Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 An engaging and charming series October 28, 2008
I've really got into this series of books. It started as short chapters published day by day in the Scotsman newspaper and the format is still evident in these later books. If you can, it's best to read the books in chronological order as the characters have developed and there are references in the later books to earlier events. McCall Smith manages to combine a charming and heart-warming style of writing with some more serious philosophical issues. I suspect that those who know Edinburgh well will particularly enjoy these books.
Well worth a visit to 44 Scotland Street June 20, 2008
Alexander McCall Smith always entertains and has a charm and wit in his writing. I always look forward to the continuing saga of the Folk of Edinburgh. My only gripe (and it is only a tiny one) is that it was written for serialisation in a newspaper and therefore often comes across in a somewhat bitty way not seen in the prose of a normal chapter. That apart give me more please.....
 A Friendly Kidding Satire of Modern Pretensions December 26, 2007
Everyone with a little power seems to have an exaggerated opinion of himself or herself in Edinburgh. But it must be true elsewhere: Love Over Scotland employs such a kindly look at such pretensions that I was able to see myself quite clearly in some of the satirized characters. It's good for the soul to read this book.
If you haven't read the earlier books in the series (44 Scotland Street and Espresso Tales), I recommend you do so before beginning Love Over Scotland.
Academic pretensions are laid out for all to see in Domenica Macdonald's research into the family life of today's Asian pirates. Parental pretensions continue to be best displayed by Bertie's mother, Irene Pollock. Pretensions in love are characterized by Pat who leans towards a romance with fellow art student, Wolf. Angus Lordie's pretensions as a sophisticated man and devoted dog lover are also exposed. Psychotherapists' pretensions continue to be displayed by the muddle-headed Dr. Fairbairn. Writers' pretensions are explored with a new character, Antonia Collie.
The foils for these pretenders are very sympathetic: Bertie is at his independent best; Matthew's money doesn't go to his head as he continues to treasure Pat; and Big Lou shows that loving others isn't always rewarded in the right way. I'm sure you'll identify with them and cheer them on as they fight off the effects of the pretenders.
I liked this story the best of the three. Alexander McCall Smith seems to have let his humor run wild more than in the earlier books. As a result, each little segment is a romp worthy of consideration separately from the rest. I imagined I could hear him laughing as I finished several sections.
The introduction of more themes about love is also an improvement.
At the book's end, there are several promising situations that should provide for additional delicious humor and loving reflection in the next volume of the series.
Don't miss Love Over Scotland!
A Friendly Kidding Satire of Modern Pretensions December 26, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Everyone with a little power seems to have an exaggerated opinion of himself or herself in Edinburgh. But it must be true elsewhere: Love Over Scotland employs such a kindly look at such pretensions that I was able to see myself quite clearly in some of the satirized characters. It's good for the soul to read this book.
If you haven't read the earlier books in the series (44 Scotland Street and Espresso Tales), I recommend you do so before beginning Love Over Scotland.
Academic pretensions are laid out for all to see in Domenica Macdonald's research into the family life of today's Asian pirates. Parental pretensions continue to be best displayed by Bertie's mother, Irene Pollock. Pretensions in love are characterized by Pat who leans towards a romance with fellow art student, Wolf. Angus Lordie's pretensions as a sophisticated man and devoted dog lover are also exposed. Psychotherapists' pretensions continue to be displayed by the muddle-headed Dr. Fairbairn. Writers' pretensions are explored with a new character, Antonia Collie.
The foils for these pretenders are very sympathetic: Bertie is at his independent best; Matthew's money doesn't go to his head as he continues to treasure Pat; and Big Lou shows that loving others isn't always rewarded in the right way. I'm sure you'll identify with them and cheer them on as they fight off the effects of the pretenders.
I liked this story the best of the three. Alexander McCall Smith seems to have let his humor run wild more than in the earlier books. As a result, each little segment is a romp worthy of consideration separately from the rest. I imagined I could hear him laughing as I finished several sections.
The introduction of more themes about love is also an improvement.
At the book's end, there are several promising situations that should provide for additional delicious humor and loving reflection in the next volume of the series.
Don't miss Love Over Scotland!
Missing Bruce! (but still a five-star rating) October 8, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The third in the 44 Scotland Street series, this book describes the continuing adventures of the well-to-do residents of Edinburgh's New Town. I live in Edinburgh myself and the characters, whle humorously exaggerated, are most definitely recognisable.
The chapters were originally published as daily columns in The Scotsman newspaper and are therefore a perfect length to fill an idle moment. But very much like a box of chocolates you will want one more...just one more...
My favourite strand is the one about six-year old Bertie and his hideously overbearing mother Irene. Irene forces Bertie to join the Edinburgh Teenage Orchestra and many adventures ensue. I also loved the way Alexander McCall Smith parodies the TV programme about finding a Maria for the Sound of Music with a related story at Bertie's primary school.
One weakness is the loss of the comically ghastly Bruce but I still had to give this book five stars as it was a delight to read.
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