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A Promise of Ankles – Scotland Street Volume 14

A Promise of Ankles – Scotland Street Volume 14

A Promise of Ankles – Scotland Street Volume 14

ISBN: 9781846975561
Publisher: Polygon
Publication Date: 5 November 2020

 

A Promise of Ankles is the 14th volume in the worldwide sensation that is the 44 Scotland Street series.

At the bottom of a sharply descending street – in the topographical sense – in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, new residents have moved in to number 44 Scotland Street, joining the already well-known and much-loved denizens of that remarkable building. They appear to be a bit of a mystery, but so, too, do other things. What exactly did Sister Maria-Fiore, the aphorism-coining socialite nun, find on the No. 23 bus? Could it be the remains of a hitherto unknown Neanderthal, homo Watsoniensis?

On the romantic front, long-suffering Stuart’s hopes of kindling a new relationship are dashed, thanks to chino-wearing narcissist Bruce, effortlessly exercising his powers of charm. The Promised Land beckons for Bertie who is off to Glasgow for a school exchange that takes him doon the watter. Back in Edinburgh, the Duke of Johannesburg’s desire to learn a new language, involving his Gaelic-speaking driver Padruig, has gone horribly wrong; to be immersed in a language, it seems, can be a captivating linguistic mistake. And the patrons of Big Lou’s cafe are in for a gastronomic treat. In other words, everything in Edinburgh is absolutely normal.

Reviews

‘All is well with the world when you see a new book by @McCallSmith arrive in the shop. Bless you sir for bringing some cheer to your readers ( If you’re not a reader you must surely become one)’
Waterstones Bookseller, Horsham – A Promise of Ankles
‘With its vividly surreal cast of outlandish characters – including ‘aphorism-coining socialite nun’ Sister Maria, and ‘chino-wearing narcissist’ Bruce – and McCall Smith’s wonderfully wry delivery, A Promise of Ankles will not disappoint his legions of devoted fans’
Scottish Field
‘The spell this volume casts is as strong as ever, I am already longing for volume 15 … There is a ribbon of humour running throughout and the characters are varied, memorable and very well drawn but I think it is Alexander McCall Smith’s voice, so full of warmth and kindness and love of Edinburgh and its people which gives these stories their unique flavour’  
Patricia Cleveland-Peck - The Cultural Voyager
‘Sumptuous, fun, witty, cleverly constructed and highly entertaining. Just what the doctor ordered in these hard times’  
SixtyPlusSurfers