- Hardcover: 368 pages
- Publisher: Polygon; 1st edition (1 July 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1846970571
- ISBN-13: 978-1846970573
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.4 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 204,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones: 44 Scotland Street 05
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk 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
Book Description
* The fifth volume of Alexander McCall Smith's wonderful serial novels set in Edinburgh's New Town
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This instalment of the series is just as good as its predecessors. Matthew embarks on married life; Bertie continues to ask awkward questions about his little brother's parentage; Domenica wonders what Antonia is up to and Angus Lordie and Cyril have a close encounter with some puppies. Each short chapter is complete in itself and many are highly amusing. What can you do with 6 puppies in an Edinburgh flat? Big Lou is still serving coffee and sympathy to all who need it and still reading through her eclectic library. Old friends make an appearance and some problems are sorted. I loved it for its gentle humour and the knowledge of human nature in all its forms which this author displays. I can't wait for the next one.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love this series. The style of writing is so gentle and unassuming, that I tend to think that nothing very much has happened - except that when I look back, of course things have happened, and some of them pretty dramatic, with Matthew's Dolphin and poor Lard. It's nice to see Ian Rankin making another appearence, Bruce is developing interestingly - which I never thought would happen - and I so wanted Bertie to make a bid for freedom, but for now, I suppose, Cubs will do. (I do find it hard to find that after all of these books, he's still only six. I'd rather like him to be older now.) The touches of humour are, as always, wonderful, and having been rather disappointed by La's Orchestra Saves the World, this book was was a huge pleasure to read. I also love the illustrations.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Any time I finish a book in the 44 Scotland Street Series I start longing for the next one! Little Bertie is a trusted friend, and so are Domenica, and Angus, Big Lou and the wonderfully vain Bruce: not so happy about that Elspeth girl marrying Matthew, but you can't really have everything! The great thing about these novels is that you are never disappointed, every character is so well described, their approach to life and troubles is so understandable, so common, and yet so unbearably light! I went to Edinburgh after reading the first two books, and it felt like home... Thank you Mr. McCall-Smith!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Gentle humour
Easy-going tale of Edinburgh folk who live in and around 44 Scotland Street. Gentle humour and likeable characters especially dear little Bertie, the stoic victim of a 'personal... Read more
Published 8 months ago by JoTownhead
Warm and witty
This series of charming and humorous books contain perfect bedtime stories - the episodes are all delicious snack-sized reads, and you know they will satisfy and soothe. Read more
Published 15 months ago by anozama
A feelgood read - and none the worse for that!
A gentle, funny satire on modern Edinburgh life. There are lots of characters whose lives cross in different ways. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Wynne Kelly
Brilliant!
Another classic in this excellent series - the characters are like old friends - you just want to know how everyone is getting on - loved it!
Published 18 months ago by Teddybear
Nice, if you like these books
It's pretty similar to the rest of the series, but it's nice to see how life's progressing. Always amusing, nice and gentle, you know what you're getting, recommended.
Published 18 months ago by J
When Whimsy Becomes Flimsy
The fact that an audience exists for this kind of fluff is heartening and shows that the spirit behind sentimental Scottish institutions like the "Sunday Post" and "People's... Read more
Published 20 months ago by John Fitzpatrick
44 Scotland Street - Alexander McCall Smith
Another excellent book by Alexander McCall Smith in the story of 44 Scotland Street and its residents and surrounding area. Can't wait for the next one.
Published 22 months ago by Mr. Michael Murray
pleasure
An good continuation in the 44 Scotland St series, fun characters with some new ones, and some twists and turns, I ready it too quickly, because it kept calling to me. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mrs. G. Bligh
44 Scotland Street at its best
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Unbearable Lightness of Scones". Alexander McCall-Smith writes with a lightness of touch and sense of humour that makes the book ideal holiday reading,... Read more
Published on 5 Feb 2010 by J. Holmes
Light hearted read
I have read the previuos books in the Scotland Street series and felt I had to read this one! They are light hearted but do have some deeper issues if you choose to explore this... Read more
Published on 8 Dec 2009 by a reader
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