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Bertie Plays the Blues (44 Scotland Street #7)
by
Alexander McCall Smith (Goodreads Author)
Even down to its well-set Georgian townhouses, Edinburgh is a hymn to measure and harmony. But on Scotland Street, domestic accord is in short supply. Matthew and Elspeth welcome three new arrivals, though the joys of multiple parenthood are somewhat lost due to sleep deprivation and the difficulties of telling their brood apart. Angus and Domenica are to marry, and Domeni...more
Paperback, 272 pages
Published
May 24th 2012
by Abacus
(first published 2011)
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I love Alexander McCall Smith. He Tweets short stories, always has interesting things to say and write, and is the author of one of my favourite series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency featuring my favourite detective Ma Ramotswe.
His other two series, The Sunday Philosophy Club and 44 Scotland Street (of which this book is part of) are set in Edinburgh. The characters that populate these series are thoughtful and philosophical (the give away is in that series title right!) and many words are l...more
His other two series, The Sunday Philosophy Club and 44 Scotland Street (of which this book is part of) are set in Edinburgh. The characters that populate these series are thoughtful and philosophical (the give away is in that series title right!) and many words are l...more
The ongoing soap opera of Edinburgh in the 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith. I believe this is the longest novel in his series.
All of the players have a fair run. Elspeth and Matthew have their triplets and have moved into a new, larger upscale "flat." They have their typical problems with the multiple babies and hire an au pair. Elspeth doesn't like the new flat and Matthew makes plans for them to return to India Street.
Domenica, Angus and Antonia travel to Italy, with upsetting re...more
All of the players have a fair run. Elspeth and Matthew have their triplets and have moved into a new, larger upscale "flat." They have their typical problems with the multiple babies and hire an au pair. Elspeth doesn't like the new flat and Matthew makes plans for them to return to India Street.
Domenica, Angus and Antonia travel to Italy, with upsetting re...more
This is my 3rd Scotland Street novel and I have to say, this series is fast becoming my favourite. As much as I love Mma Ramotswe, I find I am forming a greater bond with Bertie. For me, Bertie is pretty much the best character in modern literature. I know I am never going to be a traditionally built lady from Botswana, driving around in my little white car, solving problems, but I do know the angst of being young and not knowing how to verbalise what *you* want from life in the face of what you...more
"Ranald stroked his chin. 'How about eBay, Bertie? Have you heard of eBay? You could put yourself on it, you know'. Not having a computer, Bertie was unsure what eBay was, and listened attentively as Ranald explained it to him. 'You can get anything on eBay, Bertie. I'm telling you. Trucks, model railways, even swords. Everything. If you've got something to sell, you put it on eBay and they have a sort of auction. You could choose two weeks maybe. That gives people time to decide how much they w...more
Bertie Plays the Blues is the 7th novel in Alexander McCall Smith’s popular 44 Scotland Street series. Once again we join our favourite Edinburgh characters in their daily lives. Matthew and Elspeth are delighted to now have three sons, whom they have ambitiously named, but are finding them difficult to tell apart, and exhausting to care for, until help arrives from Denmark; Angus Lordie and Domenica McDonald discuss living arrangements for their marriage, but the appearance of a former boyfrien...more
This belongs to McCall Smith's "44 Scotland Street" series and are not mysteries or legal dramas. No. 44 is just a house converted into flats where some people happen to live, rather than a professional office as I had assumed. These are slim books. Agatha Christie in length and about as demanding. They are very Scottish. Well, quite Scottish. The characters are interesting which is good because this is not a heavily plotted book. They are a good bunch, a nice mix of professional people, artist...more
See the beautiful city of Edinburgh through the eyes of the current and former inhabitants of 44 Scotland Street and its surroundings as Alexander McCall Smith catches up with them once again in this splendid new novel. Matthew and Elsbeth, the new parents of triplets, see it through the tired eyes that are hungry for sleep and desperate for a little peace in their lives, despite their enormous love for their three tiny little boys (even if they can't tell them apart!) Angus and Domenica, so rec...more
Sep 29, 2011
Jennifer
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
library-loan,
fiction
It is a testament to the skill of Alexander McCall Smith that he can consistently dash off such thoroughly enjoyable middle class... soap opera? pap?drivel?
I am not quite sure at what point his failure to waste any time whatsoever on checking the factual underpinnings is going to stop me reserving each new volume from the library before it is available. I know Bertie is a precocious child but he is too young for Cub Scouts, Elspeth Harmony is a remarkable woman but I doubt she could secure such...more
I am not quite sure at what point his failure to waste any time whatsoever on checking the factual underpinnings is going to stop me reserving each new volume from the library before it is available. I know Bertie is a precocious child but he is too young for Cub Scouts, Elspeth Harmony is a remarkable woman but I doubt she could secure such...more
The 44 Scotland Street novels are not fluff. They humorous and humane. The characters--except for Bruce--are not coercive. And Bruce gets what he deserves in this book--lots of money and no love. This book is fantasy. But the fantasy is an appealing one: that good, though imperfect, people might get what they deserve. Elspeth, Matthew and the triplets get the best au pair in the world. Big Lou finds a kind widower, a contemporary from Arbroath. Pat finds an uncomplicated man to love. And Domenic...more
McCall Smith has redeemed himself somewhat with this latest episode from Scotland Street.
More time was spent with those less irritating characters, Angus, Domenica and Pat and finally we may see a little ray of hope for poor Bertie.
That said I do wish that these characters would get a firm dose of the reality that the rest of us mere mortals are living. Was it strictly necessary for Angus Lordie to be gifted a work of art worth over 400,000 GBP and who in their right minds purchases back a prop...more
More time was spent with those less irritating characters, Angus, Domenica and Pat and finally we may see a little ray of hope for poor Bertie.
That said I do wish that these characters would get a firm dose of the reality that the rest of us mere mortals are living. Was it strictly necessary for Angus Lordie to be gifted a work of art worth over 400,000 GBP and who in their right minds purchases back a prop...more
Another pleasant little book, rather slight, and nothing of particular import happening. Matthew's financial judgment may be a bit off though. And Pat! Watch out! Lou may be heading towards something happy and Dominica and Angus have a blip, but Bertie was at the forefront though his tribulations were less painful and more time was spent in his mind and his plans for making a real change in his circumstances. To be honest, it was such a low key book, I didn't get around to posting a review for o...more
I do love the Scotland Street books and always hope there's a new one out just as I am about to go on holiday so I can take it with me. As usual this was amusing, though perhaps slightly less so than some others in the series.
I love the way the author goes off on a quick tangent in the middle of a storyline. Throughout the whole series I have always looked forward most to Bertie's stories and less so to Pat's and Domenica's but this time I felt myself wanting to know more about Domenica which w...more
I love the way the author goes off on a quick tangent in the middle of a storyline. Throughout the whole series I have always looked forward most to Bertie's stories and less so to Pat's and Domenica's but this time I felt myself wanting to know more about Domenica which w...more
Once more, Mr McCall Smith weaves his magic. This series just gets better. The characterisation goes from strength to strength and Bertie at last shows a few weaknesses and gaps in his thought processes which you would expect from one not yet seven years old. This makes him all the more lovable and real. It also raises more than a few chuckles and even the odd belly laugh. His mother is still the brittle super-bitch she always was but even that is beginning to change, albeit ever so slightly and...more
A classic Alexander McCall Smith, 44 Scotland Street novel. It's amazing how this guy churns out books! I heard him speak once (very entertaining), and he can write several books at the same time, just picking up and dropping off at will! They are certainly not literary genius, but are all inoffensive (my mum can read them and she is of a very nervous disposition) and gently humorous books. This one is no exception. It gives the latest updates on the lives of the characters of 44 Scotland Street...more
I read this to try and determine the fascination with 44 Scotland Street. My wife really likes them and they seem very popular. Not only does Mr McCall Smith make good money from them, at the time of writing this book has an average rating of 4.07. That takes some beating and many of the great classics would struggle to get much above 3.5. I think that this is one of the nicest (honestly non-pejorative) books I have read). Nothing much happens other than it is nice and when a character is slight...more
Another whimsical visit to 44 Scotland Street with its wonderful cast of characters and the continuing saga of their daily lives with all their ups and downs. Will Bertie ever be allowed to reach the age of seven and will baby Ulysses age significantly any time soon - somehow this does not detract from the enjoyment of this marvellous series. The only slight downside for me is that the extremely vulgar new book covers of the latest two titles in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency are prominently...more
Alexander McCall Smith writes of a Scotland I am so familiar with it washes over me like a warm bath with candles on the side and champagne in my hand I chortle throughout his observations and quiet jabs delight me. Its gentle, very Scottish east coast , requires no effort and I read a chapter or three a day to make it last.Bertie puts himself on ebay hoping to find a home in Glasgow.Matthew and Elspeth have triplets and love lost found, remembered and lived. These and the Corduroy Mansions are...more
I have always admired the work of Alexander McCall Smith, I consider him to be brilliant writer. His past books I have encountered have all had African undertones and so the Scottish society +McCall Smith was new territory. As usual I bought a book mid- series rather than starting from the beginning, so I did start this novel giving it the benefit of the doubt since I had no idea as to what was going on. And honestly I cannot fault the writing or the depth of the story. There is a clear amount o...more
Another highly entertaining Scotland Street novel from Alexander McCall Smith. Visiting his familiar characters again was like coming home and catching up with family.
In this instalment, young Bertie takes drastic steps to improve his life by putting himself up for adoption on eBay, and planning a daring trip to Glasgow on the train which doesn't quite go according to plan. Domenica's and Angus' wedding plans take a little hiccup with the arrival on the scene of an old flame of Domenica's, while...more
In this instalment, young Bertie takes drastic steps to improve his life by putting himself up for adoption on eBay, and planning a daring trip to Glasgow on the train which doesn't quite go according to plan. Domenica's and Angus' wedding plans take a little hiccup with the arrival on the scene of an old flame of Domenica's, while...more
Sadly, this series by McCall Smith is reaching its end with me (though I know he is writing another). There are a few inconsistencies and unfinished story lines that just seem unnecessary. For example, one character seemed to have turned over a new leaf a few books ago and fallen in love (he had been an womanizer) returns in this book only to be a womanizer again without explanation. It ends with several people finding love or something missing in their lives, but it is starting to get a bit old...more
As usual with this series, I loved this book. Parts of it are hilarious and parts filled with pathos. For me, the main story is Bertie. In this book, he finally is so desperate that he tries to put himself for adoption on eBay. When that doesn't work, he and Ranald skip school and take the train heading for the adoption agency in Glasgow where Bertie hopes to find new parents.
Domenica and Angus continue their plans for marriage, but not without a hiccup or two. Combining their households poses...more
Domenica and Angus continue their plans for marriage, but not without a hiccup or two. Combining their households poses...more
Another charming book in the series. Matthew and Elspeth are having difficulty as new parents of triplets. Domenica and Angus are planning their upcoming wedding. Sweet Bertie is considering going online to place an ad to be adopted by a family in Glasgow. Big Lou tries online dating. And Pat is dealing with her feelings for Bruce (I want to shout at her: Run away! Run away! He hasn't changed!)
In my opinion this series should be read in order.
In my opinion this series should be read in order.
I really love these Alexander McCall Smith books - they are so gentle and kind. It is hard to explain what happens because nothing does really, and that's their charm for me. This time, Domenica and Angus are planning their wedding, Matthew and Elspeth are trying to cope with the triplets, Big Lou is looking for love and Bertie is looking for new parents. As usual, it is all resolved in one way or another, but without a lot of stress in between.
7/2012 I had to purchase this volume used from England since it wasn’t published in the States or available on Kindle. Another delightful installment about the lives of people connected to a building in Scotland Street in Edinburgh. The author seemed to be tying up loose ends, especially with relationships, which makes me fearful that this will be the final volume in the series. If so, I will miss the characters greatly.
"An antidote to grimness, greyness and meanness" - according to "The Scotsman" review on the back cover. Thus the perfect book to read after 2 unpleasant books - Gone Girl and Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Another great read in the 44 Scotland Series. Bertie continues to struggle with his over bearing mother so his friend suggests they look at having him adopted which is a hilarious journey for them both. Matthew and Elspeth are suffering from sleep deprevation from their triplets, Pat is still looking for Mr Right when Bruce comes back into her life, and Domenica and Angus prepare to marry. Love the series!
Of all McCall Smith's series, Scotland Street is my favorite. It is so human and humorous. I love all the characters , especially 6 year-old Bertie. Poor Bertie in this he tries to get adopted on E-Bay! Matthew has trouble coping with new born triplets, who wouldn't? Great book to balance out your reading and increase you faith in the essential goodness people.
the writing in these books in so wonderful that i have savor them so i limit myself to reading just a chapter a day--and after all, this is the way they were originally published in the scotsmans newspaper so it just seems right. the stories concerning the residents of scotland street and beyond is entertaining as always. i got a little nervous at the end because one of the chapters was entitled 'finale'. i sincerely hope that this does not mean mccall smith intends to stop writing this series....more
The anticipation of a new Alexander McCall Smith novel always surprises me, I never know when a new book will be released and when I see it on the shelf, it literally jumps into my hands. I love reading about Bertie's latest adventure, or unfortunate mishap. He is one of my favourite characters, as is Cyril and Big Lou. This is my favourite series, although Corduroy Mansions is highly enjoyable too. Someone else said it, nothing really happens other than the day to day lives of gentle, kind peop...more
I love the characters created by AMS. And I love their contemplative natures. AMS succeeds so well in making one think about life, about the consequences of one's actions, about morality and the ethics of everyday life.
One could so easily describe his books as 'light reading', but in my opinion that would be a mistake.
One could so easily describe his books as 'light reading', but in my opinion that would be a mistake.
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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...more
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“You know the best example of sincerity? The absolute gold standard?
Who?
Angus pointed to the door, outside which Cyril was waiting patiently. A dog. Have you ever met an insincere dog - a dog who hides his true feelings?
Domenica looked thoughtful.
And cats?
Dreadfully insincere, said Angus. Psychopaths- every one of them. Show me a cat, Domenica, and I'll show you a psychopath. Textbook examples.”
—
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More quotes…
Who?
Angus pointed to the door, outside which Cyril was waiting patiently. A dog. Have you ever met an insincere dog - a dog who hides his true feelings?
Domenica looked thoughtful.
And cats?
Dreadfully insincere, said Angus. Psychopaths- every one of them. Show me a cat, Domenica, and I'll show you a psychopath. Textbook examples.”
Aug 17, 2011 11:12am