Love in the Time of Bertie: A 44 Scotland Street Novel

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Domenica thought: I really would like things to be forever. I would like for us to be able to sit at this table once a week, perhaps, with these friends. I would like to talk about the things we talk about, the small things, whatever happened in the world. I would like to wake up in the morning and not think that things were getting worse. (31) Angus turned to Domenica. "This view always makes me feel sad. I don't know why, but it does." He drew in his breath, savouring the freshness of the air. Freshly mown grass was upon it, and the smell of lavender, too, from Elspeth's kitchen garden. "Well, perhaps not sad--more wistful, perhaps, which is one notch below actual sadness.” Love in the Time of Bertie is the fifteenth book in the popular 44 Scotland Street series by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith, and in it, the lives of the residents of 44 Scotland Street and those of their friends are, once again, updated for the continuing enjoyment of series fans. The audio version is narrated by David Rintoul.

In these affable, humorous books Alexander McCall Smith follows the lives of a group of people who reside in Edinburgh's "New Town" neighborhood. Many of the characters live in apartments at 44 Scotland Street - and others are their neighbors, friends and acquaintances. Despite the fact that little happens in the way of plot, this book made me laugh out loud many times, boil with fury and frustration.and also shed many tears both happy and sad. My only explanation is that Alexander McCall Smith is probably the worlds greatest writer right now. Thus a lecture entitled 'New Directions in Scottish Conceptual Art,' where the speaker states 'we don't need paintings, we need experiences,' leaves Angus worried about the future of Scottish painting. Meanwhile Angus discovers thar Sister Maria de Fiori de Fiori de Montagna is going to be a judge for The Turner Prize while Domenica develops a flirtatious friendship with one of the students living downstairs. Love blooms at last for Big Lou when she meets big-hearted Fat Bob, a highland games strongman and Bruce has a life-threatening experience that changes his life.

Customer reviews

In an attempt to revive the male camaraderie of his youth, Bruce gets involved with an old friend's shady real estate venture, which is aimed at bilking a buyer out of tens of thousands of pounds. Bruce seems unconcerned about the immorality of the scheme until an electrifying experience changes his outlook on life. This lovely, captivating book is the 15th in the 44 Scotland Street series, set in Edinburgh. It reunites the readers with its quirky, charming and annoying characters. I have read the entire delightful series, and this might be my favourite one so far. Written with wit and wisdom and containing a gentle, thought-provoking philosophy about life, the ability to change, love, friendship, community, art, admitting one's defects, and taking control. This series is perfection in my opinion. I love everything about it. There little point in giving a plot synopsis because I’m not sure there is a plot, nothing in particular happens. The pacing is set by character development and conversations and the passage of time in these novels is arbitrary. It seems to occur at a different pace for some than others. Bertie for example has aged maybe one year in 14 books while others have married and now have toddlers. There is astute social observances and deep philosophical musings on a range of topics from the mundane to the deep. It’s quotidian in the best way. Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna continues to offer aphorisms, some more enigmatic than others: “Two snails do not argue about whose shell is the more attractive.” Angus compares conceptual art to the emperor’s new clothes, there is a marriage proposal, Highland Games are organised for the Drummond Street Gardens and, as always, Angus bestows a poem on the gathered company. Now Irene insists her son must visit her for three months, to the dismay of Bertie, his father Stuart and his grandmother Nicola.

It was the beauty of the country before them that had done it. Scotland was a place of attenuated light, of fragility, of a beauty that broke the heart.” Olive insists Bertie agreed to marry her when they're twenty (he didn't), and Olive now claims to be looking at venues, searching for a band, tasting wedding cakes, etc., much to Bertie's horror. Still annoying Patsy, Olive make Bertie's life seem unbearable. Greg and Ed offer Bruce a deal that is too good to be true. But underneath it all is a conscience that brings Bruce to his senses. A big surprise to all readers.This seven year old has our heart. So easily pleased, so easily hurt. Wanting only peace and a little understanding in his world. Wanting mostly to be seen, and to just be a NORMAL little boy. This is the 15th book in the "44 Scotland Street" series. It can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a plus.