I can’t quite believe that we are at book 17 in the wonderful 44 Scotland Street series! This is a series that explores just how admirable, and awful, we humans can be in both our conventionality and complexities. When Galactica MacFee joins Bertie’s class at school, war ensues between her and Olive. The characters, with their individual quirks on full display, are fabulous. I adore the gorgeous Bertie, and revel in the awfulness of his mother Irene, while Cyril’s love of ankles makes me smirk. I feel as though I am a part of these characters as they wend their way though life, each new outing may reveal something different, yet I feel right at home. Alexander McCall Smith uses the most thoughtfully light touch in his storytelling. He is never cruel or harsh in his humour, and allows the reader freedom to explore while revelling in the detail. For me these books are a tribute to kindness and empathy. Fabulously entertaining, witty, and thoughtful, The Stellar Debut of Galactica MacFee joins the 44 Scotland Street family with aplomb.
Book 17 in the hugely popular 44 Scotland Street series by worldwide bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith
Glasgow for Bertie is the promised land. The city of pies and Irn Bru, far from his controlling mother, Irene - his place of escape. But how will he respond to the news of the proposed merging of Edinburgh and Glasgow? A new member of Bertie's class at school is causing ripples in his social circle. She is called Galactica MacFee and is going to be a match for Olive and her lieutenant, Pansy. And, an incredible new discovery: a Pictish stone, that is said to have the first-know written poem carved into it is the talk of the town. But, when the poem is eventually translated, it is thought it is best to keep it under wraps. In this new instalment in the perennially popular 44 Scotland Street series, we are back in the world of Angus and Domenico, Bruce, Matthew and Elspeth, and, of course, Bertie and his friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson.
PRAISE FOR THE 44 SCOTLAND STREET SERIES:
'Perfect escapist fiction' The Times
'Simple, elegantly written and gently insightful' Good Book Guide
'A joyous, charming portrait of city life and human foibles'Sunday Express
'Does for Edinburgh what Armistead Maupin did for San Francisco... A light-hearted, genial soap opera' Financial Times
