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More copies of this ISBN:Espresso Talesby Alexander McCall Smith
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Alexander McCall Smith's many fans will be pleased with this latest installment in the bestselling 44 Scotland Street series.
Back are all our favorite denizens of a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh. Bertie the immensely talented six year old is now enrolled in kindergarten, and much to his dismay, has been clad in pink overalls for his first day of class. Bruce has lost his job as a surveyor, and between admiring glances in the mirror, is contemplating becoming a wine merchant. Pat is embarking on a new life at Edinburgh University and perhaps on a new relationship, courtesy of Domenica, her witty and worldly-wise neighbor. McCall Smith has much in store for them as the brief spell of glorious summer sunshine gives way to fall a season cursed with more traditionally Scottish weather. Full of McCall Smith's gentle humor and sympathy for his characters, Espresso Tales is also an affectionate portrait of a city and its people who, in the author's own words, make it one of the most vibrant and interesting places in the world. Review:"Once again McCall Smith fixes his telescope on the windows of 44 Scotland Street, the converted Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh that provided the title for his previous novel and initiated this latest series. This time out, perhaps Bertie, the gifted five-and-three-quarter-year-old, will be allowed to have the normal boyhood envisioned by his father, Stuart, and go trout fishing instead of taking yoga and Italian lessons in the 'ungendered' life designed by his mother, Irene. But maybe trout fishing will turn out to be less than idyllic. McCall Smith delivers plenty of twists and turns as he skewers the puffery, the pretense, the tedium and self-defeating moves in his characters' daily lives. He also forgives them their weaknesses and bathes them in love. Take Ramsey Dubarton, who puts his wife, Betty, to sleep by reading her installments of his memoirs: Betty dozes and the reader laughs — with real admiration for his opacity. As ever, McCall Smith's pacing is impeccable: moving his focus from one character to another seamlessly, dropping in just the right amount of description, keeping the talk light and sharp. Fans of this new series, here served with plenty of java, will be buzzed to know that a third volume is in the making. (July 11)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Review:"[A] winning human comedy redeemed and energized by its author's manifest affection for even the silliest of his creations. Vintage Smith..." Kirkus Reviews Review:"Irresistible....Smith has rendered another winner, packed with the charming characters, piercing perceptions and shrewd yet generous humor that have become his cachet." Chicago Sun-Times Synopsis:Fans will welcome the second installment in the bestselling 44 Scotland Street series. Full of McCall Smith's gentle humor and sympathy for his characters, "Espresso Tales" is also an affectionate portrait of a city and its people who, in the author's own words, "make Edinburgh one of the most vibrant and interesting places in the world." About the AuthorAlexander McCall Smith has written more than 50 books, including the bestselling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and The Sunday Philosophy Club series. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana and at Edinburgh University. He lives in Edinburgh. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!
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