The Importance of Being Seven

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Perhaps best known for his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, #1 New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith delights fans around the world with his warmhearted 44 Scotland Street novels. In the series’ sixth entry, the residents of 44 Scotland Street grapple with problems both trivial and severe, but none so great as when six-year-old Bertie Pollock - who longs to be seven - mislays his mum and learns a valuable lesson about wish fulfillment.

©2010 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2012 Recorded Books

Love the Writer, Love the Series

Any additional comments?

I've listened to most of the 44 Scotland Street series now, but as this was the first one I listened to, it remains my favorite (so far). I've described it as Portlandia for Edinburgh, but the gentle poking fun of modern culture, the low and high, is exquisite. The characters really live - oh, if one could meet Angus and Cyril! - Angus' "poem" here is my favorite. Sweet, funny, dear, lovely. (Hint: after a bit of listening, I found the pace too slow for my ear. 1.25 speed works perfectly for this American ear.)

Beyond touching

Alexander McCall Smith is perhaps my favorite living author of fiction.

This latest book is one of his most moving and touching, I think. Mr. Smith's sense of humanity is so uplifting it leaves me a little weepy by the end of the book.

I highly recommend this book particularly for anyone who would like a little warmth and humanity, which is so hard to find in literature these days let alone the world.

Another McCall Smith winner

The only problem with any of books in the the 44 Scotland Series is that they end.

Another great one from McCall Smith.

What made the experience of listening to The Importance of Being Seven the most enjoyable?

The narrarator did a great job of giving voice to all the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

Oh my, the trip to Italy! You won't want to miss this.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to listen to more. It makes drives go by so quickly.

Same ol'/Same ol'

Where does The Importance of Being Seven rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I think I might be done with this series. The first few books drew me in with a faster pace. Now the plot just plods along.

If you’ve listened to books by Alexander McCall Smith before, how does this one compare?

Not his best. Very slow moving.

What about Robert Ian Mackenzie’s performance did you like?

Decent voice characterizations. Not spectacular

Who was the most memorable character of The Importance of Being Seven and why?

I've stopped caring about these characters.

great entry in a great series

If you could sum up The Importance of Being Seven in three words, what would they be?

witty, engrossing, educational

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Satisfying characters going through life in a similar but different culture

What does Robert Ian Mackenzie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accent of Edinburgh

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No - wanted to make it last

Any additional comments?

Love all his books, but this is my favorite series

This series just keeps getting better!

I think this is my favorite Scotland Street book so far. I have listened to several of these books more than once - including this one. I love that Bertie has a new, sane psychologist and can't wait to see his situation continue to improve. The sections about him are my favorites. I will listen to this book again while I wait for a new credit.

This author is one of the greatest of the 21st century in my opinion and this is the best series so far of any I've read. The narrator at least doubles the pleasure - he is a remarkable talent.

Exquisite!

Fabulous listen for the car

If you could sum up The Importance of Being Seven in three words, what would they be?

Bertie gets free!

What other book might you compare The Importance of Being Seven to and why?

Irish country doctor series. Mitford series

What does Robert Ian Mackenzie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration brings the whole neighborhood to life...you know each of the character voices and the tone that he sets.

Any additional comments?

Love the series!I have loved the 44 Scotland street series...it is a fun slice of life series with hilarious characters that is a perfect listen for running around as the format is serial like.

Another charming tale

Would you listen to The Importance of Being Seven again? Why?

Here is another charming tale about Berdie, one of my favorite characters in McCall-Smith's books. These are light, engrossing tales with enter weaving plot lines and engaging character flaws and traits that we all share to one extent or another. I love these books and look forward to Berdie growing older.

What other book might you compare The Importance of Being Seven to and why?

Another of my recent listens - Beautiful Ruins - which also has interlocking plot lines. Beautiful Ruins was a very good read!

What does Robert Ian Mackenzie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings the texture of the language, the accents and the engrossing forcefullness of his character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

??

Any additional comments?

no

I love this series

It's just fun to listen to the ongoing story of these characters. They grow and evolve and get into jams, but the author understands that we don't want really horrible things to happen.