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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

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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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
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant writing and narration!

I dearly love the way Alexander McCall Smith weaves beauty and truth into his characters. He lends poignancy to people and seemingly mundane situations that inspires me to live my best life.
And the narration is absolutely perfect!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic addition to the series

I loved the summary of so many characters lives in a positive way. Narration was impeccable as always.

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  • Overall
    3 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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enough surprises in the volume

to make it well worth listening to all the way through. The scenes with the various characters are well drawn out and real affection abides in these pages.

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    3 out of 5 stars

A few far fetched literary devices

A few far fetched literary devices make the scene in Italy a little hard to swallow. However, the scenes with Bertie and his father were sweet and delightful. The storylines of the rest of the cast of characters move forward at various paces. Looking forward to seeing how Elspeth's pregnancy moves along.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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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A journey

Really enjoyed this book the narrator made sure that you are always interested in the development of the characters. I will continue to read I will continue to enjoy the series

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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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