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44 Scotland Street #13
The Peppermint Tea Chronicles
Summer has come to Scotland Street. The long days have prompted its denizens to engage in flights of fancy. Some, like the Duke of Johannesburg’s plan to create a microlite seaplane, are literal flights, and some, like the vain Bruce Anderson’s idea of settling down with one of his many admirers, are more metaphorical.
With the domineering Irene off pursuing academic challenges, Stuart and Bertie are free to indulge in summer fun. Stuart reconnects with an old acquaintance over refreshing peppermint tea while Bertie takes his friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson to the circus. But their trip to the big top becomes rather more than the pleasant diversion they were hoping for.
Once again, Scotland Street teems with the daily triumphs and challenges of those who call it home, and provides a warm, wise, and witty chronicle of the affairs in this corner of the world.
With the domineering Irene off pursuing academic challenges, Stuart and Bertie are free to indulge in summer fun. Stuart reconnects with an old acquaintance over refreshing peppermint tea while Bertie takes his friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson to the circus. But their trip to the big top becomes rather more than the pleasant diversion they were hoping for.
Once again, Scotland Street teems with the daily triumphs and challenges of those who call it home, and provides a warm, wise, and witty chronicle of the affairs in this corner of the world.
310 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2019
723 people are currently reading
1736 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
668 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 517 reviews
December 26, 2019
Whenever I pick up a book by this author I know I am in safe hands. His writing is so good, his knowledge is just vast, and he has a great sense of humour. Add to all this a group of characters who are, by this stage, like friends and the resulting book just reads itself.
I am sitting here smiling because and goodness knows what will happen if Irene comes back! One thing I do know is that I want to find out, so Mr McCall Smith had better have plans to keep writing this series!
And all his other series. Please and thank you.
I am sitting here smiling because and goodness knows what will happen if Irene comes back! One thing I do know is that I want to find out, so Mr McCall Smith had better have plans to keep writing this series!
And all his other series. Please and thank you.
January 24, 2025
3.5 stars
This is the 13th book in the "44 Scotland Street" series. It can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a plus.
In these affable, humorous books Alexander McCall Smith follows the lives of a group of people who reside in Edinburgh's "New Town" neighborhood. Many of the characters live in apartments at 44 Scotland Street - and others are their friends and acquaintances.
*****
Bertie is a sweet, bright 7-year-old boy whose mother, Irene, is the most controlling parent in the world. Now Irene has taken herself off to Aberdeen to study for a Ph.D. and continue her affair with Bernie's former psychotherapist, Dr. Fairbairn. Irene's henpecked husband Stuart is happy to be free of his wife, and hoping to find new romance.
Bertie is also pleased to have mummy far away, as evidenced by the fact that Bertie suggests mummy visit every two years.....or maybe just make a phone call.
Bertie's grandmother Nicola, recently returned to Edinburgh, fills in for the absent Irene....and the lives of Bertie and his dad improve exponentially.
Unfortunately Bertie continues to be plagued by his classmate Olive, a pushy little girl who insists she and Bertie will marry when they're twenty.
On the upside, Bertie and his best friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson have fun when they sneak off to the circus, and acquire something special on their way home.
*****
Art gallery owner Matthew......
.....and his wife Elspeth now have triplet toddler boys and live out in the country.
Matthew enjoys working at his art gallery but Elspeth feels confined and lonely in the boondocks. Still, Elspeth is happy to have the assistance of the au pair James, a 19-year-old boy preparing for university. James is wonderful with the children AND an excellent cook, which makes him a true gem.
Matthew is a little concerned about Pat, his part-time art gallery assistant who's studying for a Master's degree. Pat seems out of sorts, so Matthew invites her to dinner at his house, where things take an interesting turn.
*****
Domenica is an independent anthropologist......
.....who's married to portrait artist Angus.
Domenica feels Angus is too attached to his old worn-out clothes and takes stealthy steps to update his wardrobe.
Domenica also runs into her former neighbor Antonia and Antonia's housemate, a nun called Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna. The nun is known for her nosiness and original aphorisms, which she spouts non-stop, and Domenica finds the encounter vexatious.
In the meantime, Angus finds a dead cat in the local gardens, and has to tackle an uninformed bureaucracy to find out what to do with it. As always, Angus's empathetic dog Cyril goes everywhere with his master, and shows understanding and empathy to little Bertie.
*****
Bruce, a remarkably handsome surveyor who has to fight off women by the score, is nearing thirty, and afraid his looks might not last forever.
When Bruce hears an attractive heiress named Jenny is interested in him, the surveyor gets himself invited to Jenny's family home for dinner. Bruce borrows a fancy Morgan car for the excursion and tries to act sophisticated, but things go bad from the get-go.
*****
Big Lou, a congenial woman who owns the local coffee shop.....
.....is fostering a 7-year-old boy named Finlay, whom she plans to adopt. Finley shows an affinity for ballet, and Big Lou is anxious about the cost of a premier ballet school.
The books in this series are always enjoyable, and it's fun to catch up with favorite characters. Recommended for a little light reading.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
December 19, 2019
This is the 13th book in the 44 Scotland Street series. It is mindblowing that Alexander McCall Smith has been able to maintain the readers' anticipation and interest in this delightful series. It is remarkable that is only one of a number of other ongoing series and also single books. It is like a relaxing visit with old, beloved friends. He writes with wit, humour, wisdom and a quiet philosophy of life.
The story gives us further insight into the lives, loves, triumphs, tribulations, and follies of the Scotland Street residents of Edinburgh. Now that the horrible Irene has left home for Aberdeen to pursue her Ph.D. and her suspected lover, life is much more relaxing for her husband Stuart, and their precious son, Bertie. Bertie still has the obnoxious schoolmate, Olive, who is determined to make his life miserable. He and a friend attend a circus and are given a puppy, but where to hide it?
Stuart had feelings for a young woman, but Irene broke them up although she was the only unfaithful one in their marriage. He gladly accepts the young woman's invitation to dinner but is uncomfortable when she introduces him to her new boyfriend. Pat is also uneasy with an invitation to dine with her old flame Matthew and his wife and their triplets but makes a new surprising romantic connection.
Big Lou's foster son loves ballet and wants to attend ballet school, but she will need to sell her cafe to finance his board and tuition? The conceited, narcissistic Bruce, believes all women are attracted to him and is on a new venture to find love. Will he succeed? Angus is trying secretly to bury a dead cat he found. He has no idea where to do it without breaking city ordinances. There has been much frustration after being put on hold while calling city offices, and transferred from one department to another. His wife, Dominique, goes out to buy him new clothes to replace his old, outdated ones without him noticing.
I am anxious to know what is the next chapter in the lives of these compelling, enjoyable characters.
The story gives us further insight into the lives, loves, triumphs, tribulations, and follies of the Scotland Street residents of Edinburgh. Now that the horrible Irene has left home for Aberdeen to pursue her Ph.D. and her suspected lover, life is much more relaxing for her husband Stuart, and their precious son, Bertie. Bertie still has the obnoxious schoolmate, Olive, who is determined to make his life miserable. He and a friend attend a circus and are given a puppy, but where to hide it?
Stuart had feelings for a young woman, but Irene broke them up although she was the only unfaithful one in their marriage. He gladly accepts the young woman's invitation to dinner but is uncomfortable when she introduces him to her new boyfriend. Pat is also uneasy with an invitation to dine with her old flame Matthew and his wife and their triplets but makes a new surprising romantic connection.
Big Lou's foster son loves ballet and wants to attend ballet school, but she will need to sell her cafe to finance his board and tuition? The conceited, narcissistic Bruce, believes all women are attracted to him and is on a new venture to find love. Will he succeed? Angus is trying secretly to bury a dead cat he found. He has no idea where to do it without breaking city ordinances. There has been much frustration after being put on hold while calling city offices, and transferred from one department to another. His wife, Dominique, goes out to buy him new clothes to replace his old, outdated ones without him noticing.
I am anxious to know what is the next chapter in the lives of these compelling, enjoyable characters.
October 31, 2019
The Peppermint Tea Chronicles is the thirteenth book in the popular 44 Scotland Street serial novel by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith, and in it, the lives of the residents of 44 Scotland Street and those of their friends are, once again, updated for the continuing enjoyment of series fans.
While Stuart Pollock and his mother, Nicola find it disturbing that Irene can so easily desert her sons to study in Aberdeen, Bertie is hopeful that Thursday’s psychotherapy sessions might now be forgotten. Meanwhile, he and his best friend, Ranald Braveheart Macpherson have started an unusual book club, and make a clandestine (unaccompanied) visit to the circus, returning with an exciting souvenir that is unlikely to garner parental approval. And at school, bossy Olive and her acolytes continue to plague the boys.
Bertie is overjoyed to learn that his grandmother, Nicola owns a pie factory in Glasgow: “He had long wanted to live in Glasgow, where he imagined he would be free. There was no psychotherapy in Glasgow; there was no yoga to speak of; and now there were mutton pies. This promised land, only forty miles away by train, was a world to which Bertie had always felt drawn. Now here he was with a real Glasgow connection - and to a pie factory at that.”
Matthew and Elspeth are grateful to have a very capable nineteen-year-old chap to help with their fast-growing triplets, but Matthew is concerned over the emotional welfare of his assistant, Pat McGregor. While at an art sale, he and Pat come up with a novel way of authenticating Scottish paintings based on facial expression and clothedness.
Domenica devises a way to revitalise Angus Lordie’s wardrobe by stealth, and becomes sufficiently irritated by Antonia Collie’s friend (and aphorist of note), Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna, to mischievously ask the question “Was St Francis a vegetarian?” Big Lou learns that her foster-son, Finlay has a talent for dancing, the nurturing of which presents her with a dilemma. Her solution will be a shock to her customers. And Angus introduces a weekly 24-hour news fast into his routine.
Stuart decides he deserves to find love, and reflects on what constitutes junk mail. Ranald tries to convince Bertie that lying is OK now because it’s only mis-speaking, which everyone does. Bruce, while preening, considers it may be time to find a mate: his beauty may not last forever. The heiress to a fortune (daddy owns a distillery) looks like a worthy candidate on whom to bestow his wonderful looks and his erudition…
As always, McCall Smith has his characters musing on or discussing a myriad of topics, exposing the reader to small doses of gentle philosophy. Topics often miraculously segue into one another: urban cats in South Australia to sovereignty via narcissism and mission statements, or ice cream to death to heaven to Santa.
Elspeth concludes that masculinity and simpatico are mutually exclusive; Domenica defines shameless shoes; Nicola explains to Stuart the use of constructive mistruth; and Stuart realises that centrist philosophy is simply not sexy. McCall Smith’s work is always a joy to read. This one has a generous helping of laugh-out-loud moments, and fans will hope for many more instalments of this delightful series.
While Stuart Pollock and his mother, Nicola find it disturbing that Irene can so easily desert her sons to study in Aberdeen, Bertie is hopeful that Thursday’s psychotherapy sessions might now be forgotten. Meanwhile, he and his best friend, Ranald Braveheart Macpherson have started an unusual book club, and make a clandestine (unaccompanied) visit to the circus, returning with an exciting souvenir that is unlikely to garner parental approval. And at school, bossy Olive and her acolytes continue to plague the boys.
Bertie is overjoyed to learn that his grandmother, Nicola owns a pie factory in Glasgow: “He had long wanted to live in Glasgow, where he imagined he would be free. There was no psychotherapy in Glasgow; there was no yoga to speak of; and now there were mutton pies. This promised land, only forty miles away by train, was a world to which Bertie had always felt drawn. Now here he was with a real Glasgow connection - and to a pie factory at that.”
Matthew and Elspeth are grateful to have a very capable nineteen-year-old chap to help with their fast-growing triplets, but Matthew is concerned over the emotional welfare of his assistant, Pat McGregor. While at an art sale, he and Pat come up with a novel way of authenticating Scottish paintings based on facial expression and clothedness.
Domenica devises a way to revitalise Angus Lordie’s wardrobe by stealth, and becomes sufficiently irritated by Antonia Collie’s friend (and aphorist of note), Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna, to mischievously ask the question “Was St Francis a vegetarian?” Big Lou learns that her foster-son, Finlay has a talent for dancing, the nurturing of which presents her with a dilemma. Her solution will be a shock to her customers. And Angus introduces a weekly 24-hour news fast into his routine.
Stuart decides he deserves to find love, and reflects on what constitutes junk mail. Ranald tries to convince Bertie that lying is OK now because it’s only mis-speaking, which everyone does. Bruce, while preening, considers it may be time to find a mate: his beauty may not last forever. The heiress to a fortune (daddy owns a distillery) looks like a worthy candidate on whom to bestow his wonderful looks and his erudition…
As always, McCall Smith has his characters musing on or discussing a myriad of topics, exposing the reader to small doses of gentle philosophy. Topics often miraculously segue into one another: urban cats in South Australia to sovereignty via narcissism and mission statements, or ice cream to death to heaven to Santa.
Elspeth concludes that masculinity and simpatico are mutually exclusive; Domenica defines shameless shoes; Nicola explains to Stuart the use of constructive mistruth; and Stuart realises that centrist philosophy is simply not sexy. McCall Smith’s work is always a joy to read. This one has a generous helping of laugh-out-loud moments, and fans will hope for many more instalments of this delightful series.
December 18, 2019
I love catching up with the residents of 44 Scotland St. Is is wrong to be so happy that Irene has gone to Aberdeen and that Bertie has a chance for a real life? I feel like turning cartwheels (if I could). I am so invested in him because he is so lovable and suffered so long under her concept of political correctness. The other characters are nice and I love that Lou has a foster son but Bertie is really the heart and soul of the book and it's so good to see him growing. This is a very satisfactory addition to the series.
March 12, 2021
It's fun to drop in and catch up on the residents of 44 Scotland Street every once in a while.
Notable quote: "How is it that the things with which we clothe ourselves make such a difference to what's inside?"
Notable quote: "How is it that the things with which we clothe ourselves make such a difference to what's inside?"
July 2, 2020
The first half of this book was kinda slow for me, maybe because I've been reading Michael Connelly again, not sure hehe. But the last third was so good that it saved it. My favorite character played a more key role, which also helped and I'm glad AMS is staying with this series. I always enjoy spending time with these characters and I look forward to seeing one of them in a new role in the next book.
The audio versions of this entire series are done by the same narrator and I think he does a very good job portraying all of the characters. Robert Ian McKenzie is his name.
The audio versions of this entire series are done by the same narrator and I think he does a very good job portraying all of the characters. Robert Ian McKenzie is his name.
May 24, 2020
Bertie gets a surprise, Pat finds a man (sort of), Bruce gets caught in his own stupidity, Big Lou gets some much needed help, Elspeth gets out of the house, Stuart finds love, and Angus reads a poem. This is the end, "for now" of the Scotland Street stories, and I feel like Smith made it so that if he doesn't ever come back to them, everybody will be okay!
November 4, 2019
Much as I like Bertie, I am finding this series increasingly annoying with a whiff of misogyny. I laughed out loud a few times but an beginning to think Leunig would get on well with McCall Smith.
August 17, 2019
Not so much laugh out loud as chuckle out loud moments. Bertie Pollock is one of my favourite characters in fiction ever and keeping up with his adventures is something I look forward to doing every summer.
February 17, 2020
The usual:delightful and thought provoking.
April 6, 2022
I'm going to give my favorite audio series a rest for a while . . . after listening to three Scotland Street books in a row, I have gotten tired of the author philosophizing and opinions that come with it. Those are enjoyable only in small doses, no matter the charm they are wrapped in. But I never tire of Bertie, the 7 year old, my favorite character on Scotland Street.
September 22, 2019
Love a visit to Scotland Street. Bertie is my favourite character and I read through hoping his luck has changed and it felt positive. But overall I always feel more hopeful about the world when I finish a McCall Smith book.
August 4, 2019
Not quite as good as previous books but still can't resist the charm of this series. Bertie is still my favourite character. And maybe time to get rid of Bruce and the Duke!?
March 4, 2022
I started reading the 44 Scotland St series after to returned from the Edinburgh Book Festival in 2019. At the festival I saw Sandy McCall Smith and he spoke in part about this book, the 13th in the series and the latest one released at that time.
Since then I have read 13 out of the 15 books in the series.
They remind me of that lovely week in Edinburgh and feel like a holiday every time I read one.
This book in the series focuses on a turning point in the lives of each character.
Beautifully written as usual. Nothing bad ever happens, life always turns out and the door is delicious. Perfect for days when you need that kind of thing.
Since then I have read 13 out of the 15 books in the series.
They remind me of that lovely week in Edinburgh and feel like a holiday every time I read one.
This book in the series focuses on a turning point in the lives of each character.
Beautifully written as usual. Nothing bad ever happens, life always turns out and the door is delicious. Perfect for days when you need that kind of thing.
February 23, 2020
3.5 rounded up: I had been waiting a while to read the next installment of this series. We get to hear about all of the characters we've come to know. It's great to see 7-year-old Bertie now that Irene, his overbearing (to say the least) mother, is out of the picture, and to see his father, Stuart, find some happiness. And to follow Pat in her relationship saga; Bruce, as he continues to learn nothing from his life experience and to be a great example of narcissism; Domenica and Angus as they settle into marriage and their encounters with nemesis Antonia and her roommate; Matthew, Elspeth, and their triplets; etc. As always, there is a blend of poignancy and humor. We don't hear as much from Cyril (Angus's dog) as in the past, which is something I missed.
January 25, 2020
Another delightful book featuring 44 Scotland Street. This satisfying update is a bit of a love story, with several characters embarking on new life chapters featuring love interests (including a puppy). And a special bonus of a egotistical character receiving a much deserved comeuppance. Always a smile of a book...
August 10, 2020
I can’t believe that the day after I finished the last Scotland Street book (which was yesterday), Alexander McCall Smith is starting the serialization of his next one in the Scottish newspaper The Scotsman. Talk about good timing!!!! I’ll get to read this one as he writes it!
March 23, 2021
This was my selection for the 2021 LEP reading challenge category "Last book in a series." I wanted to hurry up and document it, because if you know Mr. McCall Smith, you know that he's rather a prolific and speedy writer. ;-)
June 27, 2020
Newest Scotland Street Delivers
A great installment in a great series. All the characters are back and are engaging as always. This series is now a sweet friendship and a comfortable read during disquieting times.
A great installment in a great series. All the characters are back and are engaging as always. This series is now a sweet friendship and a comfortable read during disquieting times.
Read
July 24, 2024dit is echt zonder overdrijving het slechtste boek wat ik ooit heb gelezen. sowieso erg vrouwonvriendelijk maar niet eens op een goede manier??? die gast is gewoon de hele tijd zichzelf klopjes op zijn schouder aan het geven maar heel zijn wereldbeeld is niet consistent??? waarom moet hij overal over filosoferen over dingen als junk mail en centrisme (zonder interessante inzichten)??? en waarom 2 dezelfde proust referenties in de eerste 20 pagina’s??? wat voor edinburgh+conservatieve propaganda heb ik hier zitten lezen
het was niet eens te hatereaden 😭
het was niet eens te hatereaden 😭
January 1, 2020
I am so fond of this series. This latest installment was humorous, charming and completely lovely.
Now I will need to wait as I look forward to the next volume.
Now I will need to wait as I look forward to the next volume.
April 24, 2023
This one might be my favorite! Although I think I might say that about every one in the series...
December 30, 2019
The Philosophy Gets Tiresome
I looked at other reviews of this book as well as for the latest #1 Ladies. It seems I'm not alone in this.
I've already given up the Dalrymple series, but then the philosophical ramblings are the primary focus and expected there.
Kudos for getting rid of Irene (mostly). Hooray for Bertie! AND sort of getting a dog! Satisfied with a contented sigh for Stuart! Yay, Bruce got his nose rubbed in it, finally. Pleased for Pat, excited for Big Lou and her ballet dancing son. With Mathew waking up to his privilege.
The philosophical ramblings mar the joyful.
But, but, these are Alexander McCall's books and has the authors right to write what pleases him. As I can choose to read or not.
I looked at other reviews of this book as well as for the latest #1 Ladies. It seems I'm not alone in this.
I've already given up the Dalrymple series, but then the philosophical ramblings are the primary focus and expected there.
Kudos for getting rid of Irene (mostly). Hooray for Bertie! AND sort of getting a dog! Satisfied with a contented sigh for Stuart! Yay, Bruce got his nose rubbed in it, finally. Pleased for Pat, excited for Big Lou and her ballet dancing son. With Mathew waking up to his privilege.
The philosophical ramblings mar the joyful.
But, but, these are Alexander McCall's books and has the authors right to write what pleases him. As I can choose to read or not.
March 1, 2020
I enjoy this series mostly because it's set in Edinburgh. I also enjoy McCall Smith's tendency to have his characters meander off onto many tangents both in their minds and their conversations. I found myself wanting a bit more of Edinburgh, and that some of the tangents were less amusing. Nevertheless, Bertie's life continues to interest me. His mother is off to Aberdeen to pursue a PhD leaving her husband and boys to freedom. This is the best part of this book in the series.
3.5 stars because I love Edinburgh.
3.5 stars because I love Edinburgh.
August 2, 2022
Hmph, this time the 44 Scotland Street had clearly lost some (much) of its charm. This has been my favorite series of McCall Smith's but the way Irene Pollock was treated in this book was simply not nice. While I truly understand that the series is based on caricatures and thus stretching the extremes of people, there was something profoundly hateful in the way Irene was depicted. Thus, although otherwise the charm of the quirks of the protagonists was there, this mostly managed to ruin the reading experience for me.
March 29, 2020
Reading this book was a welcome return to the characters of Scotland Street, Edinburgh. All ages and all sorts of characters are represented. Problems are solved and worries assuaged, usually by the kindness of others. Like the other books in the series, there are interesting philosophical discussions and relationships develop.
My favourite characters are 7 year Bertie Pollock, his simple friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson and their helpful adult comrade Angus Lordie with his cheerful dog Cyril. The book is sprinkled with humour, be it the vanity of handsome Estate Agent, Bruce, making a fool of himself when he tries to show off his knowledge (or lack of it) about whisky to the owner of a distillery; or an account of the Scotch Pie company once called Pies for Protestants, then Inclusive Pies and now with the surge of nationalism, named Pure Dead Brilliant Scotch Pies (Nae Messing).
By the conclusion of the novel young Pat has found a new, rather young, boyfriend, Bertie's father has found romance and Matthew has found a way to cheer his lonely wife who struggles with triplets Rognvald, Fergus and Tobermory. For a feel good, thought provoking read you cannot beat the wit of Alexander McCall Smith.
My favourite characters are 7 year Bertie Pollock, his simple friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson and their helpful adult comrade Angus Lordie with his cheerful dog Cyril. The book is sprinkled with humour, be it the vanity of handsome Estate Agent, Bruce, making a fool of himself when he tries to show off his knowledge (or lack of it) about whisky to the owner of a distillery; or an account of the Scotch Pie company once called Pies for Protestants, then Inclusive Pies and now with the surge of nationalism, named Pure Dead Brilliant Scotch Pies (Nae Messing).
By the conclusion of the novel young Pat has found a new, rather young, boyfriend, Bertie's father has found romance and Matthew has found a way to cheer his lonely wife who struggles with triplets Rognvald, Fergus and Tobermory. For a feel good, thought provoking read you cannot beat the wit of Alexander McCall Smith.
December 18, 2019
When I open an AM-S book I know I’ll be able to escape into a world of friends. Over the last twelve books in this series, we’ve met and become very familiar with the characters who live around 44 Scotland Street. Since Irene has decamped to pursue a PhD, Stuart, Bertie, and little Ulysses have gained freedom. Big Lou is thrown off kilter when her foster son Findlay falls in love with dancing after a chance watching of The Red Shoes. After a few lessons at a local dancing school, the teachers tells big Lou that Findlay is the most gifted student she’s ever had and recommends a dance boarding school. Bruce becomes interested in a young woman mainly because she has a rich father. Beyond sharing the lives of the beloved characters, AM-S drops in interesting little tidbits like a reference to The Stendhal Syndrome - wherein a person may become so emotionally overcome in viewing art that psychiatric treatment or even institutionalization may be warranted. Angus and Dominica have a lengthy discussion about the Rongorongo tablets from Easter Islands and their uncomfortable reference to cannibalism. The reader can research these tidbits and become more educated in arcana. A great read!
August 25, 2021
The 13th novel in McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street series informs us that the hateful Irene has decamped to Aberdeen to pursue her PhD and the result is much happiness in the Pollock household. Bertie and his friend Ranald Braveheart McPherson sneak off for a day at the circus & end up getting a dog that they say they will share between them. Stuart is finally finding a relationship with someone who respects him & Grandmother Nicola is happily managing the household and making sure that she can undo the damage Irene has done over the years.
Pat almost falls for Bruce again, but is brought back to her senses by Matthew ho also manages to bring Pat together with someone she can really care for (and vice versa). Matthew also helps Big Lou find a way to send her young ward to ballet school while simultaneously providing Elspeth with s chance to do something fulfilling for herself.
As usually, I find myself skipping over the way too long ruminations of Angus and his wife, Dominica. (I am starting to actively dislike her.) But putting up with Dominica is a small price to pay when everyone else in this series is so charming.
Pat almost falls for Bruce again, but is brought back to her senses by Matthew ho also manages to bring Pat together with someone she can really care for (and vice versa). Matthew also helps Big Lou find a way to send her young ward to ballet school while simultaneously providing Elspeth with s chance to do something fulfilling for herself.
As usually, I find myself skipping over the way too long ruminations of Angus and his wife, Dominica. (I am starting to actively dislike her.) But putting up with Dominica is a small price to pay when everyone else in this series is so charming.
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