The Importance of Being Seven

De: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrado por: Robert Ian Mackenzie

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

Terrific fun!

Bertie is back in great form, and romance is blooming among the elderly. Just when you think 44 Scotland Streeet couldn't get any better, any funnier or any sweeter, it has. You'll be cheering for Bertie's dad, feeling anxious about Matthew's impending parenthood and getting weepy when Angus finally makes his move. Enjoy!

I love Bertie!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I've already bought a copy of this for my daughter. Each of the characters in McCall Smith's books are complex and imperfect, as are we all. I look meeting them. Anyone who has wanted to adopt Bertie in past books, as I have, will be gratified by little "Ullyses," who innocently brings the revenge of Bertie upon their mother.

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

There is a minute-to-minute on-the-edge-of-your-seat-"ism" with each of the books in this sequence, as there are always several plots interwoven.

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

His performances are great, as was this one!

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

Absolutely, I would probably have glued on my headphones, if that were a feasible option.

Any additional comments?

More Bertie! More Bertie!

Like visiting with old friends

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

Yes, I actually have listened to parts of it again. I'm fascinated by the way in which McCall Smith effortlessly weaves philosophy into the story.

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

Since this is a series, it can be compared with any of the other books in the series. As in other series (take Ann B Ross's Miss Julia series, for instance) the characters are recurring, and half the fun is in finding out how they've progressed from the last book.

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

I have read some of the books, as opposed to listening to them. I find the audible versions tend to put me more convincingly in Edinburgh. Robert Ian Mackenzie can turn on a Scotch brogue in a way I can't. He's particularly effective as Angus Lordie.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Many laughs, many smiles. Maybe even a tear or two.

Any additional comments?

I love the way he sees the world through his characters' eyes, be it six-year-old Bertie, or Cyril the dog, or the twenty-something Matthew. These are well-delineated characters. Too many fictional characters are caricatures. McCall Smith's characters are wonderfully low key, each with his or her own limitations and self-perceptions, navigating a world filled with other human beings with their own foibles — people who are narcissistic, overbearing, dishonest, self-deluded, self-sacrificing, gullible, hopeful, sad, funny and sweet. They each come with the sort of mild eccentricities and self-doubt that you'll recognize in members of your own family. In other words, they're believable.

Mr. Smith triumphs again.

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

no, too many other wonderful books to read, including the upcoming Isabel Dalhousie books.

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

Just waiting for the next bon mot.

Which character – as performed by Robert Ian Mackenzie – was your favorite?

Elspeth

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

A smile for the soul

Any additional comments?

a book of kindness and smiles

I want to move to 44 Scotland Street!

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

Hard to place it--I love all the 44 Scotland Street books (and many others)

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

I love his intonations which change depending upon the character. And, of course, his accent helps make the story more Scottish.