KEY POINTS:
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BERTIE
By Alexander McCall Smith
Abacus, $27.99
Alexander McCall Smith, author of the The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is back with another witty, incisive story. The World According to Bertie, is the fourth in the 44 Scotland Street series.
Alternating between the eccentric characters that reside at the Edinburgh address, this is a charming portrait of the lives and interactions of a zany cast of characters.
Bertie is a far-too-intelligent 6-year-old whose mother is ruining his life. As well as worrying about his pink bedroom he worries about his new baby brother who closely resembles his psychotherapist.
McCall Smith injects his characteristic warmth and humour into a tale of ordinary lives. It's a real study of human nature. There are some hilarious moments and, as anticipated, Bertie is the star of the show. Beautifully illustrated, and it's a lovely read.
