Espresso Tales: A 44 Scotland Street Novel (2) by Alexander McCall Smith Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Espresso Tales: A 44 Scotland Street Novel (2)
Book Review: Delightful
Summary: 5 Stars
Just finished this delightful book and enjoyed every page. I love the diversity of the characters- all so dead-on, I feel like these are real people. The author has a way of saying so much in not too many words. I've never been to Scotland but feel like I have a clear picture of various slices of life there. Probably my favorite character is the little boy, Bertie. I can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel.
I've read all the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books twice, and listened to them all on audio. I was hoping this Scotland Street series would be good, and am so glad it is.
Book Review: Edinburgh great and small
Summary: 3 Stars
Espresso Tales is the sequel to 44 Scotland Street, featuring the inhabitants of a multifamily house at that address in Edinburgh, Scotland. The form of both books is rambling and linear, forgivably so in this case as they were originally released in serial form in the Scotsman newspaper.
In 44 Scotland Street, the main character was clearly Pat, a college-age young woman who was a little adrift in her life. Her encounters with her neighbors and at work formed the context for the stories in the book. In Espresso Tales, Pat is much less the main character. The book's focus shifts aimlessly between Pat, Bertie, the gifted kindergartener and his family, and other characters. Pat and Bertie's stories engage me more than others and I was impatient at times waiting for their turn in the spotlight.
A great part of the charm derives from the immense amount of detail provided of daily life in Edinburgh. This information is provided not in an encyclopedic way but in loving detail the way a portrait miniature would be painted. The characters are "types", but not stereotypes. Big Lou, the rough-spoken woman who runs the coffee shop has been reading philosophy on her own, and bristles when her intellectual customers patronize her. Not only does she "ken well" who Sisyphus was, she's read the Camus book about him, which is more than her educated customer can say.
If you enjoy Scotland, or enjoy the gentle charm of McCall Smith's writing, you'll enjoy this series. But start with 44 Scotland Street or you'll have trouble catching up.
Book Review: Espresso Tales
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't get enough of Mccall Smith. 44 and Espresso are delightful. I didn't agree that there were bits throughout that were boring. I find all the characters entertaining. I look forward to the next.Book Review: Espresso Tales
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is in fine shape and I am more than half way through it. I always enjoy Alexander McCall Smith's books and this series is different from the others. He has a most pleasurable style of writing. Feel good stories, I call them. I have read most of the others in this series and I don't know how I missed this one.Book Review: Espresso Tales
Summary: 5 Stars
Very witty and touching.... holds your interest.........love it! Love all of Alexander McCall Smith's writings...