"Espresso Tales"

It seems forever and a day since I did a book review. I am still reading, but more slowly, I suppose, since work seems to encroach upon every "spare" minute of life. I suppose that's why this entry happens to be during my holiday...

Anyway, on to the fun...

Alexander McCall Smith's Espresso Tales is a quirky little read.

It, like its predecessor 44 Scotland Street, originated as a serial in the Scotsman newspaper. What a lovely tradition to bring back! I wish our newspapers would begin having serial fiction among its pages. How Dickensian! As a result of its origin, though, Espresso Tales has compact, concise little chapters that are easily digested and always leave you wanting more.

The stories centre around the residents of 44 Scotland Street in Edinburgh. My favourite is Bertie, a six year old prodigy whose mother pushes him above and beyond and whose father lost his backbone years ago. Read Espresso Tales, however, and you may just see a few inches begin to grow back.

Bruce, another resident of the townhouse, is unrepentantly narcissistic. His flatmate Pat is a quiet young woman who tolerates Bruce simply because she loves 44 Scotland Street. Domenica is an older woman who is vibrant and unrestrained. She and Pat become fast friends, although there are times when Pat is vexed by Domenica's forthrightness.

I found myself becoming intertwined in the stories McCall Smith wove. I wanted to hug Bertie and let him know that it's alright to enjoy being a little boy and that his mother is full of fluff. I wanted to give Bruce a piece of my mind and let him know that he is not as "all that" as he thinks he is. Then I have the ironic advantage of reading of someone else doing that very thing, however, and I realize that it has no effect whatsoever. I find myself sad at the conclusion of the book - sad to have to say good-bye to my friends at 44 Scotland Street.

I suppose that is the sign of a truly good read, isn't it?