer a kind of Celtic alternative to the humour of Armistead Maupin's delightful San Francisco-set Tales of the City (although unorthodox sexuality has less of a place here!).
It's a something of an achievement in the often dark world of the 21st century to deliver lightweight (but intelligent) entertainment such as this. There will always be those who want more uncompromising fare, but those attuned to Alexander McCall Smith's more gentle world view need not hesitate. --Barry Forshaw
Reader Reviews:
weird... (1/1 people found this helpful)
I've loved 44 scotland street more than any other McCallSmith books but ... After reading that latest/last volume I wondered whether McCallSmith had really written it. Yes, it has some the spirit of the previous books, yet it is totally different. Less witty, less ... something. This one definetly doesn't have it.
There is a huge gap between that volume and the previous (or have I missed something?) and the characters are totally out of character. They're becoming heavy and unreal, which is rather weird for a McCallSmith book.
Of course it is well written (hence the 3*), it still has some and some fantastics chapters (and some very long ones), but something's gone. Maybe it's me...
However I've discussed it with another fan of McCallSmith and she too tought his most recent book-writing was quite different (and it waw not a 44 scotland street novel). So what happened?
The Unberarable lightness of Scones (0/0 people found this helpful)
I loved the new book of the 44 Scotland series. It is a shame Bertie is still years old. I loved the idea of him bringing Australia into this book as I know Perth Australia well as I lived in the parts that he metnions. I was also brought up in Scotland and I know Edinburgh well so it is home from home for me as I imange myself walking down the streets as well as the chracters. He has an amazing ability to add character to all the characters. My favourites are Bertie Cyril and Angus and although Bruce is a pain he does get his just deserts in this one which he very much deserves. We all know people like the one he metnions and dogs like Cyril it is great how he brings the dog feeling to life as well. Valvona and Crolla of course is a great place in Edinburgh and he brings it to life so well.
It is just as good as the first one how do you do Alexander.
The End of the Street (4/6 people found this helpful)
May I apologise in advance to the loyal followers? I'm sorry, but I've fallen out of love with Scotland Street. What's changed? After reading all the others, snatching them off the shelves the moment they appeared in hardback, this one crossed a line for me.
I've always found McCall Smith to be fair. If he has a strong view to air, then he will put it in the mind of one of his beautifully developed characters. He'll find a suitable mouthpiece for his opinions. He'll then choose another to give the opposite view, and leave us something to muse upon. So we hear Angus's views on art, balanced by Big Lou's, Dominica's on society, counterpoised by one of her friends', Miss Harmony's and Bertie's mother's opposing ideas on the best way to bring up children, even Cyril the gold-toothed dog's view on ankles, compared with whoever he just bit. Plus we'd get everyone's opinions on Scotland.
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones is a good read because it's more of the same, a few little surprises but no big shocks. Yes, the characters move on a little, but Bertie is still six years old the way that Bart Simpson will always be 10.
Now, I detect more of McCall Smith's own views taking over the pages. Perhaps it's the continuing rant about the Turner Prize, but it's not Angus Lordie who complains about it; it's the writer himself. Yet more punches aimed at the Guardian newspaper; does he never object to The Sun, The Independent or even The Daily Mail?
It reads to me as if Scotland Street has become a bit of a burden to him; perhaps the pressure of continually writing endless instalments about his characters and their little adventures has taken on an unbearable lightness of its own. Alexander McCall Smith books used to be my guilty secret, but I think this will be my last.
More! More! More! (1/1 people found this helpful)
This latest 44 Scotland Street novel doesn't disappoint except that it is just too difficult to make it last! Once finished, I, as usual, feel bereft - how many months will I have to wait for another in this series or, the equally enjoyable, Sunday Philosophy Club series? If only A McCall-Smith would concentrate on just these two series about wonderful Edinburgh! His subtle social comment and wonderful description of his characters draw the reader into this fascinating city and says a lot about life in the UK (sorry, Scotland) in 2008. Read ALL the books in the series in the order they were written and you will be hooked! MORE! MORE! MORE! soon, please.
Listen to Books on CD (1/1 people found this helpful)
I have just loved this whole series of books based in Edinburgh. Rather than buy the books, I have been buying them on CD and listening to them when driving along in the car. Narrators with their easy Scottish voices such as Blythe Duff and especially David Rintoul (what a voice!) are so familiar and homely.
The stories are entertaining, interesting and captivating and the characters engaging: young Bertie just can't grow up quickly enough for me: his mother is a pain: Dr Fairbairn makes me cringe: and Bruce is just so awful (Chinos or no Chinos - give me a 'distressed oatmeal sweater' any day!). You find you just can't drag yourself away from the characters, and we all know someone with similar traits.
I can almost taste the Parmesan or Panne Forte from Valvona & Crolla, I would love to spend time in Lou's Coffee Shop, and a drink in the Cumberland Bar with Angus Lordie and Cyril would be 'chust perfecto'.
I do hope when this one comes out on CD that it is once again David Rintoul doing the narration - if you are reading this Alexander McCall Smith - keep them coming!
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Hardcover
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