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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book on CD performed by Robert Ian MacKenzie
3***
Book four in the 44 Scotland Street series continues the varied stories of the current (or former) residents of the apartment complex. Bertie has questions about his new baby brother, Ulysses. Angus is frantic after his beloved Cyril is “incarcerated” on a charge of biting. Bruce, Big Lou and Matthew find new love interests. And Domenica is not so sure that her friend Antonia is really a friend after the latter moves in across the hall.
What I love about the ensemble series is that each book gives us just a glimpse into their lives. We pick up where the last book left off, and end with many issues still unresolved. It’s the same way we encounter casual friends, catching up when we see them, but not knowing how things will turn out once we depart. And yet, happy to see them again and catch up once more.
Robert Ian MacKenzie does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobooks. He really brings all these characters to life. I particularly like how he voices Bertie. How I love that kid!
3***
Book four in the 44 Scotland Street series continues the varied stories of the current (or former) residents of the apartment complex. Bertie has questions about his new baby brother, Ulysses. Angus is frantic after his beloved Cyril is “incarcerated” on a charge of biting. Bruce, Big Lou and Matthew find new love interests. And Domenica is not so sure that her friend Antonia is really a friend after the latter moves in across the hall.
What I love about the ensemble series is that each book gives us just a glimpse into their lives. We pick up where the last book left off, and end with many issues still unresolved. It’s the same way we encounter casual friends, catching up when we see them, but not knowing how things will turn out once we depart. And yet, happy to see them again and catch up once more.
Robert Ian MacKenzie does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobooks. He really brings all these characters to life. I particularly like how he voices Bertie. How I love that kid!
alidottie's review against another edition
4.0
I truly enjoy these stories. It is easy to breeze through any part of the story line that is about the characters that don't grab you and slow down for the ones that you are more interested in. I especially enjoy that Alexander McCall Smith was on goodreads this week answering questions!! How delightful he is "in person."
soniapage's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as the previous book but still fun to see how the story is progressing. This one had more obscure politics (obscure to me, anyway).
katzreads's review against another edition
4.0
I have read other books by this author, but nothing in this series. I will look for more in the series as the characters are pretty fascinating and the story gets tied up nicely at the end. Reading about the ways their lives intertwine is great fun.
lizzina's review
3.0
Entertaining, but I found this chapter of 44 Scotland street a bit dragged, especially in the first half. I think there is too much wandering and some of the characters are not as entertaining as I was expecting. Actually, some of them seem a bit pointless (Rob and Antonia, but also the psychologist).
Some of the episodes were extremely weird, so I felt like there wasn't enough to catch me as a reader.
A small note: "simpatico" does not mean "sympathetic", so Irene might think about having a few Italian classes to catch up with the false friends ;)
Some of the episodes were extremely weird, so I felt like there wasn't enough to catch me as a reader.
A small note: "simpatico" does not mean "sympathetic", so Irene might think about having a few Italian classes to catch up with the false friends ;)
andrea_c's review against another edition
3.0
Bertie is clearly never going to get a break, that poor child. He is going to be one intensely brooding emo-teen, but I don't think the series that ages by months with each iteration will get so far.
I do love the 44 Scotland Street series, but this one fell a little flat. I can't quite pinpiont why, but I suspect it was Matthew's story as he is my favourite character and something about it didn't work...
Still, a good read! 3-star rating is on the Scotland Street scale, so definitely still read them all. And the next one.
I do love the 44 Scotland Street series, but this one fell a little flat. I can't quite pinpiont why, but I suspect it was Matthew's story as he is my favourite character and something about it didn't work...
Still, a good read! 3-star rating is on the Scotland Street scale, so definitely still read them all. And the next one.
missayme's review against another edition
4.0
Another of McCall Smith's series, this is from a newspaper serial about 44 Scotland Street and the lives of those in the building. I can't praise enough the writing and characterisation.
jillccox's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE this series. Alexander McCall Smith is one of my favorite authors. I love the wit and humor and depth of the characters in this series.
gaga2203's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
The whole series is a treat.