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: It's all about Bertie
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading 44 Scotland Street I was left with one burning question: what about Bertie? Will he ever get out from under his mother's stifling influence? Will he get to play Rugby? How will he deal with his oblivious psychiatrist? All the characters of the series are interesting to one degree or another, but as I picked up this book it was Bertie's story I really wanted to know.
Fortunately, Smith delivered. In this volume we get to see the world through Bertie's hyper-intelligent but still immature eyes. And I was thrilled that rather than simply playing the situation for laughs, as "44 Scotland Street" had done, in these stories Bertie gets to break out of his routine, have a series of adventures, and achieve the sort of semi-definitive conclusion that was only afforded to Pat in the previous volume.
That's not to say that the stories of the rest of the characters are not interesting. I found the evolution of Bruce, the thick headed narcissistic roommate, to be particularly satisfying. It helps that Pat had, in the first book, already gotten over her crush on Bruce, which was so obviously unwise that you couldn't help but expect disaster on every page.
The only false note in this collection is the Ramsey Dunbarton storyline. A grand old gentleman who seems to have done nothing much with his life, and yet talks about it incessantly, his chapters were simply boring. Perhaps if I were Scottish I would be able to see all sort of subtle in jokes that would turn him from boring to charming, but as it is I'm glad he only shows up from time to time.
But that is only a blemish on a great collection. I'll be reading the next one as soon as I can get my hands on it!
Book Review: Just as good as Number 1.
Summary: 5 Stars
Well I enjoyed the second volume just as much as I did the first. Strange. Not actually sure why I am enjoying this series as much as I do. I guess it is because Alexander McCall Smith inhabits the same world I do. It is a world where everyone is doing his/her best to survive - nobody is really a hero or a villain. Everyone has a personality with flaws and strengths.
I can't think of anyone in his novels I'd like to be - but everyone seems fun to watch. I guess I'll try book #3.
Book Review: Love this series
Summary: 4 Stars
I got hooked on Alexander McCall Smith with the First Ladies Detective series. Then I wanted to read everything else he has written and I haven't been dissappointed yet. I love this series of 44 Scotland Street. The characters are great and eccentric and normal and you just want to see what happens next and what choices they each make.Book Review: Masterfully written
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read few books that are so well written. This book is enjoyable for the story line and the characters, but almost more enjoyable for McCall Smith's masterful writing. I savor every sentence for its humor and whimsy. He also has great insight into human nature and paints our idiosyncrasies in a kinder light that makes the reader feel more inclined to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.Book Review: Maybe his best yet
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Espresso Tales, Alexander McCall Smith's followup to 44 Scotland Street...and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, which he is now writing.
I thought 44 Scotland Street was weakened a little by the sheer number of characters, but here the focus seemed tighter. We get to reunite with Bertie, the boy genius who just wants to be a regular kid; Bruce, the indefatigable narcissist; Pat, the understated gallery worker/college student; Matthew, who has now made a profit at the gallery, and has his gentle eye on Pat; Domenica, the sharp-tongued elderly woman who may be a porteparole for McCall Smith himself; and Angus, the eccentric painter whose dog, Cyril, gets a charming chapter of his own.
Everything that happened to these characters just seemed right, and it was such an enjoyable ride.