44 Scotland Street (44 Scotland Street Series - Book 1)

I love this series and purchased this for my sister so that we could talk about it. She likes McCall Smith's gentle style as I do and so it was a successful purchase. It arrived in good shape and very quickly.

Just love the writing style of Alexander McCall Smith. I know the story will be interesting and humorous and at times nostalgic but also I know there wont be any nasty surprises or horrific events while at the same time there is an underlying mystery to keep you going. Love his use of the English language too.

I've read many of Alexander McCall Smith's published works and have enjoyed all of them. So I was excited to get into this new one of his. And I'll admit I'm disappointed. Nothing much ever happens in his writing, or if it does, it all happens very slowly and with decorum. But in this work nothing happens of any consequence at all. Perhaps the characters will be more thoroughly fleshed out in subsequent books. I really didn't like any of the characters he introduced me to: they were, for the most part, self-absorbed and dull.

I'm giving this 3 stars because I do admire the author, even though I feel this book falls short of his usual fine work. Maybe next time, Mr. Smith?

What a true delight. All the characters were charming, some more then others, some quite disturbed, some ego maniacal. Looking forward to Bruce meeting his match. Hope all come back for the next book they need each other. Poor Bertie. This child will lead us as soon as he disposes of his tiger mom.

McCall Smith invites the reader to enjoy a peak into the lives of interesting people who live at 44 Scotland Street in Edinburgh. Romance is promised at the apartment or the place of work, a five year old survives an over scheduling mother, many learn from an engaging, interesting widow. The book moves well and remains interesting. What the characters do, say or how they respond to others is witty enough I found myself on the edge of a chuckle throughout the book.

While funny, the observations of the characters, their quest for better understanding of themselves and their lives add a serious dimension to the experience as well. A fun, quick, satisfying read.

This book was fairly interesting but it was what I call a 'lunch time' book-take it to work and read at lunch time because you will be able to put it down when it's time to go back to work. You want to know what happens to the characters but it just doesn't keep your undivided attention.

It wasn't what I expected of Alexander McCall Smith. Other reviewers said the same but i didn't believe them. Just didn't flow together. Ended abruptly.
maybe I was just to assume what would happen to the characters.\
i will still return to his main stream books.My first time review.

Alexander McCall Smith has a wonderful way of adding small details to add dimension to his characters, a delightful collection of personalities, warm and wonderful. From giggles to plain out loud laughs!

Again Alexander McCall Smith introduces interesting characters who engage the some of the issues of faced by many in our culture. Engaging and a fun read. I am ready to order the next in this series.

Smith has followed several groups of characters in short 'chapters',each one a piece in the newspaper. One gets a sense of the city through these several plots. He has an uncanny ability to hold the reader's attention. Smith is both articulate and amusing. It must have been hard for the newspaper readers to wait for the next installment. We are not constrained and can read on!

I love the way the author evokes the atmosphere of Edinburgh. I have never been there, but I would certainly like to go. I was very taken by the characters, especially poor little Bertie and his awful mother.

44 Scotland Street

This was a different kind of story from the ones I have read by this author, but it was interesting and fun, once I got into the personalities of the various interwoven characters.
It ended with open possibilities, so that I am sure there will be a sequel to the story. I shall look for it to come out.