Alexander McCall Smith 
Importance of Being Seven 
The New 44 Scotland Street Novel

Scotland Street occupies a busy, bohemian corner of Edinburgh’s New Town. And number 44 has more than its fair share of the street’s eccentrics and failures… Despite inhabiting a great city renowned for its impeccable restraint, the extended family of 44 Scotland Street is trembling on the brink of reckless self-indulgence. Matthew and Elspeth receive startling–and expensive–news on a visit to the Infirmary, Angus and Domenica are contemplating an Italian menage a trois, and even Big Lou is overheard discussing cosmetic surgery. But when Bertie Pollock–6 years old and impatient to be 7–mislays his meddling mother, Irene, one afternoon, a valuable lesson is learned: that wish-fulfilment is a dangerous business. Warm-hearted, wise and very funny, The Importance of Being Seven brings us a fresh and delightful set of insights into philosophy and fraternity among Edinburgh’s most loveable residents.