The Revolving Door of Life

44 Scotland Street #10

by Alexander McCall Smith

Excitement abounds when the revolving door of life brings fresh faces and hilarious new developments to the residents of 44 Scotland Street.

Things are looking up for seven-year-old Bertie Pollock. The arrival of his spirited grandmother and the absence of his meddlesome mother—who is currently running a book club in a Bedouin harem (don’t ask)—bring unforeseen blessings: no psychotherapy, no Italian lessons, and no yoga classes. Meanwhile, surprises await Scotland Street’s grown-ups. Matthew makes a discovery that could be a major windfall for his family, but also presents a worrisome dilemma. Pat learns a secret about her father’s fiancée that may shake up her family, unless she can convince the perpetually narcissistic Bruce to help her out. And the Duke of Johannesburg finds himself in sudden need of an explanation—and an escape route—when accosted by a determined guest at a soirée. From the cunning schemes of the Association of Scottish Nudists to the myriad expressive possibilities of the word “aye,” Alexander McCall Smith guides us through the risks and rewards of friendship, love, and family with his usual inimitable wit and irresistible charm.

Genres: Fiction, Scotland, Humor, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Mystery

Audio CD

First published August 13, 2015

About the author

Alexander 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.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have probably said this before but I love everything this author writes. And luckily he writes a huge amount!
This book is his latest in this series where I think we all agree the main character is, without doubt, seven year old Bertie. At last we get to see this poor little boy having some fun and getting some real love from his grandmother. His mother is temporarily elsewhere and I for one wished she would stay there! Of course that would take away the main story line from future books so probably not a way the author would want to go.
Looking forward to the next one already. I hope Irene doesn't make a cushion out of Bertie's well earned kilt.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“On the other side of the room, from the windows facing north, a view of the city revealed itself: spiky rooftops, stone crenellations, angled expanses of dark-grey slate, all touched with gold by the evening sun. His artist’s eye caught the view and made him stop for a moment where he was, half way across the room, and stare at what he saw. And for a moment he felt a strong sense of delight in belonging to this place, this city that vouchsafed to those who lived there, and to those who came in pilgrimage, sudden visions of such exquisite fragile beauty that the heart might feel it must stop”

The Revolving Door of Life is the tenth book in the popular Scotland Street series by British 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. So we learn that: Pat MacGregor is worried about her father, and turns to an unexpected quarter for help; In their recently purchased home, Matthew and Elspeth make an unexpected discovery which presents Matthew with an ethical dilemma; and with Irene Pollock still in a Bedouin Sheikh’s harem in the Persian Gulf, life for the Pollock males has improved significantly; young Bertie is especially pleased at his paternal grandmother’s continued presence, and even Ulysses is not vomiting quite as often.

Angus and Domenica are enjoying married life; Big Lou makes a few significant changes in her life; Bruce discovers the discomfort of unwanted attentions and, once again, confirms his own elevated self-regard; the Duke of Johannesburg and major upheavals occur within the Association of Scottish Nudists. While Bertie is undoubtedly the star of this series (his bald honesty is such a delight), it would be much the poorer without Bruce, the consummate narcissist with his irritating nickname habit.

As always, characters reflect on, or expostulate on a variety of subjects: pointless trams, hand sanitiser, the difficulty of parking a car in Edinburgh’s New Town, B-list celebrities, vitamin D deficiency, Scotland’s diet, hoarding, female friendships and bromances, the utility of antimacassars, and maleness. Matthew explains the unwritten rules governing gifts to be brought when one is invited to a party or dinner. Blue jeans, a new kilt, and a sporran make a certain young person very happy.

Matthew muses on comforting an employee: “That, he realised, was impermissible: we could no longer put our arms around others to comfort them. The most natural of human reactions – to embrace, to touch in sympathy – had now been forbidden by lecturing moralists who had interdicted ordinary tactile reactions and put in their place a cold rectitude”. The Duke of Johannesburg comments on our self-aborbedness: “You remember me, perhaps. Or perhaps not; it’s so easy to forget that although we’re at the centre of our own world, we are often only on the periphery of the world of others”.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and charming (and sometimes quite humorous) illustrations are provided by Iain McIntosh. Readers will look forward to the next instalment in this wonderful series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting addition to the 44 Scotland Street series. The best news, to me, is that Irene is still in the Beduoin harem which I think is the perfect place for her. Bertie has a chance to have a normal life. The paternal grandmother comes to help out and all sorts of delicious family secrets slip out of his lips. I smiled all the way through especially went his pink dungarees went away.

The other residents have been busy too. Matthew and Elspeth move into a marvelous house bought from the Duke Johannesburg full of surprises and interesting dilemmas. The Duke has some very unusual problems that lead to a late night chase in the Edinburgh alleys. Pat is worried about her dad's situation and gets help from an unexpected person. The Association of Scottish Nudists is embroiled in a heated political fight. What could be more fun?

The star of the story is Edinburgh and these books are really a love song to the city. It makes me want to pack my bags and move. The author makes the city come alive and seem so lovable. I have been to Edinburgh and found it wonderful so it really takes me back. If you're looking for a good time, you can't go wrong with this one.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed parts of this, but others seemed unrelated to the story. What do Scottish nudists have to do with anything? But I did enjoy Bertie's blooming in the care of his grandmother while his annoying mother becomes stranded somewhere in the MIddle East. I also loved McCall Smith's rapsody concerning knitting, and his pretty accurate description of Shetland knitting. As always, McCall Smith leaves questions open for the next book. Will Bertie's grandmother stay in Edinburgh? What will become of his parents' marriage. Will Bruce continue to be pursued by the Czech gold digger? As always, I enjoy the description of Edinburgh, it's streets, neighborhoods and people. A light read, it is ideal for summer.

[Trelawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment; largely due to Irene's continued absence. I loved the new character, Bertie's grandmother, Nicola. She is the antidote to Irene and a liberating influence on Bertie; even if she does like Martinis for breakfast. I always love reading about Matthew and also Domenica and Angus. I actually found myself feeling slightly sorry for Bruce when he finds himself the focus of Anichka's passions. Poor guy. I really hope there is an 11th installment in this series, and 12th.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I can't get enough of this series. I just go from one to the next, and keep thanking God that my library has the books and CD books for them all.

I really loved the storyline of my favorite character in book nine, and unfortunately, that thread was dropped in the transition to book ten, with no explanation so far. Hoping for more in book eleven. On the other hand, a new character was introduced in this volume whom I really enjoyed and I see she is carried on into the next one as well.

To say this is a soap opera without the smut really doesn't do this series justice. It is much better than that, because he really allows you to get into these characters' heads, and many of them have endearing qualities that make you want to really pull for them. I never thought I would say this, but this series is becoming almost right up there with his Number One Ladies Detective series, as I draw closer and closer to this set of characters. They all feel like family members to me, and I can't imagine a world without them. That is a really good thing.

Keep writing, AMS! And we will keep reading. You are a treasure. It's just that simple. 💓

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

There just didn't seem to be enough of Bertie in this book but it is still a good read. I like the introduction of his grandmother, Nicola, and hope she continues in the series.

[Ladiibbug · Rating 3 out of 5]

#10 44 Scotland Street series

Young Bertie is one of my absolute favorite characters. A new Bertie book is a *happy dance*, dive onto the couch, and joyfully immerse myself in the world of the characters living in the 44 Scotland Street world.

What happened with this book? :-( There was way too little Bertie and his father Stuart, especially in light of the big cliffhanger at the end of book 9. What a big letdown, especially since this is a big favorite series.

I was unhappy with the outcome of Irene's visit away at the book's ending. At least in the next book Bertie has a strong ally. Hoping for much more Bertie and his family in book 11, and much less Domenica and Angus. I like Angus, but not his discussions of architecture, light, etc.

I did enjoy Stuart's mother, Nicola, arriving to visit him and her two grandsons. I loved reading about Nicola's visit, and how she relieved Bertie of his various lessons and psychotherapy, and supported Bertie's wish to be a normal little boy. :-) Seven year old Bertie's many innocent comments to Grandma about his baby brother Ulysses, their mother Irene, etc. *no spoilers* were LOL moments.

I very much disliked the drawn out sociological, abstract conversations of other characters in this series, such as: Domenica's conversation with an unnamed "friend" on "the justification for male assumptions of entitlement ... ".

Matthew and Elsbeth are OK characters, but both are kind of boring. I did enjoy reading about the mystery they discovered. I liked the Duke's story line too.

I also enjoyed Pat's dilemma with her beloved father, the unfolding of the matter, and the conclusion. Bruce was his usual narcissistic self, the character you love to dislike.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasure to listen to . . . fun stories of the Scotland Street residents, narrator does an excellent job with voices. Young Bertie is my favorite character and during this book his overbearing mother was in the Middle East and his grandmother allows him to skip those yoga and Italian lessons that are not at all what he wants to do. I enjoy the descriptions of Edinburgh & just the ramblings of the characters' minds. Occasionally, author goes off on a tangent but overall very enjoyable.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the hell has Nicola been all this time? Hooray for grandmothers!

Not to mention secret rooms! The Duke of Johannesburg! Lost art! And Bruce . . . well, THAT'S an interesting development!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the tenth in the 44 Scotland St series. The format of almost total lack of plot, of short chapters, of random events, of a bunch of familiar characters and a series of daft incidents persists. McCall Smith’s whimsy, stylish writing and humour ˗ there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments ˗ pervade the book. Anyone who’s a fan of the series will be happy to see another volume.

The now seven-year-old Bertie is the emotional heart of these stories. His mother is an absolute harridan, attempting to remove all vestiges of masculinity from her son, and subjecting him to psychotherapy and yoga and Italian and music lessons. But Bertie continues to be searingly honest, speaks straight from the heart, and remains extraordinarily positive in the midst of a world that has mostly tried to squash him.

In this book his mother has somehow got herself stuck in a harem in the Gulf, and consequently isn’t visible except in the minds of others. It’s a huge relief for Bertie, and when his grandmother arrives to help look after the family, a world of enormous possibilities open up for him. Readers will cheer his grandmother all along the way: she’s loving, practical, caring and joyous (and drinks martinis for breakfast). She’s everything Bertie’s mother is not.

Since many of the other regular characters are little more than mouthpieces for McCall Smith’s droll musings on a wide range of Scottish subjects, it’s nice to find the narcissistic Bruce making an appearance late in the book. He’s one of McCall Smith’s great creations, and is as vitally awful as ever. The Duke of Johannesburg, too, is delightfully wacky, and the members of the infighting Association of Scottish Nudists prove great subjects for satire.

It’s hard to connect the Edinburgh of this book with the wonderfully gloomy depths of Ian Rankin’s city, but thankfully they both exist.

[Laura Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Alexander McCall Smith and especially the 44 Scottland Street series. What a remarkably talented and prolific writer! These stories include wonderful characters and multiple enjoyable story lines. The main character is Bertie, a now 7 year-old precocious boy with a Melanie Klein obsessed, tyrannical mother and a sympathetic yet heretofore spineless father. These books are also quite educational but in an entertaining way. I always learn a few new vocabulary words, as well as historical information, and a vast array of tidbits about literature, politics, geography, and myths and legends. I look forward to the each new installation and have never been disappointed.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight to read. One of the best in the series. All the characters are back in this novel. I wish I did not have to wait a year for the next in series. Does anyone else hope for a book just devoted to Bertie?

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calm, casual, charming, witty, intriguing, oddly thought-provoking, sometimes captivating, and sweetly honest though occasionally Machiavellian, Alexander McCall Smith’s tenth Scotland Street novel continues to gather its characters in, scatter them apart (poor Irene, still trapped in a harem leaving Bertie free to avoid psychotherapy!), and invite readers into the intricacies of vastly different lives. The nudists might catch cold in an Edinburgh park; the little brother might look too much like the therapist; the house might have a genuine secret room; and the seller might have secrets. But it’s all resolved with pleasing conversation, light-hearted banter, and the occasional oddly scary flight into deepening darkness. Coffee and stronger brews are drunk. Streets are walked, or travelled by bus. Edinburgh comes to life, as always in these books, and the reader learns as much from what’s not said as from what’s written down. A quick read if you’re a fast reader, and an easy read to pick up and put down if you’re not, this is a book where the world turns, the people turn to each other, and love is still there behind all our trials and tribulations. An enjoyable novel.

Disclosure: A friend gave me a copy to add to my library. Thank you!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so strange to be reading a book in which nothing much happens but which I can barely make myself put down at bedtime! I hesitate to know who to recommend these books to, because, yeah, nothing much happens, but to me they are fascinating reading.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the tenth book in the 44 Scotland Street series, and as a fan of the series, I welcome the opportunity to escape for a few hours into the Edinburgh neighborhood filled with charming and eccentric characters. There’s also the delicious opportunity to revile once again the characters not so charming. Yes, I get to cluck my tongue at Irene and Bruce, a couple of flat creations who will never evolve and never become likeable. Such fun!

In this tenth time around, there’s lament for the passing of hand knitted Shetland sweaters, serious discussion about the use of hand sanitizers, and distaste for wind turbines. (As a fan of harnessing the wind, I’m not so happy about that last one.)

Such whimsical observations are set into recurring plot lines – Matthew and Elspeth’s raising of triplets, Domenica and Angus marrying in middle age, and – above all – Bertie’s navigation through childhood. Bertie’s mother has managed to get herself trapped in a Bedouin harem; so Nicola, his paternal grandmother, comes to rescue the household, making without rancor a comment likely to ring true to grandmothers everywhere: “What do they keep us alive for if not to change diapers?”

I loved Nicola’s observation that Edinburghers nurtured a “delicious pettiness.” That about sums up the internal strife that besets the Scottish Nudists Association, struggling for power with a ferocity worthy of ancient clan warfare.

The narcissistic Bruce serves a useful purpose when he is called upon to “out” the gold digger who has successfully latched on to Pat’s father.

These outrageous excursions come from an inventive mind, and I’ll be back for more when there is book #11!

There’s another side: always embedded in the narrative is McCall Smith’s appeal to an innate Scottish civility, so evident in Elspeth, and to the healing power of good friends, which finds voice in Angus, the über serious side of the author, I suspect.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

After devouring everything written by Alexander McCall Smith in four of his series of novels, I had nearly reached the conclusion that he is not only indefatigable but also virtually flawless in his ability to produce perfect gems every time. I have a few issues, however, with this, the 10th volume of the 44 Scotland Street series.

So skillful is the author’s depiction of Edinburgh that, as an American reader, I’ve always had the illusion I’d feel at home there. Charming details about Scottish culture, weather, and history have been intriguing or instructive but never obtrusive. This is the first book in which I’ve felt distracted too many allusions to obscure facts that were unrelated to the plot. Similarly, I enjoy the way his characters grow and change, but suddenly, it seems, the lives of the continuing characters seem to be exploding with change—expanding families, new homes, changing attitudes. Life may sometimes be like that, but I depend on my literary worlds—at least the ones created by Alexander McCall Smith—to be less jarring than the real world and to teach their lessons gently. Finally, as in life, the world of 44 Scotland Street is full of really interesting, colorful characters—many of whom fans like me care about a great deal. But suddenly there seem to be all kinds of intruders—characters who, like some in real life, monopolize our attention without really adding anything of value or enjoyment. For example, I can’t really work up any enthusiasm for the Scottish nudists or the doubtful Duke of Johannesburg.

For the first time in reading this series, I was tempted to skip a few paragraphs or pages. There were parts that just didn’t meet my expectations or capture my interest. Still, though, this is Alexander McCall Smith, and there were many passages I cherished.

[P.D.R. Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found this novel in the new section of our library I had a quick glance because this is not my favourite series by McCall Smith. But when I read in the blurb that the awful Irene, mother to poor Bertie, was in a Bedouin harem, raising female consciousness, and, so Bertie was finally free of his mother, I had to read the novel. Only McCall Smith could think up something like this.

As it is a 44 Scotland street novel all the other characters turn up in various forms of muddle and struggle but the joy of Bertie, especially after his grandmother arrives, is worth reading. They have such fun together and when Irene arrives and depresses everyone again it is Nicola who promises the next novel will see her being not just grandmother but also fairy grandmother.

A lovely slow, philosophical read with some nice thoughts about love. Well worth a read for those who like to think and chuckle and human frailties.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the 44 Scotland Street Series and am trying to catch up to the latest book. This one is Number 10 in the Series which started in 2005.

While entertaining in parts this one felt like a filler so hoping the next instalment is more entertaining.

The author wrote a perspective on gender in this novel which I find a bit frustrating - a kind of boys will be boys, biological determinism approach. I think this conversation was common at in 2015 and his writing in these novels reflects the conversation at the time. This has always been my one gripe about McCall Smith's writing and in some of the previous novels in the series this perspective was more balanced. In a much earlier novel in a different series, The Sunday Philosophy Club, this perspective was far more balanced and nuanced.

[Susan Henn · Rating 5 out of 5]

3/20016 I am not sure why I enjoy the 44 Scotland Street books so much, but I do. It may be the characters are so fun to follow through their daily lives in Edinburgh. It may be the way the variety of character personalities interact. I suspect it also has to do with rooting for the boy, Bertie, and the never-ending wit and wisdom of the author!

[Jeanne Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book bears all the trademarks of an Alexander McCall Smith novel: grace, sweetness, wit, a touch of the absurd, delightful conversation. It also has a dodgy duke, a concealed room, Scottish nudists, and the martini-before-noon Nicola, who brightens the life of one of Smith's beloved characters. I finished the book satisfied and sorry to have reached the end.

[Heather McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the Scotland Street series--of course!!! These books make me so happy!! Really, there's nothing quite like them--their quirky characters, the city of Edinburgh, Scotland itself! So much love!!!

[Linda Gaines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as some of the other 44Scotland books but there is still the darling little Bertie.

[Releanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I hadn't been so terribly bored by the nudist-club-story, I'd given this book 4 stars.

[Story · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems the series is running out of steam.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 281

Publisher - Abacus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Excitement abounds when the revolving door of life brings fresh faces and hilarious new developments to the residents of 44 Scotland Street.

Things are looking up for seven-year-old Bertie Pollock. The arrival of his spirited grandmother and the absence of his meddlesome mother—who is currently running a book club in a Bedouin harem (don’t ask)—bring unforeseen blessings: no psychotherapy, no Italian lessons, and no yoga classes. Meanwhile, surprises await Scotland Street’s grown-ups. Matthew makes a discovery that could be a major windfall for his family, but also presents a worrisome dilemma. Pat learns a secret about her father’s fiancée that may shake up her family, unless she can convince the perpetually narcissistic Bruce to help her out. And the Duke of Johannesburg finds himself in sudden need of an explanation—and an escape route—when accosted by a determined guest at a soirée. From the cunning schemes of the Association of Scottish Nudists to the myriad expressive possibilities of the word “aye,” Alexander McCall Smith guides us through the risks and rewards of friendship, love, and family with his usual inimitable wit and irresistible charm.


My Review

Back to 44 Scotland street and some of our fave characters we have come to love and hate. Bertie's mum is still stuck in a harem (although she seems non the worse for wear) so wee Bertie is loving his freedom. His gran has come to stay and finally the wean is getting to experience what being a kid is really like. Matthew finds something potentially priceless in his new house and is mulling over what is the right thing. Pat needs dodgy Bruce to help her try and save her father from himself and we spend a bit of time with the Duke of Johannesburg who may be in a bit of a pickle.

So the start of the book I found myself dragging a wee bit, the duke, Matthew was a bit meh for me. I LOVED Bertie and his gran, I think she kinda called out or thought some of the things we have when seeing what poor Bertie has been dealing with. Could we finally be seeing a turn and Stuart actually getting a backbone?

Very little of Big Lou in this one, Cyril, Dominique and Angus were very little featured in this one and to be fair some books we do have more focus on others but notably less so of these guys. I guess I missed them and whilst I could have read more on Bertie/Stuart and mil drama's the nudist and Duke scenes were a bit meh for me. That being said when it got to the Bruce/Pat/Bertie et al I really enjoyed it and remembered why I enjoyed these books so much. I have bought the next and it has arrived already, when you want a genre switch and a broader spectrum of ages/characters with FRIENDS like vibes (and a street instead of apartments) then this is your shout, 4/5.

[Laurel Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 blue stars. Bertie finally gets a taste of freedom from his overbearing mother. We are introduced to Bertie's grandmother, Nicola, who has come from Portugal to help take care of the boys until Irene comes home. She likes nothing better than to see that her grandson is happy. Enough said.

Description: Excitement abounds when the revolving door of life brings fresh faces and hilarious new developments to the residents of 44 Scotland Street. Things are looking up for seven-year-old Bertie Pollock. The arrival of his spirited grandmother and the absence of his meddlesome mother—who is currently running a book club in a Bedouin harem (don’t ask)—bring unforeseen no psychotherapy, no Italian lessons, and no yoga classes. Meanwhile, surprises await Scotland Street’s grown-ups. Matthew makes a discovery that could be a major windfall for his family, but also presents a worrisome dilemma. Pat learns a secret about her father’s fiancée that may shake up her family, unless she can convince the perpetually narcissistic Bruce to help her out. And the Duke of Johannesburg finds himself in sudden need of an explanation—and an escape route—when accosted by a determined guest at a soirée. From the cunning schemes of the Association of Scottish Nudists to the myriad expressive possibilities of the word “aye,” Alexander McCall Smith guides us through the risks and rewards of friendship, love, and family with his usual inimitable wit and irresistible charm.

[Chet Makoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this book you read a lovely set of interlacing story threads and explore thinking about: moving house and packing or using movers; wearing Highland Dress to white-tie parties; loneliness and friendships; greasy husbands and antimacassars; the ethics of portraiture; where does generosity come from; alpha males and sociopathy; hen parties and the Scottish Enlightenment; Scotland's shameful diet; hand sanitizer issues; the conversation of men; the ethics of temptation; the decline of the dinner party; the symbolism of the Sphinx; Christopher Alexander's architectural theories; regifted chocolates doing the rounds; ex-King Zog of Albania took 2,000 pieces of luggage when he travelled from the UK to Egypt in 1946; how unjust are we to fishwives; the talent of the Irish for parties-The Palace Bar where the Irish Times staff gather, including Flan O'Brien/Myles na gCopaleen; camouflage artists called camoufleurs; and many more...

[Ritu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another memorable book regarding the inhabitants of 44 Scotland Street with unusual twists and moral dilemmas. Stuart's unbearable wife Irene has got stuck abroad after being mistaken as another person in the the middle east and is unable to return home to Scotland. This results in Stuart's mother's arrival to help with the household and to take care of the two sons Bertie and Ulysses. It is interesting to experience life without Irene and all the activities that now became optional (yoga, psychotherapy) for 7 year old Bertie under Grandma's relaxed rules. Mathew and Elizabeth move into their new home that they have purchased only to discover a secret room behind a bookcase with some treasures. Does this belong to them as they are the owners of the house and its contents? Delightful!

[Jenn Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more of a 4.5 because, while I found the politics of the Scottish nudists amusing, there was WAY too much of them and I need something engaging to listen to these days (to distract me from anxiety) and every time the book starts a chapter on things like this or one of Angus's (increasingly ponderous, even though I love, love, love him!) philosophical ponderings I became impatient. But there were lovely parts with Bertie and his grandma, Nicola, and Pat and her father, that I really, really enjoyed. I also loved Matthew and the secret room. Some very fun moments, for sure!