The Bertie Project

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

The newest installment of Alexander McCall Smith's perennially popular and irresistibly charming 44 Scotland Street series.

Bertie's respite from his overbearing mother, Irene, is over. She has returned home from the Middle East, only to discover that her son has been exposed to the worst of evils: cartoons, movies, and even carbonated beverages. But the one who should be most concerned is her unfortunate husband, Stuart, upon whom her wrath is about to descend.

Meanwhile, Bruce has fallen in love with someone other than himself; Big Lou wants to adopt her beloved Finlay; Matthew and Elspeth host the Duke of Johannesburg for supper; and Bertie decides he wants to move away from Scotland Street altogether and live with his grandmother, Nicola. Will Irene and Stuart's marriage survive? Will Bruce's newfound love last? And can Bertie really be leaving home?

With wit, warmth, and humor, Alexander McCall Smith explores these matters of the heart and more with the colorful cast of characters from 44 Scotland Street.

©2016 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2017 Recorded Books

Love 44 Scotland Street

If you could sum up The Bertie Project in three words, what would they be?

Not my favorite. I love this series, and I read nearly everything McCall Smith writes, and this book was a nice part of the series, but somehow the story misses. Still wonderful and it's always nice to spend time with the characters in this series. But I ran out of patience with the story on this one. As always, a lovely performance by Robert Ian Mackenzie.

What other book might you compare The Bertie Project to and why?

Maybe this is the problem - this story is too similar to past ones and it's beginning to seem formulaic. The same characters running up against the same situations. I'm especially tired of Bruce and his narcissism and Irene and her awfulness.

Any additional comments?

I will continue to read this series and I hope McCall Smith continues to write the story of the characters at 44 Scotland Street. I will miss them when he stops.

Not as strong a storyline as some in the series

The storyline of Bruce and Clare was completely without purpose as far as I can tell. I hate Irene with a passion unparalleled and hate Olive nearly as much. Here's hoping that the next few books gives Irene her comeuppance as we like to boo the villans and see the underdog prevail.

Wonderful Voice and Charming Characters

A really cozy read with so many charming characters. Beautifully written and absolutely wonderful narration!!

Heart hurts for Bertie

Can't wait for Stewart to at least fight for Bertie if not for himself. All the usual characters who are so engaging. Just tired of hearing this little boy tortured

Wonderful!

Again, a Scotland Street adventure with Bertie, Matthew and the lovable Angus Laudie. Irene, Bertie's mother is at her very worst and Stuart, the sad, ineffectual husband, does his best but .... Enjoy this book. Treasure the characters that give us joy.