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The Importance of Being Seven  By  cover art

The Importance of Being Seven

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
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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

What listeners say about The Importance of Being Seven

Average customer ratings
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Clever

I would recommend this book to everyone! I can't wait to read the next in the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My Favorite Scotland Street novel so far

My Favorite Scotland Street novel so far. That may Brust because I liked the ending so much. Culminations of love in this one and so much fun. I am a romantic. I like resolutions.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

delightfully slow paced

44 scotland street shows us that it's often the trivialities of life that are the most significant. loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

something old,

old friends from previous tales, their continuing adventures brought to the next stage or satisfying conclusions; something borrowed (numerous allusions and tales from other realms); something new (exciting new adventures, characters and extended love); something blue (just a touch of melancholy as befits a Scots comedy). So much fun!

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

where is the plot?

What disappointed you about The Importance of Being Seven?

There is no plot to speak of, and it's a bit treacly.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Jane Smiley's Some Luck

What aspect of Robert Ian Mackenzie’s performance would you have changed?

Faster pace

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Good descriiptions, occasional good moments of dialogue.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

A McCall Smith needs a reality check.

Mr. Smith needs to move things along. Bruce hasn't seen Liz for 4 years, Pat has aged 2 years and Bertie is still six. The author's claims to LOVE Bertie at this age, but I think he simply likes torchering us and Bertie. Bertie's story line has gone from amusing to annoying. Alexander McCall Smith needs an intervention.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Couldn't relate - impossible to follow

What was most disappointing about Alexander McCall Smith’s story?

Simply couldn't follow the narrative. Most uninteresting.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Robert Ian Mackenzie?

Would depend upon book.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Nothing!

Any additional comments?

Not my kind of book. I depend upon other reviews. Didn't find them helpful.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Can't Believe Rating

What disappointed you about The Importance of Being Seven?

I purchased this book based on ratings and my enjoyment of reading No. 1 Lady's Detective Agency. After reading 10 chapters of this book, can't see any underlying theme to this novel.

Would you ever listen to anything by Alexander McCall Smith again?

Not for this series.

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