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44 Scotland Street #2
Espresso Tales
44 SCOTLAND STREET - Book 2
The residents and neighbors of 44 Scotland Street and the city of Edinburgh come to vivid life in these gently satirical, wonderfully perceptive serial novels, featuring six-year-old Bertie, a remarkably precocious boy—just ask his mother.
Back are all our favorite denizens of a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh. Bertie the immensely talented six year old is now enrolled in kindergarten, and much to his dismay, has been clad in pink overalls for his first day of class. Bruce has lost his job as a surveyor, and between admiring glances in the mirror, is contemplating becoming a wine merchant. Pat is embarking on a new life at Edinburgh University and perhaps on a new relationship, courtesy of Domenica, her witty and worldly-wise neighbor. McCall Smith has much in store for them as the brief spell of glorious summer sunshine gives way to fall a season cursed with more traditionally Scottish weather.
Full of McCall Smith’s gentle humor and sympathy for his characters, Espresso Tales is also an affectionate portrait of a city and its people who, in the author’s own words, “make it one of the most vibrant and interesting places in the world.”
The residents and neighbors of 44 Scotland Street and the city of Edinburgh come to vivid life in these gently satirical, wonderfully perceptive serial novels, featuring six-year-old Bertie, a remarkably precocious boy—just ask his mother.
Back are all our favorite denizens of a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh. Bertie the immensely talented six year old is now enrolled in kindergarten, and much to his dismay, has been clad in pink overalls for his first day of class. Bruce has lost his job as a surveyor, and between admiring glances in the mirror, is contemplating becoming a wine merchant. Pat is embarking on a new life at Edinburgh University and perhaps on a new relationship, courtesy of Domenica, her witty and worldly-wise neighbor. McCall Smith has much in store for them as the brief spell of glorious summer sunshine gives way to fall a season cursed with more traditionally Scottish weather.
Full of McCall Smith’s gentle humor and sympathy for his characters, Espresso Tales is also an affectionate portrait of a city and its people who, in the author’s own words, “make it one of the most vibrant and interesting places in the world.”
345 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2006
537 people are currently reading
3842 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
669 books12.7k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,006 reviews
December 27, 2007
I love Alexander McCall Smith. I would read his grocery list, and I bet it would be more interesting than a lot of the crap that's out there.
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the "44 Scotland Street" series. It can be read as a standalone.
In these lighthearted stories, Alexander McCall Smith recounts the activities of a diverse circle of folks who live in Edinburgh's "New Town" neighborhood. Many of the characters live in apartments at 44 Scotland Street - and others are their friends and acquaintances.
*****
The most endearing character in the book is little Bertie Pollock, a six-year-old boy whose mother embarked on 'the Bertie project' as soon as he was born. Bertie's mum Irene immerses herself in the literature of child psychology; rejects gender-specific appurtenances; and is determined to make Bertie the best that he can be.
Thus Bertie is in therapy with a psychoanalyst;
Has a pink room and pink dungarees;
Goes to a floatarium; takes Italian classes;
Has saxophone lessons;
Goes to yoga; and is restricted from having friends.
In this book Bertie starts kindergarten, which gets him out of Irene's clutches for a bit. Still, Bertie dearly wishes he could play rugby; go to a classmate's birthday party; watch trains; go fishing; wear jeans; and so on. To these ends Bertie makes a few sly maneuvers and gets some help from his father Stuart, who FINALLY decides to be a more assertive husband and better dad.
All this gets young Bertie into a pickle or two, but he has some fun and even meets Glasgow gangster Lard O'Connor - who takes quite a shine to the lad.
*****
Matthew Duncan is a well-meaning young man who's failed at one business after another, all of them financed by his multi-millionaire father. Matthew is currently running an art gallery, which - miracle of miracles - is actually showing a profit.
Matthew now has other troubles however. His father has a new girlfriend, a 'younger woman', and Matthew is certain she's a shameless gold digger. During dinner with the couple Matthew behaves badly, leading to a showdown with his dad (which made me laugh).
Mr. Duncan Sr. is nobody's fool, though, and events take an unexpected turn.
*****
Pat McGregor is a university student who's platonic roommates with handsome narcissistic Bruce Anderson. Pat is very busy these days. She's preparing for classes; working part-time in Matthew Duncan's art gallery; having dinners with her concerned father; and hanging out with her neighbor, anthropologist Domenica MacDonald - who's thinking of going off to study sea pirates.
Domenica takes it upon herself to do a spot of match-making, which gets Pat invited to a nudist picnic.
*****
Good-looking Bruce Anderson, who never passed a mirror he didn't like, has lost his job as a surveyor. Bruce thinks about getting a job in a wine shop, but - in his usual egotistical fashion - decides he'll hit up a university friend for a BIG investment and open his own spirits store.
Bruce doesn't know much about the wine business, however, which leads to an unexpected turn of events.
*****
Artist Angus Lordie, like all residents of Scotland Street, frequently stops by Big Lou's coffee bar for refreshments and conversation. Angus's dog Cyril, who has a gold tooth, accompanies his owner everywhere, and fantasizes about biting people's ankles.
In this book Angus finally gets to nip someone (after being sorely provoked), and everyone on Scotland Street gets a big laugh.
*****
Lawyer Ramsey Dunbarton, who's led an uneventful life, decides to write up his boring (to other people) remembrances. Ramsey chivies his wife Betty into listening to him narrate the memoirs, which she finds very soporific. (And so does the reader.)
*****
Some of my favorite scenes in the story are Bertie's therapy sessions with his psychoanalyst, Dr. Fairbairn. Bertie thinks Dr. Fairbairn is crazy, and is certain he'll be carted off to a mental institution any minute. This is hilarious....as are many other moments in the book.
I'd recommend the book to readers who enjoy humorous stories.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 30, 2020
I’m somewhat reluctant to proclaim my enjoyment of this series because Smith’s writing of gentle, everyday people that are full of everyday human foibles seems, on the surface, to be uncomplicated. But as the reader familiarizes themselves with these characters it becomes clear that this author has thoroughly studied human behavior. The writing has been a soothing balm that drowns out the talking heads of our times,
The Scottish residents of Edinburgh are sometimes quirky, educated, confused or have issues. A distinction is made between people who fool themselves and those that don’t. A 6 year old boy suspects his psychotherapist (psycho therapist) needs to be institutionalized, Cyrus, the dog, winks and drinks beer from a saucer - humorous but meaningful portraits.
Turning out to be one of my very favorite series.
The Scottish residents of Edinburgh are sometimes quirky, educated, confused or have issues. A distinction is made between people who fool themselves and those that don’t. A 6 year old boy suspects his psychotherapist (psycho therapist) needs to be institutionalized, Cyrus, the dog, winks and drinks beer from a saucer - humorous but meaningful portraits.
Turning out to be one of my very favorite series.
February 8, 2009
OK, I finished another Alexander McCall Smith book, what can I say, I just love this guy and his writing style.
I love how he gets into the brains and thoughts of so many of his characters. I can tell that he uses certain characters to ruminate on his own philosophies of life...in the case of these books in the 44 Scotland Street series, its Domenica Macdonald, one of the residents of the title address.
I googled Smith's writing style and found this on the BBC website:
McCall Smith's writing offers an escape to a place that celebrates moral certainty, warmth and compassion. The author considers it "legitimate to write about virtue".
Maybe that's what I like about his writing.
I love how he gets into the brains and thoughts of so many of his characters. I can tell that he uses certain characters to ruminate on his own philosophies of life...in the case of these books in the 44 Scotland Street series, its Domenica Macdonald, one of the residents of the title address.
I googled Smith's writing style and found this on the BBC website:
McCall Smith's writing offers an escape to a place that celebrates moral certainty, warmth and compassion. The author considers it "legitimate to write about virtue".
Maybe that's what I like about his writing.
August 2, 2018
*second read*
4 stars.
I just love Alexander McCall Smith. I feel like I am always gushing on about him. He is my hero. You can always count on him to bring goodness and decency to the forefront. We all need a thousand times more of this these days.
This series follows characters living in an building on Scotland St and people connected to them. It sounds dry but it isn't. It is populated with interesting people and even a really cool dog. Also a little boy I dare you not to love.
This is the second book in the series. If you need more info about the series in general and why I love it, please check out my review for the first book: 44 Scotland Street
As always, I love just about everything this man writes. Thank you, AMS! Long may you wave!
*first read, 2010*
3.75 stars. Still a very solid read....and moving on to the next in the series!
4 stars.
I just love Alexander McCall Smith. I feel like I am always gushing on about him. He is my hero. You can always count on him to bring goodness and decency to the forefront. We all need a thousand times more of this these days.
This series follows characters living in an building on Scotland St and people connected to them. It sounds dry but it isn't. It is populated with interesting people and even a really cool dog. Also a little boy I dare you not to love.
This is the second book in the series. If you need more info about the series in general and why I love it, please check out my review for the first book: 44 Scotland Street
As always, I love just about everything this man writes. Thank you, AMS! Long may you wave!
*first read, 2010*
3.75 stars. Still a very solid read....and moving on to the next in the series!
January 14, 2013
I actually just finished the 3rd in this series: Love over Scotland, which I will review shortly.
For my first ever GoodReads review, I wanted to start with this one, not because it was better or worse than the first or third, but because it does have an interesting aspect that sets it apart--not just from the books I've read so far of this series, or by this author, but of anything I've ever read!
That being (with disclaimer following):
THIS BOOK MAY WELL BE THE MOST PROFOUNDLY GRATIFYING COLLECTION OF COME-UPPANCES EVER PENNED BY AN AUTHOR IN A SINGLE WORK OF FICTION!
The disclaimer is that I do not have the breadth of exposure to fiction that many on this website surely do, and I could easily be shown to be wrong.
Whether or not it is true, it is easy to see how McCall Smith could achieve this feat in any one of the volumes of the 44 Scotland Street series.
In all his writing, McCall Smith is a master at reintroducing modern man to that quality of character which I call "circumspection", and which Robert Burns describes as the ability "to see oursels as others see us". In our narcissistic society this quality is seldom valued, and I daresay it has always been difficult to teach. McCall Smith seems to have found a way to sharpen his pen so as to give us a dose of ourselves in the most palatable manner, that we might learn to see ourselves more clearly.
Now, in the Scotland Street series, perhaps due to the serial manner in which it was written, McCall Smith has found a way to parallelize this process, in the twined threads of lives for several of his characters who we early learn to tut-tut at, then laugh at, and finally to love. The books are a veritable fire hose of character therapy!
For my first ever GoodReads review, I wanted to start with this one, not because it was better or worse than the first or third, but because it does have an interesting aspect that sets it apart--not just from the books I've read so far of this series, or by this author, but of anything I've ever read!
That being (with disclaimer following):
THIS BOOK MAY WELL BE THE MOST PROFOUNDLY GRATIFYING COLLECTION OF COME-UPPANCES EVER PENNED BY AN AUTHOR IN A SINGLE WORK OF FICTION!
The disclaimer is that I do not have the breadth of exposure to fiction that many on this website surely do, and I could easily be shown to be wrong.
Whether or not it is true, it is easy to see how McCall Smith could achieve this feat in any one of the volumes of the 44 Scotland Street series.
In all his writing, McCall Smith is a master at reintroducing modern man to that quality of character which I call "circumspection", and which Robert Burns describes as the ability "to see oursels as others see us". In our narcissistic society this quality is seldom valued, and I daresay it has always been difficult to teach. McCall Smith seems to have found a way to sharpen his pen so as to give us a dose of ourselves in the most palatable manner, that we might learn to see ourselves more clearly.
Now, in the Scotland Street series, perhaps due to the serial manner in which it was written, McCall Smith has found a way to parallelize this process, in the twined threads of lives for several of his characters who we early learn to tut-tut at, then laugh at, and finally to love. The books are a veritable fire hose of character therapy!
November 5, 2019
Oh, my! NUDISTS! HAVING PICNICS! And of course, pointing out how difficult it is to be a "naturalist" in Scotland! And Bruce gets his comeuppance! Sort of!
Frankly, I could read just the bits about Bertie, his poor dad, and his terrible mother. And, while I know that the parts with Ramsey Dunbarton are intentionally boring, for comic purposes . . . well, yes, they're very, very boring!
Frankly, I could read just the bits about Bertie, his poor dad, and his terrible mother. And, while I know that the parts with Ramsey Dunbarton are intentionally boring, for comic purposes . . . well, yes, they're very, very boring!
May 1, 2019
Potrei leggere qualsiasi cosa di McCall Smith, uno dei pochi scrittori che dona personaggi a cui riesci a voler bene!! È da follia, ma io a Bertie, a Pat e a Mathew mi sono affezionata sul serio!!
Le situazioni narrate poi sono così realistiche, drammatiche e comiche allo stesso tempo che ti ritrovi a vivere una vita parallela insieme a loro. A me personalmente, non era mai capitato di sentirmi un libro cucito addosso così!!
Stra consigliato!! 😉
Le situazioni narrate poi sono così realistiche, drammatiche e comiche allo stesso tempo che ti ritrovi a vivere una vita parallela insieme a loro. A me personalmente, non era mai capitato di sentirmi un libro cucito addosso così!!
Stra consigliato!! 😉
March 9, 2021
Very enjoyable, an interesting mix of residents at 44 Scotland Street, so I am vested in this continuing series!
May 31, 2018
Book on CD narrated by Robert Ian MacKenzie
Book two in the “44 Scotland Street” series about the residents of a particular apartment building in Edinburgh. This began as a serialized novel for The Scotsman newspaper and became so popular that the daily episodes were compiled into the original novel, which left many of the stories unfinished. Readers demanded more, and Smith was more than happy to comply.
Bertie is now in kindergarten, forced to wear pink – or “crushed strawberry” – overalls when he’d rather dress like the other boys in his class. Bruce is contemplating a new career as a wine merchant, but he’s just as clueless about what real work entails as he was in the first book. Pat is going to Edinburgh University and entering a new relationship. Matthew’s gallery is doing splendidly, but he’s worried about his father (and his father’s new girlfriend). Angus. his dog Cyril, Domenica, Dr Fairbairn and a host of other characters round out the cast and provide chuckles and/or tender moments throughout.
The novel is a sort of ensemble piece, with chapters alternating among the characters, following Pat for a few segments, then Bertie, then Bruce, etc. It’s not great literature but it is great fun to read. Reminds me of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series.
Robert Ian MacKenzie does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He has a gift for voices, making it easy to follow the many characters. I could listen to his Scottish brogue all day.
Book two in the “44 Scotland Street” series about the residents of a particular apartment building in Edinburgh. This began as a serialized novel for The Scotsman newspaper and became so popular that the daily episodes were compiled into the original novel, which left many of the stories unfinished. Readers demanded more, and Smith was more than happy to comply.
Bertie is now in kindergarten, forced to wear pink – or “crushed strawberry” – overalls when he’d rather dress like the other boys in his class. Bruce is contemplating a new career as a wine merchant, but he’s just as clueless about what real work entails as he was in the first book. Pat is going to Edinburgh University and entering a new relationship. Matthew’s gallery is doing splendidly, but he’s worried about his father (and his father’s new girlfriend). Angus. his dog Cyril, Domenica, Dr Fairbairn and a host of other characters round out the cast and provide chuckles and/or tender moments throughout.
The novel is a sort of ensemble piece, with chapters alternating among the characters, following Pat for a few segments, then Bertie, then Bruce, etc. It’s not great literature but it is great fun to read. Reminds me of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series.
Robert Ian MacKenzie does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He has a gift for voices, making it easy to follow the many characters. I could listen to his Scottish brogue all day.
August 18, 2021
I enjoy this series, but this one started dragging a bit in some parts, especially during the Ramsey Dunbarton Story. Either I missed the point or it was really boring. Since his wife kept falling asleep while he was reading part of it to her, I suspect it's not just me.
There was a guest appearance in this book - Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus series. This was a bit of a surprise; I've read the first few books of that series.
There was some really good humor, but a lot of boring stuff too. It's nice for a change, but I don't think I'll keep reading right away. It seems to have reached a point where things are changing a lot, and a lot of characters are planning to go away, so it may be a good stopping point.
There was a guest appearance in this book - Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus series. This was a bit of a surprise; I've read the first few books of that series.
There was some really good humor, but a lot of boring stuff too. It's nice for a change, but I don't think I'll keep reading right away. It seems to have reached a point where things are changing a lot, and a lot of characters are planning to go away, so it may be a good stopping point.
October 7, 2014
Another delightful visit to Scotland Street and we find things changing for all the residents. My favorite character is six year old Bertie, who would just like to have some breathing space and he's not so sure his mother Irene understands, his father Stuart on the other hand may be ready to take a stand! Also we find the narcissistic Bruce back and still full of himself,setting himself on a new course. Of course there are the rest of the delightful cast of characters who are part of these tales of everyday angst and homespun truths! Including Domenica ( who is an anthropologist perhaps looking for a new group to study), Angus Lordie ( a portrait painter and philosopher)and his dog Cyril (who is tempted to bite an ankle or two), Mathew ( who may turn out to be successful at something after all and isn't sure about his father's new paramour), Big Lou ( who runs the bookstore turned coffee shop and is well read), Dr. Fairbairn(Bertie's therapist)and Pat Bruce's roommate,she's heading back to university and she is also working for Mathew at his art gallery). So once again the little mysteries of life are played out in these vignettes. Some secrets of Edinburgh are revealed!
March 25, 2009
More about the exploits of the characters who live at 44 Scotland Street in Edinburgh. Lively, witty, amusing, and sometimes thoughtful. Gentle reminders about what is important in life find their way into the narrative. For example on p. 327: "Big Lou did not like conflict and estrangement--what was the point, she thought, in being at odds with those whom we should love when our time on this earth was so very short?" In fact, in trying to describe the writing of McCall Smith I would say that he is something of a Scottish Garrison Keillor.
The book ends with an impromptu poem at the end of a toast to a friend who will be leaving Edinburgh. This sums up the feel of the book fairly well (and is also rather Keillor-esque):
Dear one, how many years is it--I forget--
Since that luminous evening when you joined us
In the celebration of whatever it was that we were celebrating--I forget--
It is a mark of a successful celebration
That one should have little recollection of the cause;
As long as the happiness itself remains a memory.
Our tiny planet, viewed from afar, is a place of swirling clouds
And dimmish blue; Scotland, though lodged large in all our hearts
Is invisible at that distance, not much perhaps,
But to us it is our all, our place, the opposite of nowhere;
Nowhere can be seen by looking up
And realising, with shock, that we really are very small;
You would say, yes, we are, but never overcompensate,
Be content with small places, the local, the short story
Rather than the saga; take pleasure in private jokes,
In expressions that cannot be translated,
In references that can be understood by only two or three,
But which speak with such eloquence for small places
And the fellowship of those whom you know so well
And whose sayings and moods are as familiar
As the weather; these mean everything,
They mean the world, they mean the world.
The book ends with an impromptu poem at the end of a toast to a friend who will be leaving Edinburgh. This sums up the feel of the book fairly well (and is also rather Keillor-esque):
Dear one, how many years is it--I forget--
Since that luminous evening when you joined us
In the celebration of whatever it was that we were celebrating--I forget--
It is a mark of a successful celebration
That one should have little recollection of the cause;
As long as the happiness itself remains a memory.
Our tiny planet, viewed from afar, is a place of swirling clouds
And dimmish blue; Scotland, though lodged large in all our hearts
Is invisible at that distance, not much perhaps,
But to us it is our all, our place, the opposite of nowhere;
Nowhere can be seen by looking up
And realising, with shock, that we really are very small;
You would say, yes, we are, but never overcompensate,
Be content with small places, the local, the short story
Rather than the saga; take pleasure in private jokes,
In expressions that cannot be translated,
In references that can be understood by only two or three,
But which speak with such eloquence for small places
And the fellowship of those whom you know so well
And whose sayings and moods are as familiar
As the weather; these mean everything,
They mean the world, they mean the world.
February 24, 2020
Solid 3,5*. I am still invested in the stories. Looking forward to seeing where they are heading. :)
Small spoiler: I was quite surprised that Irene didn't notice that Bertie came home with other shoes (or maybe it is that 1 she had so much on her mind 2 she was so obsessed with his dungarees).
I am not so much curious about the ramification in Glasgow, although I liked it, but I don't want this series to become something giving me heart palpitations (!).
PS+LE I found this particular title ”Espresso Tales” rather uninspired. The title, not the book!
Small spoiler: I was quite surprised that Irene didn't notice that Bertie came home with other shoes (or maybe it is that 1 she had so much on her mind 2 she was so obsessed with his dungarees).
I am not so much curious about the ramification in Glasgow, although I liked it, but I don't want this series to become something giving me heart palpitations (!).
PS+LE I found this particular title ”Espresso Tales” rather uninspired. The title, not the book!
September 9, 2011
I really enjoyed the first of Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street novels, and so was really looking forward to reading this. However, I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much.
On the plus side, I really love the drama of the Pollock family. Poor Bertie has now started at Steiner’s school-where his classmates have names like Tofu and Hiawatha-but longs to be a ‘normal’ boy and go to a school with a blazer and rugby. His unhappiness ultimately impacts his father, Stuart, who admires Irene but is finally tired of her violence surrounding ‘the Bertie project’ and takes a stand.
There’s also the addition of a couple of other colourful characters. Dr Fairbrain, Bertie’s psychiatrist is given more room to breathe, and reveals himself not to be so perfect. Then there’s Ramsey Dunbartan, who popped up in 44 Scotland Street at the Conservative ball, who is seen here reading his memoirs to his long-suffering wife Betty; which reveals him to be slightly hypocritical.
However, some things irked me this time round than they did in 44 Scotland Street. For instance, the mention of philosophy seemed a little hamfisted; we gather from one discussion that Big Lou is intelligent, we don’t need her to discuss philosophy all the time to grasp that. Additionally, Domenica McDonald seemed sometimes just to stand on a soapbox for an entire chapter which got irritating as well. I was also a little annoyed that Bruce, who was fired from his job at the end of 44 Scotland Street, despite two major mishaps and being reprimanded by Pat, still gets lucky with life.
On the whole however, McCall Smith’s novel is still laugh out loud funny and it’s characters are varied and fun. I think I might just have a look at Love Over Scotland to see what happens next, especially for Bertie.
On the plus side, I really love the drama of the Pollock family. Poor Bertie has now started at Steiner’s school-where his classmates have names like Tofu and Hiawatha-but longs to be a ‘normal’ boy and go to a school with a blazer and rugby. His unhappiness ultimately impacts his father, Stuart, who admires Irene but is finally tired of her violence surrounding ‘the Bertie project’ and takes a stand.
There’s also the addition of a couple of other colourful characters. Dr Fairbrain, Bertie’s psychiatrist is given more room to breathe, and reveals himself not to be so perfect. Then there’s Ramsey Dunbartan, who popped up in 44 Scotland Street at the Conservative ball, who is seen here reading his memoirs to his long-suffering wife Betty; which reveals him to be slightly hypocritical.
However, some things irked me this time round than they did in 44 Scotland Street. For instance, the mention of philosophy seemed a little hamfisted; we gather from one discussion that Big Lou is intelligent, we don’t need her to discuss philosophy all the time to grasp that. Additionally, Domenica McDonald seemed sometimes just to stand on a soapbox for an entire chapter which got irritating as well. I was also a little annoyed that Bruce, who was fired from his job at the end of 44 Scotland Street, despite two major mishaps and being reprimanded by Pat, still gets lucky with life.
On the whole however, McCall Smith’s novel is still laugh out loud funny and it’s characters are varied and fun. I think I might just have a look at Love Over Scotland to see what happens next, especially for Bertie.
December 13, 2017
I enjoy the denizens of 44 Scotland Street as a way to pass the time in the car with an audio book. That being said, I am desperately hoping that we don't have to hear any more of the memoirs of the insufferable Ramsey Dumbarton. Ugh. I love the other story lines but I groaned, rather loudly, every time the Dumbartons rolled around and considered fast forwarding past those parts. Ramsey aside, I adore the plight of six year old Bertie with is nightmare of an overbearing mother and I really must continue the series just to learn what happens to the poor child.
I really loved this quote that came near the end of the book but really got me to thinking:
“I have a feeling that we've seen the dismantling of civilisation, brick by brick, and now we're looking into the void. We thought that we were liberating people from oppressive cultural circumstances, but we were, in fact, taking something away from them. We were killing off civility and concern. We were undermining all those little ties of loyalty and consideration and affection that are necessary for human flourishing. We thought that tradition was bad, that it created hidebound societies, that it held people down. But, in fact, what tradition was doing all along was affirming community and the sense that we are members of one another. Do we really love and respect one another more in the absence of tradition and manners and all the rest? Or have we merely converted one another into moral strangers - making our countries nothing more than hotels for the convenience of guests who are required only to avoid stepping on the toes of other guests?”
I really loved this quote that came near the end of the book but really got me to thinking:
“I have a feeling that we've seen the dismantling of civilisation, brick by brick, and now we're looking into the void. We thought that we were liberating people from oppressive cultural circumstances, but we were, in fact, taking something away from them. We were killing off civility and concern. We were undermining all those little ties of loyalty and consideration and affection that are necessary for human flourishing. We thought that tradition was bad, that it created hidebound societies, that it held people down. But, in fact, what tradition was doing all along was affirming community and the sense that we are members of one another. Do we really love and respect one another more in the absence of tradition and manners and all the rest? Or have we merely converted one another into moral strangers - making our countries nothing more than hotels for the convenience of guests who are required only to avoid stepping on the toes of other guests?”
Read
August 9, 2011The second instalment in the lives of the inhabitants of 44 Scotland Street and their friends and relations. For me, the story that continues to dominate is that of Bertie, his appalling mother Irene and his father - who finally locates the car he left parked in Glasgow, after a fashion!
Bertie's introduction to school is a chequered one; he still hankers after a place at Watson's and is determined to find inventive ways to achieve his aim. Matthew's father Gordon has found a new girlfriend, Janis, whose motives appear somewhat questionable; the narcissistic Bruce's foray into the wine trade takes some interesting twists and turns; and Ramsey Dunbarton's memoirs are as tedious and self-absorbed as one would expect.
Once again, a well known real life character or two makes his way onto the page, including one chapter in which Bertie is rescued in one of his exploits by a pretty unlikely personage.
Looking forward eagerly to the next instalment!
Bertie's introduction to school is a chequered one; he still hankers after a place at Watson's and is determined to find inventive ways to achieve his aim. Matthew's father Gordon has found a new girlfriend, Janis, whose motives appear somewhat questionable; the narcissistic Bruce's foray into the wine trade takes some interesting twists and turns; and Ramsey Dunbarton's memoirs are as tedious and self-absorbed as one would expect.
Once again, a well known real life character or two makes his way onto the page, including one chapter in which Bertie is rescued in one of his exploits by a pretty unlikely personage.
Looking forward eagerly to the next instalment!
July 11, 2012
Alexander McCall Smith is my guilty pleasure. His are the audio books I want on the airplane, or in the garden while I wrestle with the weeds.
He tackles stereotypical Edinburgh characters, exaggerates them only a little, and plunks most of them down in one apartment building. They make me laugh. Six-year-old Bertie figures strongly, and I cheer for him in his small war against the psychotherapist his mother foists upon him. (She also foists on him the hated pink overalls which are supposed to help him avoid gender bias.) I like his friend from a fiercely vegan family who is named – really – ��Tofu.” Tofu terrorizes his classmates, hitting them up for money so he can buy hotdogs. Domenica, an immensely civilized anthropologist, is about to study family life of pirates in the Strait of Malacca. Ramsey Dumbarton’s memoirs are so boring they are actually laugh-out-loud hysterical. And these are the minor characters.
No, probably not a 5-star book, but very diverting.
He tackles stereotypical Edinburgh characters, exaggerates them only a little, and plunks most of them down in one apartment building. They make me laugh. Six-year-old Bertie figures strongly, and I cheer for him in his small war against the psychotherapist his mother foists upon him. (She also foists on him the hated pink overalls which are supposed to help him avoid gender bias.) I like his friend from a fiercely vegan family who is named – really – ��Tofu.” Tofu terrorizes his classmates, hitting them up for money so he can buy hotdogs. Domenica, an immensely civilized anthropologist, is about to study family life of pirates in the Strait of Malacca. Ramsey Dumbarton’s memoirs are so boring they are actually laugh-out-loud hysterical. And these are the minor characters.
No, probably not a 5-star book, but very diverting.
February 28, 2022
Second Reading 2022:
LOVE these books! So MANY laugh out loud passages. Also poignant passages such as:
“The world was a lonely place, a place of transience, of change, of loss; only the bonds, the ties of friendship and family protect us from the loneliness”
First reading: 2016
It took me a seemingly long time to finish this gem but life "got in the way" for a few weeks.
However......
Thank goodness for Bertie! He kept me company in the wee hours this morning whilst I was ill with a migraine. I think it was him and the others on Scotland street who made me better rather than my meds :-)
LOVE these books! So MANY laugh out loud passages. Also poignant passages such as:
“The world was a lonely place, a place of transience, of change, of loss; only the bonds, the ties of friendship and family protect us from the loneliness”
First reading: 2016
It took me a seemingly long time to finish this gem but life "got in the way" for a few weeks.
However......
Thank goodness for Bertie! He kept me company in the wee hours this morning whilst I was ill with a migraine. I think it was him and the others on Scotland street who made me better rather than my meds :-)
July 26, 2023
I’ve never read any of the ladies detective agency books, so this is my first encounter with Alexander McCall Smith. It had a misfortune to catch me in a spell of a really difficult time so maybe it is not strange that I didn’t fall for it straight away. But it gradually grew on me. I started to warm up to the inhabitants of 44 Scotland Street whose stories and issues, some interconnected and some separate, became more and more interesting, thought worthy, hilarious or ridiculous and some strangely out of place and not in any ay necessary to the overall plot.
My personal favorites would have to be the narcissistic Bruce and the Pollock family with their talented son Bertie - the six year old in his pink (I’m sorry - crushed strawberry) dungarees, his psychotically controlling mother and father who gradually finds the strength to interfere with his wife’s “Bertie project” and maybe also Cyril the dog, who occasionally finds some ankles more irresistible than others…
I think given the experience I might want to catch up on the Botswana lady detectives too at some point, since I expect they might turn out to be quite delightful too.
My personal favorites would have to be the narcissistic Bruce and the Pollock family with their talented son Bertie - the six year old in his pink (I’m sorry - crushed strawberry) dungarees, his psychotically controlling mother and father who gradually finds the strength to interfere with his wife’s “Bertie project” and maybe also Cyril the dog, who occasionally finds some ankles more irresistible than others…
I think given the experience I might want to catch up on the Botswana lady detectives too at some point, since I expect they might turn out to be quite delightful too.
May 14, 2012
"It drives me mad to hear people say: 'Don't be judgmental.' That's moral philosophy at the level of an Australian soap-opera. If people weren't judgmental, how could we possibly have a moral viewpoint in society?"
Espresso Tales is the second installment of the series of books based in Scotland Street - a real street (but fictional characters) - in Edinburgh, where the residents are ever-so-slightly snooty and judgmental. In this novel, Bruce embarks on his new career in the wine trade - but will it be a success? Bertie starts at school - but which one? Stuart and Bertie go in search of their car that was "parked somewhere streetside months ago".....until it dawns on Irene that he had parked it in Glasgow. Thus follows an event-filled adventure when Stuart and Bertie go to retrieve it. Dr Fairbairn has a guilty conscience - but how will he clear it? And Matthew's father has a girlfriend....but is she with him for love or for money? And Pat is invited to a very strange picnic...should she go? These are only some of the dilemmas that confront this little community. There is also a blossoming romance, the writing of memoirs and a surprise windfall.
I just LOVE these stories. Being a native Edinburgh lass, it's so easy to imagine these characters, and the locations mentioned in the book; that said, you don't have to be au fait with the city to enjoy the tale. One of my favourite quotes from the book is taken from the arrival of Stuart and Bertie in Glasgow to fetch their car....
"'Whauryousesgaahn?' the [taxi] driver asked. 'Dumbarton Road, please,' said Stuart. The driver looked back up at the mirror. 'Radumbartonroad? Butwhitpartoradumbartonroadyouseswantinanthat? Radumbartonroadizzaroadanahafwhaurbit?' Stuart explained that he was not sure exactly which part of the Dumbarton Road they wanted, but that he would let the driver know when they neared it. The driver nodded; people who got off the Edinburgh train were often a bit vague, he had found, but they rarely tried to jump out of the taxi without paying. Nor did they try to walk half the way in order to save money. You had to watch the Aberdeen train for that".
Love it! Enough said.
Espresso Tales is the second installment of the series of books based in Scotland Street - a real street (but fictional characters) - in Edinburgh, where the residents are ever-so-slightly snooty and judgmental. In this novel, Bruce embarks on his new career in the wine trade - but will it be a success? Bertie starts at school - but which one? Stuart and Bertie go in search of their car that was "parked somewhere streetside months ago".....until it dawns on Irene that he had parked it in Glasgow. Thus follows an event-filled adventure when Stuart and Bertie go to retrieve it. Dr Fairbairn has a guilty conscience - but how will he clear it? And Matthew's father has a girlfriend....but is she with him for love or for money? And Pat is invited to a very strange picnic...should she go? These are only some of the dilemmas that confront this little community. There is also a blossoming romance, the writing of memoirs and a surprise windfall.
I just LOVE these stories. Being a native Edinburgh lass, it's so easy to imagine these characters, and the locations mentioned in the book; that said, you don't have to be au fait with the city to enjoy the tale. One of my favourite quotes from the book is taken from the arrival of Stuart and Bertie in Glasgow to fetch their car....
"'Whauryousesgaahn?' the [taxi] driver asked. 'Dumbarton Road, please,' said Stuart. The driver looked back up at the mirror. 'Radumbartonroad? Butwhitpartoradumbartonroadyouseswantinanthat? Radumbartonroadizzaroadanahafwhaurbit?' Stuart explained that he was not sure exactly which part of the Dumbarton Road they wanted, but that he would let the driver know when they neared it. The driver nodded; people who got off the Edinburgh train were often a bit vague, he had found, but they rarely tried to jump out of the taxi without paying. Nor did they try to walk half the way in order to save money. You had to watch the Aberdeen train for that".
Love it! Enough said.
June 6, 2017
First sentence: It was summer. The forward movement of the year, so tentative in the early months of spring, now seemed quite relentless.
Premise/plot: Espresso Tales is the sequel to 44 Scotland Street. This novel was originally published serially in The Scotsman. One chapter per day. Imagine a soap opera in print with more wit than skin. I really enjoyed revisiting the characters. Most of the characters--though not all--were first introduced in 44 Scotland Street. There are some new characters introduced in this one.
My thoughts: One of the highlights for me is the character of Bertie. Bertie is being forced by his mother to do many things: saxophone lessons, Italian lessons, therapy sessions, etc. His mother has painted his room pink and insisted that he like it. She also makes him wear "crushed strawberry" colored dungarees. One of the funniest incidences in the book is when Tofu (a boy with vegan parents) offers to trade with Bertie. He really, really, really wants a hot dog. He's really to exchange his jeans for Bertie's awful dungarees. Of course, Bertie accepts that deal. But OH THE SCENE when Irene (his mother) finds out. Readers see a lot more of Bertie's father, Stuart, in this one. In another great scene, we see him put into practice his assertiveness training.
But there are so many characters in this one. I also love Domenica. Here's one of my favorite quotes.
Premise/plot: Espresso Tales is the sequel to 44 Scotland Street. This novel was originally published serially in The Scotsman. One chapter per day. Imagine a soap opera in print with more wit than skin. I really enjoyed revisiting the characters. Most of the characters--though not all--were first introduced in 44 Scotland Street. There are some new characters introduced in this one.
My thoughts: One of the highlights for me is the character of Bertie. Bertie is being forced by his mother to do many things: saxophone lessons, Italian lessons, therapy sessions, etc. His mother has painted his room pink and insisted that he like it. She also makes him wear "crushed strawberry" colored dungarees. One of the funniest incidences in the book is when Tofu (a boy with vegan parents) offers to trade with Bertie. He really, really, really wants a hot dog. He's really to exchange his jeans for Bertie's awful dungarees. Of course, Bertie accepts that deal. But OH THE SCENE when Irene (his mother) finds out. Readers see a lot more of Bertie's father, Stuart, in this one. In another great scene, we see him put into practice his assertiveness training.
But there are so many characters in this one. I also love Domenica. Here's one of my favorite quotes.
"And what is wrong with being judgmental?" Domenica asked indignantly. "It drives me mad to hear people say: 'Don't be judgmental.' That's moral philosophy at the level of an Australian soap opera. If people weren't judgmental, how could we possibly have a moral viewpoint in society? We wouldn't have the first clue where we were. All rational discourse about what we should do would grind to a halt. No, whatever you do, don't fall for that weak-minded nonsense about not being judgmental. Don't be excessively judgmental, if you like, but always--always--be prepared to make a judgment. Otherwise you'll go through life not really knowing what you mean.
July 6, 2018
More of the same here. I could once again see how this works as a daily column. But this time around it doesn't work well as a book. I also discovered that there are 8 or more books in this series as there are in anything by McCall Smith (at least that's what it looks like). That has kinda put me off the writer and definitely off this series. I was initially considering reading the entire series but that was back when I thought there was no more to the series than 3 books. Such naivete.
Anyway this is another light, travel sort of read. You could buy and read a bunch of these books and it would just pass through you. It is fun at times, funny at more times. But there is also a lot of tedium. It might be a nice sort of filler read when you are reading something rather more intense like Proust or something. If I ever revisit this series that's probably how - like eating a slight snack of potato chips that are good without being great just so you can keep your mouth crunching and your appetite whetted as you wait for the real course.
Anyway this is another light, travel sort of read. You could buy and read a bunch of these books and it would just pass through you. It is fun at times, funny at more times. But there is also a lot of tedium. It might be a nice sort of filler read when you are reading something rather more intense like Proust or something. If I ever revisit this series that's probably how - like eating a slight snack of potato chips that are good without being great just so you can keep your mouth crunching and your appetite whetted as you wait for the real course.
March 8, 2018
Still enjoying these glimpses into the lives of the interesting, quirky Edinburgh inhabitants, but there were some chapters that were just really tedious. I'm not sure about the point of the Ramsey Dunbarton memoirs, but I felt like I was dying....Okay, not, but was SO BORED! There are several parts that just philosophize way too much. I also find Bertie's mom to be beyond unbearable. Partially because I love Bertie, but also because she's just horrid. This one ended on a lovely note, but left even more loose ends than the first volume.
December 31, 2008
Continues the tales of the residents of 44 Scotland Street (Edinborough): Bruce, the vain, surveyor turned wine merchant; Pat, who works at Matthew's gallery selling art; Dominica, the anthropologist who lives across the hall from Pat & Bruce; and Berties, the precocious child and his parents, Irene and Stuart.
April 22, 2022
I have enjoyed listening to this on audiobook, and feel like I personally know all of these quirky, eccentric people. I certainly like some of them better than others, lol. Although I know there are many more books, the ending of this book felt like a *true* ending, so I may or may not continue in the series.
At the end of the book, one of the characters is speaking to another about how the world is being homogenized and cultures destroyed. She’s talking specifically about Scotland, and I just want to remember what she says.
“I don’t know, Pat. I don’t know. I have the feeling that we’ve seen the dismantling of civilisation, brick by brick, and now we’re looking at the void. We thought that we were liberating people from oppressive cultural circumstances, but we were, in fact, taking something away from them. We were killing off civility and concern. We were undermining all those little ties of loyalty and consideration and affection that are necessary for human flourishing. We thought that tradition was bad, that it created hidebound societies, that it held people down. But, in fact, what tradition was doing all along was affirming community and the sense that we are members one of one another. Do we really love and respect one another more in the absence of tradition and manners and all the rest? Or have we merely converted one another into moral strangers-making our countries nothing more than hotels for the convenience of guests who are required only to avoid stepping on the toes of other guests?” ~ Domenica
At the end of the book, one of the characters is speaking to another about how the world is being homogenized and cultures destroyed. She’s talking specifically about Scotland, and I just want to remember what she says.
“I don’t know, Pat. I don’t know. I have the feeling that we’ve seen the dismantling of civilisation, brick by brick, and now we’re looking at the void. We thought that we were liberating people from oppressive cultural circumstances, but we were, in fact, taking something away from them. We were killing off civility and concern. We were undermining all those little ties of loyalty and consideration and affection that are necessary for human flourishing. We thought that tradition was bad, that it created hidebound societies, that it held people down. But, in fact, what tradition was doing all along was affirming community and the sense that we are members one of one another. Do we really love and respect one another more in the absence of tradition and manners and all the rest? Or have we merely converted one another into moral strangers-making our countries nothing more than hotels for the convenience of guests who are required only to avoid stepping on the toes of other guests?” ~ Domenica
November 18, 2020
A second installment on this delightful series. I enjoy the decent writing style, the humor, and the various characters, flawed, quirky, idealistic, who connect with this apartment building on Scotland Street.
Through young Bertie and his parents the writer offers tongue-in-cheek comments on the current politically correct and psychological thinking; Bruce's efforts to get rich demonstrate the egotistical thinking of some people. Each of the other characters adds their own color and flavor to the eclectic mix.
Through young Bertie and his parents the writer offers tongue-in-cheek comments on the current politically correct and psychological thinking; Bruce's efforts to get rich demonstrate the egotistical thinking of some people. Each of the other characters adds their own color and flavor to the eclectic mix.
May 28, 2024
Remarkably cute book. Second book in the series. I am getting really attached to some of the characters, especially 6 year old Bertie. His mother is so determined to make a little genius out of him, she doesn't see how bright he already is on his own account. Another character is a boring old man who is writing his memoirs, and mentions events from his life without actually telling the reader anything at all.
I loved the narration of this book, too.
I loved the narration of this book, too.
November 29, 2025
The second book in the 44 Scotland Street series. Another very enjoyable look into the lives of the residents of Scotland Street. Bertie is my favourite - only 6 years old but wise beyond his age and forever trying to thwart his mother’s plans for him! Love Cyril the dog and the escapades of Bruce - who is completely oblivious of social correctness and insufferable. Worth a read 😊
December 2, 2017
****3.5 stars
This was a good book. I en most of the characters. The dialogue also helped with the advancing of the story. However, it was a bit slower going than the first book.
This was a good book. I en most of the characters. The dialogue also helped with the advancing of the story. However, it was a bit slower going than the first book.
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