| 44 Scotland Street | 
 enlarge | Author: Alexander Mccall Smith
Publisher: Anchor
Category: Book
List Price: $13.95
Buy Used: $0.16
You Save: $13.79 (99%)
New (53) Used (131) Collectible (4) from $0.16
Avg. Customer Rating:  63 reviews
Sales Rank: 21118
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 352
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9
ISBN: 1400079446
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9781400079445
ASIN: 1400079446
Publication Date: June 14, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Thanks for choosing the Atlanta Book Company!
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| Customer Reviews:
 Alexander McCall Smith is a gem January 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I can't believe I didn't read his work sooner! I read this book on vacation and ran out and bought volume two even though the exchange rate made it decidedly more pricey. Immensely readable and entertaining. Provides a peek into Scottish life but also proves that we share common experiences. I plan to read everything Mr. Smith has written!
 Great writing almost spoiled by poor narration January 19, 2008
I'd read and listened to all the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, and loved them in both book and audio form. When I saw this book, which is the first in another series, on audio, I grabbed it, hoping it would be as good. Unfortunately, the deficiency of the narration almost ruined it for me. The narrator used the same voice/accent for all his male characters. For women and children, he adopted a small, high-pitched voice, that, again, sounded the same for all the characters. It became very annoying. These poor characterizations almost ruined it for me, but I persevered because the author's story-telling is so wonderful; I wanted to find out what happened to the numerous and diverse characters.
I've just read the sequel, Espresso Tales, and enjoyed it very much. I'm very pleased that there's a third book in the series to read.
Giving this only 2 stars because of the poor narration; not the writing. Bottom line? Read this one- find something else to listen to in the car.
 AN AMIABLE LITTLE READ December 31, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Inoffensive.....didn't do me no harm....didn't upset me much....and didn't inspire any particular emotions. In fact it was a little on the tedious side at times and moved along at a strolling pace.
That's how I experienced the book: a whimsical tale of misfits - no street gangs, drugs or dodgy geezers - just an ordinary bunch of folks living in Edinburgh. So - we weren't expecting fireworks and we didn't get any. In fact the book was very dry and I was wishing it would pick up pace and move along. But no - the relentless strolling gait continued.
Mr McCall Smith has transported the easy living of Botswana to Edinburgh - laid back and a little dull.
I did enjoy the book more as I made my way to the end. The characters did eventually became more rounded and colourful.
I would recommend it - but it is not for folks looking for thrills or excitement. It does have insightful moments - and these make the read worthwhile.
Oh so . . . December 2, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
wackily delightful. Alexander McCall Smith is a genius. I'm sure that with his intelligence and writing ability he could probably produce some great literature. Maybe he has--I don't know. I'm thrilled that he writes such lighthearted books of pure entertainment. I've read all of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency books, Portuguese Irregular Verbs and now 44 Scotland Street. This book is funny, sweet, and sad--and so readable. You don't have to have visited or lived in Scotland to enjoy it. I've never been there, but was thoroughly charmed by 44 Scotland Street. I have the next book in the series, but I'm going to wait awhile before reading it. I want to savor this one for awhile. Thank you Mr. McCall Smith for writing books that are 100% enjoyment.
44 Scotland Street November 24, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
It's always a privilege to read the work of one adept at English and the serial chapters leave me anxious to move on to the next.
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