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The Unbearable Lightness of Scones: A New 44 Scotland Street Novel (44 Scotland Street 5): A New 44 Scotland Street Novel (44 Scotland Street 5) | 
 enlarge | Author: Alexander Mccall Smith
Publisher: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited
Category: Book
List Price: £14.99
Buy Used: £8.00
You Save: £6.99 (47%)
New (20) Used (3) from £8.00
Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 672
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 368
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 5.7 x 1.4
ISBN: 1846970571
EAN: 9781846970573
ASIN: 1846970571
Publication Date: July 1, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: New unread books, both have slight water marks on the cover sleeves but otherwise are in excellent condition
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
The phenomenal acclaim for Alexander McCall Smith's Botswana-set detective series featuring the 'comfortably built' Precious Ramotswe took the publishing world by storm, notably because the gentle, unforced humour of the books was such a contrast with the far grittier fare on offer from most publishers and crime authors. Of course, it's probably true that readers were ready for something a touch more ingratiating --- that's to say, crime books that didn't always end with the walls painted with blood.The latest book in McCall Smith's highly successful career, The Unbearable Lightness of Scones, is, however, not one of his Precious Ramotswe books, but an entry in the pleasing (and undemanding) Scotland Street series, full of the good-natured charm and inventiveness that is the author's hallmark. Bertie, McCall Smith's precocious six-year-old protagonist, is still at odds with his domineering mother, Irene, but enjoying his time as a cub scout. Matthew is struggling with the demands of marriage, while Domenica has her own struggle with the loneliness that accompanies her somewhat arid intellectual lifestyle. The residents of 44 Scotland St offer a kind of Celtic alternative to the humour of Armistead Maupin's delightful San Francisco-set Tales of the City (although unorthodox sexuality has less of a place here!). It's a something of an achievement in the often dark world of the 21st century to deliver lightweight (but intelligent) entertainment such as this. There will always be those who want more uncompromising fare, but those attuned to Alexander McCall Smith's more gentle world view need not hesitate. --Barry Forshaw
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 As good as ever July 17, 2008
Damaskcat (UK)
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
This instalment of the series is just as good as its predecessors. Matthew embarks on married life; Bertie continues to ask awkward questions about his little brother's parentage; Domenica wonders what Antonia is up to and Angus Lordie and Cyril have a close encounter with some puppies. Each short chapter is complete in itself and many are highly amusing. What can you do with 6 puppies in an Edinburgh flat? Big Lou is still serving coffee and sympathy to all who need it and still reading through her eclectic library. Old friends make an appearance and some problems are sorted. I loved it for its gentle humour and the knowledge of human nature in all its forms which this author displays. I can't wait for the next one.
Simply the best -they get better and better July 11, 2008
C. Catherwood (Cambridge UK and Richmond VA)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
Things can only get better - and this is side-splittingly funny as the characters we all know and love so well as are back for another instalment. It is not just Bertie who is great (though he is as funny and insightful as ever) but so are all the other characters as well, who really are wonderful. McCall Smith pretends they are real, and in a profound sense they are - we all know people EXACTLY like Isabel, Domenica, Angus or dogs like Cyril. One important thing: MARRIED COUPLES BUY TWO COPIES since you will then be able to read one each as your other half chortles out loud at the wonderfully funny scenes. Five cheers for McCall Smith as always! Christopher Catherwood (author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST)
Delightful as always July 16, 2008
Telboy (Holywood, Co Down, UK)
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
The latest instalment of the 44 Scotland Street series is here,and well worth the wait! I couldn't wait for my wife to finish it because I was sick and tired of her chuckling and giggling to herself and I wanted, nay, NEEDED,to know what was going on! If you're a fan of the series, you'll love this - if you're not, WHY NOT!?!? I'm just amazed at McCall-Smith's ability to produce top-class writing again and again. In fact, it makes me want to go back and read the whole series again. Brilliant stuff.
Laugh out loud funny! July 8, 2008
Mildred Mittens (lincs, uk)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
If I could thank Mr McCall Smith for his wonderful novels I would!
This latest offering is wonderful! Both me and my hubby enjoyed it tremendously.
Listen to Books on CD August 22, 2008
Bookaholic (Killin, Scotland)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have just loved this whole series of books based in Edinburgh. Rather than buy the books, I have been buying them on CD and listening to them when driving along in the car. Narrators with their easy Scottish voices such as Blythe Duff and especially David Rintoul (what a voice!) are so familiar and homely.
The stories are entertaining, interesting and captivating and the characters engaging: young Bertie just can't grow up quickly enough for me: his mother is a pain: Dr Fairbairn makes me cringe: and Bruce is just so awful (Chinos or no Chinos - give me a 'distressed oatmeal sweater' any day!). You find you just can't drag yourself away from the characters, and we all know someone with similar traits.
I can almost taste the Parmesan or Panne Forte from Valvona & Crolla, I would love to spend time in Lou's Coffee Shop, and a drink in the Cumberland Bar with Angus Lordie and Cyril would be 'chust perfecto'.
I do hope when this one comes out on CD that it is once again David Rintoul doing the narration - if you are reading this Alexander McCall Smith - keep them coming!
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