The Importance of Being Seven

44 Scotland Street #6

by Alexander McCall Smith

The story of Bertie and his dysfunctional family continues in this sixth instalment alongside the familiar cast of favourites - Big Lou, Domenica, Angus Lordie, Cyril and others - in their daily pursuit of a little happiness. With customary charm and deftness, Alexander McCall Smith has, yet again, given us a clever, witty and utterly delightful new novel.

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

311 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2010

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

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much that I pre-ordered this book from London and had it shipped from the British chapter of Amazon.com. That said, it didn't disappoint in the least; rather, it exceeded my expectations. I had to force myself not to read it too quickly, in order to savor its many pleasures. It reminded me of receiving an amazing chocolate bar, and taking small nibbles to draw out the enjoyment, while wanted desperately to eat the whole thing in one sitting. And now that I'm finished, what possibly could I read next that will compare?

This book may be the funniest yet in the series, and includes payoffs for my favorite characters, Bertie, Matthew, Domenica, Angus and Cyril. I won't say what I mean by payoffs, so as not to spoil the fun when you read it yourself.

[Kim Neve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this installment of the 44 Scotland St. series. Enchanting!

Here's my favorite quote from this volume:


"How about some chocolate?" Nobody had ever said that to Bertie before. It was not a complex phrase, but its power, its sheer, overwhelming sense of gift and possibility filled Bertie with awe. Well might more of us say these words to others, and more frequently - how healing would that prove to be. "Look, we've had our differences, but how about some chocolate?" Or: "I'm so sorry, how about some chocolate?" Or simply: "Great to see you! How about some chocolate?" ~ from The Importance of Being Seven (pg. 244)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book but then I am a huge fan of Alexander McCall Smith's Scotland Street Series. I only wish they could be published quarterly!

I adore the city of Edinburgh where the series is set and having moved to live in Edinburgh in the last month; I've enjoyed this book even more. Some of the action takes place close to where I now live and I almost expect to bump into the beleaguered Bertie, lovely Pat or painter Angus and his wee dog, Cyril, while out for a stroll.

These books are relaxing reads and, like a mug of homemade soup on a cold day, will warm you from the inside out as you savour the minutiae of the lives of the inhabitants of 44 Scotland Street and their friends. Reading them I could almost be a Melanie Klein hardback on the bookshelves of Irene Pollock or an anthropological artefact in the home of Domenica Macdonald, because I feel so close to the characters whom McCall Smith brings so vividly to life.

The Importance of Being Seven is charming, witty and delightful. It's at times bittersweet but is ultimately impossible to resist.

[Mandolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Bertie Pollack will tell you, being six is no easy thing....especially when you're the son of an overbearing, pretentious mother who forces you to go to psychotherapy and yoga classes, to learn Italian and to play the saxophone endlessly. When you're only six, you can't rebel. And, when you're only six, you're stuck with the friends you've been dealt with and you have to accept them...even mean girls that claim you are going to marry them (if you don't die of a dreaded disease first) and boys that endlessly lie (or smell!) Luckily, even though Bertie is stuck being six for a while yet, he has a compassionate father who sometimes takes enough time to realize that Bertie needs him and gives him a chance to enjoy a bit of fishing and chocolate and even make a new friend. Things may not always be rosy in Bertie's life, but hope is on the horizon...maybe when he turns seven!

Bertie is certainly the focal point of this book, but his story does not overshadow the developments of the other Scotland Street sagas including the new marriage of Matthew and Elspeth, who learn some surprising news at the obstetrician's office that ends up in a move to Moray Place (and some more surprising news from the surveyor of their new home); the apparent reformation of Bruce (has he really given up his narcissistic tendencies or are they still lurking beneath the surface?); and the ongoing battle between Antonia and Domenica, who head to Italy with Angus and Cyril caught between them...Each small story is delightful on its own and they all, Bertie's most especially, serve to remind us that, in Angus' words,"...we are all fortunate in one way or another. The task for most of us is to identify in what way that is..." If you aren't as captivated as I am by the small yet so significant lives on Scotland Street, which McCall Smith retells with nice doses of humor, psychology, sociology and compassion, I'll be very surprised!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love many of the developments with my favorite characters here. Bertie and Stuart are having some great things happen, bless their hearts. Irene is horrible, and Olive is a mini-Irene, but I laughed too hard over something that happened to Irene, and I'm not sorry!

Matthew and Elspeth are . . . having quite the time, and I adore them! Pat is back! Bruce appears to have backslid, and I'm wondering what's up with him.

Angus and Domenica . . . had a cute ending chapter, as they always do, but what the actual frak is up with the way they treat Antonia? They've gone from sort of tolerating her foibles and trying to befriend her to actively treating her like garbage. And what was up with what happened to her at the end of the book? I feel like the author wanted to put her aside for a while and didn't know what else to do! So weird!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: Edinburgh, Scotland; modern day.
This is the sixth episode in the 44 Scotland Street series, featuring the usual cast of characters with whom regular readers will be familiar and portraying these as they deal with issues of love, desire and friendship against a background of city life in the New Town area of Edinburgh. Matthew's recent marriage to former teacher Elspeth leads artist Angus to wonder about his own solitude (apart from his wonderful dog Cyril) and is left to consider whether his best friend Domenica could or would become more than just a friend. Meanwhile, Elspeth's first pregnancy scan produces a shock for the couple and Bertie and his father start to forge a closer relationship. Wonderful reading as always - 9/10.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is the strongest in the series so far.

Plenty of laughs and drama that's not too dramatic. Definitely a series to read if you're looking for gentle humor and drama as we follow the lives of a small community in Edinburgh. Think of a slightly intellectual, non-smutty soap opera.

My favorite character reappears in this book and I really hope to see more of that person in the next volume as well. And some good things happened to my other favorite character here too. Really enjoying this series and hoping to finish it this year.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Alexander McCall Smith's Scotland Street series, they are a most delightful read. Picking up one of these books (in hard cover of course!) is like slipping into your favourite slippers, such is the sense of familiarity and warmth conveyed when you start to engage with the characters of this Edinburgh address.

Set in Edinburgh (of course!) this is the 6th book in his 44 Scotland Street series and it revolves around the lives of the characters we first met in his previous books and how they've progressed, grown and aged...or not. In this instalment, Angus and Domenica grow closer together despite the determination of neighbour Antonia and her designs on Angus. Matthew and Elspeth get surprising news that changes their future and poor old (or still too young) Bertie still longs to be seven years old and for the day he can finally be a real boy and escape the interferences of his mother Irene.

The book's title relates to Bertie and there are some great passages in this instalment that sees Bertie get a glimpse of his goal - namely to have experiences and fun that most other boys have yet are denied him by the myriad visits to therapists, Italian classes and saxophone lessons arranged by his well-meaning mother. You will find yourself feeling so much for this little fellow, particularly his excitement when he finally gets to go fishing with his father, such a simple thing but something quite monumental for Bertie.

There is a lovely preface to the book that explains why Bertie hasn't grown up too much so far, framing the story to follow and McCall Smith's view of life that many of us have a longing to be seven as well, when we have an innocence, an understanding of the world but little responsibility.

McCall Smith writes beautifully. He gently questions and briefly dissects some of the conventions and peculiarities of modern day life, sometimes seemingly longing for a past that saw more civility and gentility in the way we interacted with each other. He also has you chuckling amiably at some of the situations in which he places his characters, before you find yourself moved by some truly gorgeous prose, particularly as he describes the beauty of his home nation and city - clearly a proud Scot. For example "And look at that sky," said Angus. "We're so fortunate, aren't we? To live in a country where the sky changes virtually every moment; where its colours, its attenuated blues, its whites, its purples, break the heart and then break it again, afresh, every single day."

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I find myself ready to gush over a book by McCall Smith and I almost resisted the temptation to do it in writing - but, not quite. This latest of his 44 Scotland Street novels is even better than the previous ones. If you ever find that your heart needs some refreshment, pick up this series and you will reap the reward. Bertie is nearly seven and finds some moments of pleasure despite his truly weird mother, Irene. It seems as if his father may just be growing a spine! His 1 year old brother, Ulysses spits up every time he looks at his Mum - it doesn't get better than that in the realm of family comedy! All of the residents of Scotland Street that I have come to love appear and many of them find joy and comfort in ways that they could not have expected. Cyril the dog continues to exemplify pleasure in simple things and I can see him in my mind wearing his red kerchief sniffing out the recent history of all the places he goes.

If you need a break from serious reading or from murders in Sweden (my latest book binge falls in that last category) come visit Scotland street - you will be glad you came and might wish that you could stay longer.

PS: I can also recommend the following series by him: "Isabel Dalhousie" and "Portuguese Irregular Verbs". He has a series called "Corduroy Mansion" that is rather dog-centered that I am enjoying also. I have only read a few of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and am not crazy about them, though they are hugely popular and probably the ones he is best known for.

[Katherine Coble · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are fun, but McCall Smith is repeating himself. Bertie has several experiences "for the first time" (e.g. drinking Irn-Bru) that he's actually already experienced in earlier passages.

I think it's probably a good idea to read these at intervals; reading the first 7 back to back has heightened what few negative aspects there are to the stories. I think, for example, I'd have more tolerance for the Angus and Domenica bits if they were being read farther apart.

Don't get me wrong, the books are still fun overall. But I can definitely say that they wear thin with too much exposure.

[Magill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just read the third Corduroy Mansions book this book compares well, with better realized and fleshed out characters, which hold up better against the author's off-character rambles/asides. Pat was back, if briefly, Antonia may have had an epiphany, Bruce makes a couple of sightings, Matthew and Elspeth get plenty of mileage, but this is really about Bertie who continues to dream of freedom. A charming, thoughtful boy who, unlike other children his age, seems to have fully developed the reasoning portion of his brain a full 15 years prior to normal maturity. Still, unbelievability aside, he is a pleasure to read about. And Ulysses turned into a more interesting character than would be expected at 1 year old.

A caveat, however, my feelings about his mother's continued efforts to crush any expressed thoughts or desires has gone from irritated amusement to distaste and repugnance. The continued cruelty, though apparently not malicious, requires even more from Bertie's father, who did manage to do some good this time around. I have decided to give the series one more shot but, if the unrelenting attack on Bertie and his little dreams does not come into balance, I will have to give up on thus series entirely as I cannot continue to read about even a pretend little boy who is treated in such a manner.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #6 in the 44 Scotland Street series set in present day Edinburgh, Scotland, and as usual the author does not disappoint. And as usual NOT what you would read if you're looking for adventure and suspense! Love the way the author weaves the story around all of the different characters and their daily events. Young Bertie finally gets an adventure with his Dad without his overbearing Mom around. Bertie has become my favorite character. So young and innocent and still learning to appreciate and understand this world and his place in it. And of course storylines with Matthew, his wife Elspeth, Big Lou, Domenica, Angus, etc.

In the Preface Alexander McCall Smith makes this comment: "That, incidentally, gives me the greatest possible pleasure - the knowledge that we are all linked by our friendship with a group of fictional people. What a pleasant club of which to be a member!" In my opinion his characters are a wonderful mix of all the traits of humanity. And is always a pleasure to lose myself in their world; in so many ways like mine and yet so different.

[MaryJeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many of Alexander McCall Smith's books, this one is quietly amazing. You think you're reading light, amusing stories about an assortment of characters: Matthew, Big Lou, Angus, Dominica, and Bertie. Then suddenly, McCall Smith tosses in these shafts of light that make you catch your breath. For example, '"Look at that sky," said Angus. "We're so fortunate, aren't we? To live in a country where the sky changes virtually every moment; where its colours, its attenuated blues, its whites, its purples, break the heart, and then break it again, afresh, every single day."' How he captures that intense love of our home,its deep-cutting longing! And again: "The sight of such beauty can make us quiet with fear; fear that it might not be real, fear that it might be taken from us, as is everything that we love, which is only on loan to us."

[Judith Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable reunion with the Scotland Street characters. A slight hope that Stuart is going to begin to stand up a little more to Irene - we left Bertie in a happy place at the end of this volume, though I suspect his trials are not yet over and we have yet to properly meet the new psychotherapist. Bruce still has clear shades of his old colours, Matthew and Elspeth have an interesting future before them and one wonders what Kirsty will do to get revenge. The book finishes on a happy note, but one with clear opportunities for still more sequels! I love the preface/forward, where McCall Smith writes of how marvellous it is to share fictional friends. I know of no one who creates a better fictional milieu, in which we feel a part of the ordinary lives of such a range of people. I'm not sure why I haven't given this 5 stars - suspect it is because it seems so deceptively easy to write such engaging books over and over again.

[Andrea Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful story from the pen of one of my favorite authors! To be in the company of such wonderful characters as they grow where they are planted makes a reader feel fortunate. I am fortunate to have discovered the stories of Alexander McCall Smith and to have encountered characters such as Bertie Pollock, Matthew and his lovely wife Elspeth, Angus Lordie and his dog Cyril, Domenica, Big Lou and all the others who are so richly described. I will continue to read these stories and be delighted I am sure!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert - Bertie doesn't turn seven in this book. Alexander McCall Smith feels that six is the perfect age for Bertie, where his innocence still outweighs his precociousness. But Bertie is sure he'll be able to make more decisions for himself once he is seven. Other news on Scotland street - Matthew and Elspeth are expecting triplets! Bruce becomes engaged. And Domenica, Angus, and Antonia make a surprising trip to Italy.
Another pleasant and enjoyable journey into the world of Alexander McCall Smith.

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sixth volume of Smith's 44 Scotland Street series, we see Matthew getting s shock when he finds out that Elspeth (nee Miss Harmony) is going to have Triplets, Angus and Domenica plan a trip to Italy with Antonia a and discover new feelings for each other, Bertie goes fishing with his father and then loses his mother for a while when she is mistakenly sent to Romania in a shipping container full of household donations, and Big Lou is overheard discussing cosmetic surgery. Pat returns to work in Matthew's gallery and Bruce makes a cameo appearance as a bumbling housing surveyor.

As always, the continuing story of these Edinburgh residents is told with gently humor, kindness and love. These books are the perfect antidote to the toxic news we hear every day.

[Vio · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3,5 *.

It took me forever to finish it, but again *not* because of the book. I am still looking forward to continuing with this series.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s fuel enough for several novels in this installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street series, with a young married couple seeking a larger home, an older unmarried couple seeking commitment, the joys of Italian art and countryside, and, of course, the little boy who isn’t yet seven but knows the world will change one day. The author weaves his stories together with swift scene and chapter changes, leaving one set characters hanging, or falling, while another takes the stage and runs with it. Through it all, an omniscient narrator invites the reader to experience the world through many different eyes—even those of a dog—and in doing so to notice what we ignore, remember what we forget to recognize, and just perhaps become a little kinder to each other.

Good-humored, fun, filled with the real and the strange, The Importance of Being Seven brings Scotland’s houses, streets and countryside to life, offers insights into the schooling system over cups of tea and plates of biscuits, and even invites the frozen reader to enjoy the warmth of a glorious Italian sun. The narrator’s constantly pleasing voice holds disparate stories together, and a book that’s easy to pick up after putting down (because of its well-separated chapters) proves seriously hard to put down (because it’s just such a smooth, well-measured, good read). Enjoy.



Disclosure: A friend loaned me the book, but I’m sure I’ll buy my own copy one day.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sampling of the chapter titles should give a sense of the adventures, preoccupations and musings of the Scotland Street characters in this next book of the consistently rewarding (and amusing) series: “Ten Years with the Pygmies”, “The Insouciance of Tofu”, “The Meaning of Always”, “The Comfort of Friends”, “Big Lou on Art and Fashion”, “A Terrible Mistake”, “100 Things for a Boy to Do: Part 1”, “Edouard Vuillard and the Interior Vision”, “Life and Chance”, “The Timetable of Happiness”, and “Italy At Last”.

Second “reading” — Audiobook very competently read by Robert Ian Mackenzie.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all the Mcall Smith series I have read so far I think this is my least favourite one.
Maybe reading it as a daily newspaper serial as it was first published would be more interesting?
Anyway I also wish the kid would age, I find characters who never age get tiresome, we want to see them develop as a person and that can't happen unless they age.
Anyway an average read.
Alexander McCall Smith #61

[Jenn Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to these collections on audiobook are so enjoyable and often soothing. I love Smith's insights into aspects of life and relationships and love. Sometimes the quotidian nature of these installments can get - not tedious, but are less engaging - and some of the characters I'm less interested in than others, but overall, I enjoy these characters and stories so thoroughly. I really loved what happened with Bertie and his father, Stuart, this time - so endearing - and was sad that what happened with Irene was positively remedied (go away, Irene, just go away!). My favorite plot line this time was Angus and Cyril's (Cyril was recommended for a Cane Cavaliere, which I quite adored!), but I also loved Matthew and Harmony's storyline (and they quote Aunt Ada Doom, "I saw something nasty in the woodshed!") So much great stuff in these collections, McCall Smith's imagination blows me away.

[Franca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. The short chapters (always time to read just one more), the varied characters (in age, personality and circumstances) and the setting (always nice to spend time in Edinburgh).

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow to start with but once I started going with it I really enjoyed it

[Tweedledum · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are like a balm and a blessing ... AMS writes so simply and yet so insightfully. I must admit to a few tears at the end of this book. Meanwhile what a relief to find Stuart and Bertie actually bonding properly and Bertie finding a proper friend at last.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy Bertie finds some happiness. About time Angus and Dominica recognize their feelings for one another.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gold star performance 👌💯

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book is well-written. I love the dialogue. The author's descriptions of the scenery are also nice I'm really looking forward to reading the next book. Highly recommended.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. McCall Smith draws the reader into his stories in the most engaging manner. Just so much fun to read about the adventures of each of his characters. As soon as I finish one book, I start wondering what happens in the next book. On to #7!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stuart smiled encouragingly at his son. 'And did anything happen?' This was the question that Bertie had been dreading. The usual answer of most children to such a question from a parent is that nothing happened -the lives of children, by self-report, are barren and empty, quite devoid of incident. Nothing happens, nobody says anything, and indeed nobody is present at any function they attend. By the same rule of infantile omerta, nothing is learned at school, where the resolute silence of the classroom is never punctuated by any observation on anything. By contrast, the telephone conversations of children - among themselves - reveal lives crowded with incident, with high drama and intrigue, with passions and plots".

Book 6 of the Scotland Street series, is a little slower-paced that its predecessors (in my opinion), but that does not mean that nothing happens in the lives of the fictional residents of this real Scottish thoroughfare. The spotlight, in this novel, is cast on Angus and Elspeth - the newly weds - who have just been told some shocking and life-changing news, which results in them having to move home. The other main character is Domenica - the private scholar in anthropology - who is debating whether or not to "put to rest" her studies; but what would she do if she did? She also has an ongoing battle with jealousy when her neighbour (and friend) Antonia makes it plain she "has her eye" on Angus, the artist. During the novel, the three of them, plus Cyril the dog, head off to Italy on holiday - but how will Angus tolerate being the centre of an emotional tug-of-war between the two women.

Interspersed with these storylines, Bertie and Stuart have an outing together, Irene goes mysteriously missing, the new employee in Matthew's Art Gallery turns out to be a controversial character, and Big Lou is still looking for the love of her life.

Whether you live in Edinburgh, know the city vaguely, or have never been, you will love this series.

Now onto the last one......