The Importance Of Being Seven (The 44 Scotland Street Series Book 6)

Great read

Reading this book is like a reunion with old friends and hearing about their exploits over the last year or so. They're all there from the previous books and still inhabit the nicer parts of Edinburgh. The title of the book refers to Bertie Pollock, who longs to be seven. He is one of my favourite characters in the series. I feel such sympathy for his world-weary acceptance of his over-bearing mother who pushes him to learn Italian, go to yoga classes and who takes him against his will to psychotherapy when what he longs for is to be a normal boy. There are some heart-warming chapters in which Bertie and his father, Stuart, have boyish fun together. Bertie's new baby brother, Ulysses, makes his mark and there's a running joke from the previous book ( The Unbearable Lightness of Being  over Ulysses paternity.Without any preamble, the book launches straight into a scene from the life of the newly wed gallery-owner, Mathew, and his beloved, Elspeth, the erstwhile teacher of Bertie. I felt that it would be more difficult to get into this book if one had not read the previous books in the series for, although there are some hints as to the back-stories of the characters, I felt I got a lot more pleasure from being familiar with their pasts.As with previous books in the series the stories first appeared as a daily dose of Edinburgh middle-class life in the The Scotsman newspaper and so the chapters are roughly the same length. Each chapter tends to be a self-contained episode or a "cliff-hanger" that is resolved in the following chapter. As with the previous books, there are pleasing and humorous little line drawings apposite to the particular story of a chapter.I thought this one of the best books in the series with plenty of events. Mathew and Elspeth have a surprise over her pregnancy and their decision to buy a large flat in a prestigious part of Edinburgh leads to some anguish. Bertie's neighbour, the anthropologist, Domenica and her friend the portrait painter, Angus, and his delightful dog, Cyril, go on an Italian holiday organized by Domenica's man-hunting friend, Antonia. A mix that leads to some funny scenes and a triumph for Cyril. Cyril is also one of my favourites, but he doesn't figure so much in this book. Pat McGregor, Mathew's erstwhile gallery assistant, and her former arrogant boyfriend, Bruce, make fleeting appearances.It's difficult for me to judge how much of my enjoyment of the Scotland Street books (and the  The Sunday Philosophy Club (Isobel Dalhousie Novels)  series) is due me being very familiar with Edinburgh and knowing the shops, cafes, streets and even some of the people referred to in the book. But, even without that pleasing aspect, the books are a warm and comforting escape from the harsh realities of life. McCall Smith's writings are disarmingly unaffected and yet they are full of all sorts of literary allusions, moral and philosophical challenges to make one think and lots of interesting facts plucked from his divergent and highly educated mind.Highly recommended, though I would advise reading the books in the following order to get the most out of the series:44 Scotland StreetExpresso TalesLove over ScotlandThe World according to BertieThe Unbearable Lightness of SconesEnjoy!

Another great book

Trying to keep up with AMS's prodigious output is something of a challenge! Having got up to speed with happenings in Africa, Corduroy Mansions and elsewhere in Edinburgh (with Ms Dalhousie), I returned to Scotland Street and read 'The Importance of Being Seven' and 'Bertie Plays The Blues' back-to-back.I was certainly not disappointed in this book. It was like greeting old treasured friends after an absence of a couple of years. The point has already been made that you will not really understand what is going on unless you have read the previous books in the series, but it is good to get stuck straight into the action without repetitive scene-setting.There are three main storylines - the Angus/Domenica/Antonia triangle (not forgetting Cyril); Matthew and Elspeth (with Pat and Bruce on the periphery); and, of course, young Bertie Pollock and co. Each thread brings its own treats, but whereas the first two share common ground at Big Lou's cafe, in this particular volume there is virtually no interaction between the Pollocks and the other residents of no. 44.Other reviewers have touched upon the mild irritation of short chapter lengths, resulting in a disjointed read and the occasional unresolved cliffhanger (more mild hummocks than cliffs, it has to be said!), but we are all used to the format by now.Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I had a silly grin on my face for most of the book and could not wait to start the next one.I wish I felt the same after I'd read that. Now read on...

Once again another insight, this time into being nearly seven years old. Although these books are funny and a very good quick read they do make you think. How wonderful to be a child again and oh what some parents do in the name of eduction. A little too near the truth,The descriptions of Edinburgh as always make me want to rush up and visit again asap. What a beautiful city even on paper. I have only visited once but these books do bring back fond memories.Whenever I want a lift from heavier novels I turn to Alexander McCall Smith who has this gift of making us 'one of the family ' in all he writes.

I really do enjoy this writing, even though there are times when I find it a little smug. I love Edinburgh too, but there is more to the city than the wealthy middle classes.

Although a bit predictable, Alexander McCall Smithn's books never disappoint me. The characters are long-standing friends and the setting is friendly and reassuring. I pick one of his books whenever I need some conforting and when I don't want to get involved in tragic or disturbing stories, when I feel the need for some good sense and wisdom, but also a good smile.

Alexander McCall-Smith continues to fascinate us with the characters, so varied, whom we too now know well. Bertie is a favourite of mine, bearing up quite well under his mother’s extreme ambition for him. I wonder how Matthew will manage his large family. Thoroughly enjoyable read.