Bertie Plays the Blues

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

Domestic bliss seems in short supply at 44 Scotland Street. Over at the Pollocks', dad, Stuart, is harbouring a secret about a secret society and Bertie is feeling kind of blue. Having had enough of his neurotic hot-housing mother, he puts himself up for adoption on eBay. Will he go to the highest bidder or will he have to take matters into his own hands? Will the lovelorn Big Lou find true love on the Internet? And will Angus Lordie and Domenica make it up the aisle? Catch up with all your favorite faces down in 44 Scotland Street as we follow their daily pursuit of a little happiness.

©2011 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2013 Recorded Books

Eternally 6+

While Bertie is charming as always, McCall Smith should end the series here rather keeping Bertie at 6-7 forever. There seemed to have been a breakthrough with his mother, but we have been there before. And therein lies the problem: Bertie is treading water with no progress. Unless he gets older and changes, we will keep getting the same problems over and over again.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

A funny thing happened on the way to Glasgow

Another adventure from our friends on Scotland St. Matt and Elsbeth struggle with parenthood in triplicate. Bertie still wonders what it is like to be seven. It is all very touching and funny and just great to hear about the people on Scotland st. I feel like everyone can relate to some aspect of every character. I even caught myself empathizing with Irene. I am always very sad when Angus reads his poem to his friends because that means this installment has come to an end. I can't wait for the next one. Will Mathew and Elsbeth find "harmony" in their family? Can Pat wash Bruce ( or at least give him a good gel) out of her hair? Will big Lou find love? Will Cyril be able to love Dominica as much as Angus? And most importantly will Bertie ever be seven? All things I will ponder as I patiently await the next installment. In the meantime Mma Ramotswe is on the case so thank you Alexander McCall Smith for the hours of enjoyment you have given me.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Always a great read by AMS!

Narration is fantastic, and I always enjoy AMS's characters. So colorful. Listening to his books puts me in a great mood and gives me a few good laughs.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Most Enjoyable

I always feel a little sad when I reach the end of one of hese delightful books.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I want More

What made the experience of listening to Bertie Plays the Blues the most enjoyable?

Charm. Character. Love. Truth. Humor. I laughed to myself all the time.

What did you like best about this story?

Every single thing. I can't believe an author can be so sensitive, and warm and funny at the same time.

Have you listened to any of Robert Ian Mackenzie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Glad I read the previous one where Bertie wanted to be seven. A great prequel to this.

If you could rename Bertie Plays the Blues, what would you call it?

I honestly don't know. Knowing Bertie, and the fact that he can play the blues, is so heartwarming.

Any additional comments?

Love it. Wish there were lots more already done.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Delightful as always and a learning experience

I always learn something about poetry and history and human nature. Thank you for another heartwarming and Sage book.

Braw 😉

Outstanding book by AMS - as always!

Love the story, characters and it was a brilliant performance!

Love this series

McCall-Smith never disappoints with this delightful series. He carries the story of his characters forward in the most satisfying way.

Another great 44 Scotland Street installment

Loved it! All the characters I've come to love or love to hate are back and moving their lives forward and backward so entertainingly! Listening to this series is so enjoyable and relaxing that I'll be repeating them as soon as I finish the latest one.

The best so far in this wonderful series!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bertie Plays the Blues to be better than the print version?

It must be because the narration is at least as good as the writing - maybe better than it deserves. I can't say for sure as I have not tried reading the print version. Anyway, it's a great combination.

What other book might you compare Bertie Plays the Blues to and why?

The Ladies Detective Agency series is comparable in that the stories are intriguing without being disturbing (except mildly). I can listen to these books at night when I can't sleep and I usually fall back to sleep listening. It's easy to get back to where I fell asleep because there is a chapter point at each chapter of the book.

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

He has a unique voice for each of the wonderful characters and makes most of them charming.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Big Lou dumps the Elvis Impersonator at the convention and has dinner with the farmer from her home town instead. I loved their conversation.

Any additional comments?

I'm sad there are only two books left in the series. I plan to try the Corduroy series next.