The Revolving Door of Life: 44 Scotland Street Series (10) (The 44 Scotland Street)

I love this author and have read just about all of his books, but this one is not his best. In my opinion there was way too much philosophical discussion that went on too long. Instead I would have liked to learn more about the adorable little Bertie and how he was coming to a brighter life thru his Granny. And maybe a little more about Cyril, the capricious little dog with the gold tooth. And there was hardly a mention of Big Lou with her man troubles. I guess I was hoping that the interesting characters of the series would get more time than they did. That being said, I await the next installment of the 44 Scotland Street series. It will be interesting to see if the terrible Irene will get the last word about how to raise two little boys, or if the spirited Granny will win out the day.

Lucky Bertie Pollock. He's just turned seven years old in "The Revolving Door of Life", Alexander McCall Smith's latest novel in his "44 Scotland Street" series. Bertie's mother, Irene - possibly one of the worst mothers in modern literature - has been taken by mistake into a Bedouin harem while visiting the Gulf states. For the first time in his short life, Bertie doesn't have Irene bossing him around and not letting him have any fun at all. He's had to wear pink pants to show his solidarity for gender issues, and he's not allowed to play with boys. All Bertie wants is to play with boys, wear a kilt, and have a Swiss Army knife. Now, maybe he's too young for the knife, but he knows what he wants. Bertie's father - the hapless Stuart married to the awful Irene - can't stand up to her. But while she's "away" in the Middle East, Bertie, his baby brother, and Stuart are under the care of Stuart's mother, Nicola, who has come to Edinburgh to take care of the three guys. Suddenly Bertie gets a kilt, pizza, and boy friends to play with. But can it last?Bertie and his family are just two of the many characters in Smith's Edinburgh stories. A bit like American author Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" series, which center around the eccentric occupants of an apartment building in San Francisco, Smith's books also feature a cast of characters. A bit less eccentric than Maupin's crew, Smith's characters are a charming lot of artists and dealers, coffee shop owners, dogs, a Duke-who-possibly-isn't-REALLY-a-duke, and, of course, Bertie Pollock and the dreadful Irene. This latest book - the 10th in the Scotland series - is less plot-centric and more character-centered. Oh, things happen but they are relatively minor things, and the reader concentrates more on the characters.One of the best things about series books is the chance to return to old friends and catch up on their lives. This is only the second Smith book I've read but I'm surely returning for #11! I want to know what happens to Bertie, and all the others I've become enamoured with in only two books.

This is a 44 Scotland Street book that is mostly without Irene, Bertie's mother. Thus, everyone gets to experience living in that area of Edinburgh without having to endure Irene. She comes back eventually but she almost has to do so. Irene, although the most aggravating character in the series, is also one of the biggest sources of satire. Irene is into every trendy movement out there in 2016. Psychotherapy, Melanie Klein, Yoga, Italian lessons, sax lessons, feminist living for her two young sons (pink everything), plus communist prattle while having no inkling of how the "common man" lives in her well provided life. In this book she is temporarily in the Middle East conducting a book group for a sheik's harem. We just know that he will soon hit "enough" with Irene and send her home (by book's end).So for one book we get to see Bertie cared for by his grandmother rather than Irene. It is the difference between night and day. The grandmother is now in the series for good so her upcoming battles with Irene should be really good in the subsequent books.We also catch up with Matthew and his triplets. He still can't tell one from the other. Pat is still his assistant although she has a big problem with her psychiatrist father. They need to enlist the aid of the narcissistic Bruce in order to solve that dilemma. Bruce is the second least likable character in the series. Yet again he is a rich source of satire so he has to be here.Cyril the dog, Angus, Domenica and Big Lou are about the same as usual. They aren't as big in this story as they have been in others. However, each of these books varies on the amount of coverage members of the ensemble get.These books are very much an ensemble work. There is no main character. It would ruin the books if this changed. Excellent as usual. I love these books.

I have spent three months reading through these books around my busy life and enjoy following the life of the families who live in Scotland Street. I have met some interesting characters, enjoyed following them through their day to day life and celebrated birthdays, holidays and marriages with them. I have walked with them as they make their way around Edinburgh, go on a train to Glasgow, and fly off to Italy.Young Bertie has entranced me with his direct manner and intelligence; Domenica with her anthropological observations and Angus with his artistic view of the world, as well as the other residents who are connected with 44 Scotland Street.My only issue is that the author, Alexander McCall Smith tends to forget the passing of time in places. Also, having found that Domenica is the same age as me in the first book, she suddenly drops about 13 years in this book. Bertie seems to have been held in time, also, during the time of the book.I put this down to artistic licence. I believe that this is the 3rd book from the end, so will be visiting Amazon to continue my fix of Scotland, and Edinburgh in particular!

The content of the book is, as ever, lovely - like relaxing in a warm bath! BUT the quality of the actual book - the paper and cover - is terrible! For over £10 I would expect something a little more substantial - the pages are very thin and easily torn. As a big fan of these books, I am likely to read them more than once - but I suspect this one might not survive in one piece! I am all for conservation of trees, but I like to hang on to my books, not put them in the recycling bin as soon as I've read them once!

The only trouble with these delightful books is that they don't last long, I read this one in a few evenings. However as usual I love AMsCS' observations on life and especially his odd sly bit of humour. The ghastly Irene has returned at the end of this one - please don't let her continue making her family's life a misery. As usual, it ends with a poem from Angus and I think this was one of the loveliest - never mind that I am not a Scot I can appreciate how living in a place where one feels happy should make one reflect on gratitude, love and friendship.

I think it is good that we have all (but especially Bertie) had a break from Irene. But she returned like a damp Scotch mist at the end if the book, descending on a sunlit Munroe to make us cold and gloomy. I do hope things improve in the next book. The other characters are as fun as ever especially the come.-uppance for the insufferable Bruce.

Most enjoyable reading. Gripping nonviolent philosophical writing. Wonderful, even the dog delights, with his gold tooth and his charming smile.

I have just finished reading all 12 of 44 Scotland Street series and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. Hoping that there might be more so that I can follow the various characters as they evolve.

This instalment of the Scotland St saga did not have quite the same charm as previous ones. I would have liked a little more about Bertie. I did however enjoy the episode regarding the Duke.

I was presented with the first few chapters of this to sample before considering purchase. Of course I was hooked but the amazon system didn’t work well and I have ended up buying two kindle copies which is of course stupid. This has stopped me ever buying a kindle book again.

Poor Bertie! I just hope his father will develop some backbone and sort out Irene, (who I think is a wonderfully drawn tongue in cheek character!) I love these books - and look forward to the next one. The gentle yet thoughtful philosophising makes me think beyond the bare element of the story, and brings so much of our daily lives into perspective and consideration,

Fine, light read, but I am tired of these AMS books never resolving or really developing. I have read some of his other series as well, and I am finally realising that once you have read a few, you have read them all.

Arrived yesterday - exactly as I was told. I'm looking forward to taking it away for my holiday 'read'. I have read all the preceding books in the series and am expecting to encounter old friends and be entertained by their many and various lifestyles

Seemed to have a slightly different feel than previous books in the Scotland Street series - perhaps more philosophical. Still an excellent read though. Will be starting on the next one very soon.

As always the characters are familiar and true to life although it might be difficult for a new reader, picking up this book at random to work out who's who and their relationships.

This does not have any of the bite that the earlier books have. This deals with too many of the characters whose backgrounds one already knows. I hoped to have more about Bertie in the story.

Reading this at the moment just a perfect read for gloomy afternoons ....