Just delightful

A friend recommended me this novel on audio, and I have to say it is quite delightful.   It is read by Robert Ian Mackenzie who has the most wonderful soft Scottish lilt and it really brings the novel to life.

Alexander McCall Smith writes in his intro that he was intrigued by the idea of a serial novel,  as Dickens used to write in his day.   He proposed this idea to a local newspaper, and was accepted, not as a weekly, but as a daily story.  The story ran, and later, 44 Scotland Street was published.

Centered around the tenants of an apartment building in Edinburgh, the novel is full of quirky characters.  Matthew runs a gallery but obviously knows nothing about art.   Bruce seems more involved with making a good impression and looking good than actually accomplishing anything else.   And poor Bertie,  a hapless six year old,  is forced to learn Italian and play the saxophone while a true helicopter mother looks on.  I am enjoying the novel immensely so far, and have reserved the second volume, Espresso Tales,  also on audio.    It really makes the morning commute a treat.