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Books / 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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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
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
weird... 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... more info
The Unberarable lightness of Scones 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... more info
The End of the Street 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... more info
More! More! More! 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... more info
