The Unbearable Lightness Of Scones (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
2.9 I blame this rating on my poor judgement. What was I thinking starting a series on it's 4 or 5th instalment? I'm pretty sure I would have picked up on the subtle nuances and charm of the characters if I gave myself the opportunity to grow fond of them in the first place. If you haven't read the other books, stop reading! This book is about some quirky characters going about their lives - less like Friends more like that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry was obsessed with the Pez dispenser. I didn't hate the book, I was just bored sometimes. As always, I enjoy catching up with these characters. Well, most of them. Angus and Domenica are lovely; Matthew and Eslpeth are endearing; Antonia is amusing; Irene is insufferable; Bruce is despicable. A motley crew, diverse enough to yield some interesting stories.Unfortunately, McCall Smith hasn't become any more willing to move outside his comfortable, comforting comfort zone. There are no more stakes in The Unbearable Lightness of Scones than there were in the other Scotland Street books. We know from the get-go that nothing bad is going to happen to anyone. At best, this is comforting. At worst, it makes reading a chore. It depends on my mood, really.Also unfortunately, there was some terrible plotting in this installment. Bruce - vain, selfish, egotistical Bruce - changes his life in the span of five pages. No sufficient motivation, no believable explanation, nothing. It's absurd. And Angus and Domenica embroil themselves in a silly little subplot that is ridiculous to begin with, and becomes more so when it involves the two smartest, savviest characters in Scotland Street. I don't think the plot was very well edited.Still, I did read to the end, so that must mean something.
What do You think about The Unbearable Lightness Of Scones (2008)?
Enjoyed the audiobook, however, I think Tofu and Bertie pushed it into a four star rating.
—Muffin
Love this series. This one has a little more substance than the last one.
—scorpioannie
Always a pleasure to drop in on the residents of Scotland St.
—Livie
Pure joy to read. Now to catch up with the series...
—appxy
