The Importance of Being Seven

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: 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

Blissful Bertie

Just buy this book. Please. It is beyond wonderful, totally adorable in so many ways. I loved it.

Bertie, a small boy about to turn 7 years old, is lumbered with one very strange, over-bearing mother, and a well-meaning, but ineffectual father. He's a bright boy, who is forced into fulfilling his mother's ambitions, but who longs to be a regular boy. In this book, he finally finds true happiness for a short period of time. This book will bring joy to your heart.

This is a serial novel, and Bertie is only one of many interesting characters. Very highly recommended.

Glad to have found it!

If you could sum up The Importance of Being Seven in three words, what would they be?

sincere, funny, real

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Importance of Being Seven?

When Bertie made a friend.

What about Robert Ian Mackenzie’s performance did you like?

the whole book was real because of him. it always takes awhile to get into a voice and then you are hooked!

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

The love that each character had for each other. Loyalty. When Matthew does everything he can to show love for Elspeth from timing her eggs, fluffing her bed, and buying her a home it really gives a person a wonderful feeling inside.

Any additional comments?

I wish I had started with the first in the series. not sure if going backwards would help or matter. hmm.

Fantastic addition to the series

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

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.

Good book, but not what I expected

STORY (fiction) - This story takes place in Scotland, sometime near the present day. When I bought this book, I was expecting a heartwarming family-oriented story about a six-year-old child. There is that component to the story and it's very sweet (Bertie and his overbearing mother), but there's two other story lines of equal importance -- a story about some newlyweds and another about two women vying for the attention of one man. The stories are all basically about navigating through life's various ups and downs, and there's lots of character development. I almost returned this book after about an hour or so of listening to it because there wasn't enough going on to hold my interest, but I persevered. Soon I became involved with the characters and their various personal journeys.

PERFORMANCE - Good job.

OVERALL - Recommended for adults only. Even though there's no sex or profanity, children would find it boring. It's part of a series, but the story stands alone. This book is basically rambling around in the daily lives of richly developed characters. I prefer a little more "going on" in books so I won't be continuing with the series, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless.

Alexander McCall Smith hits the mark again

Alexander McCall Smith hits the mark again as usual. If you enjoy everyday storytelling, you will probably enjoy these tales.