"With its gentle humour and warmth, this novel examines the day-to-day activities of several inhabitants of a corner of Edinburgh as they plan, scheme, and greet whatever life throws their way."
This gentle and absolutely charming novel from the 44 Scotland Street series could actually be read as a standalone as its moment-in-time humour and observations of humanity do not need to be read in sequence. If you’ve not yet partaken though, then in order to enjoy these books as fully as possible I would recommend starting with 44 Scotland Street itself. This particular corner of Edinburgh while absolutely of its place and people, could also slot, with its human day-to-day activities, issues, and quirks, anywhere in the world. So its appeal lies with its appreciation of the processes of decision making and reactions, human folly is laid bare, and empathy and kindness applauded. One of the undoubted stars of this series is 7-year-old Bertie, it is a genuine pleasure to get to know him. In this novel, Irene decides to employ a tutor for Bertie on Irish culture, vegan dog Ralph sniffs out his meat-eating neighbours, Bruce plans to make a lot of money, and Sister Maria-Fiore is acting suspiciously. Author Alexander McCall Smith understands how gentle humour and wit can be used to greatest effect, he uses the absurdities of life to make quiet points and his observations are so very clever. Edinburgh shines and it is oh-so easy to picture yourself walking these particular streets. This story would suit those who enjoy gently wry humour and want to feel a genuine warmth towards the characters they meet, even the sometimes dreadful Irene and Bruce! Bertie’s Theory of Ice Cream enjoys sharing its characters, setting, and thoughtfully considered themes of friendship, integrity, and kindness, it’s a joy to read.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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Win a Copy of The Sisters of Hope Square by Faith Hogan and a Bucket List Scratch Book
Closing date: 04/07/2026
Book 18 in the hugely popular 44 Scotland Street series by worldwide bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith
"It's like ice cream, Mr Flynn," Bertie continued. "When you have ice cream, you need to eat it straight away, otherwise it melts. If there are people who haven't got any, you should share it, if you can."
When despair for the world grows, Bertie's theory of ice cream reminds us that it's the simple pleasures in life that we should hold onto. And everyone's favourite seven-year-old has a lot to put up with: at home, Irene is planning lessons on Irish Culture for Bertie; at school, he is forced to join Olive and Pansy's book group, and during a day out with his best friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson, the boys find themselves unexpectedly invited to a wedding.
Meanwhile, Bruce's latest property venture goes horribly wrong after trying to move a flat's front door to give it a more prestigious address. At Nine Mile Burn, Matthew and the triplets try to adopt an unwillingly-vegan dog. And Sister Maria-Fiori dei Fiore Montagna discovers the missing part of the Stone of Scone in Drummond Place Gardens.
Filled with Alexander McCall Smith's trademark warmth and humour, this latest book in the series is a must-read.
Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream features in the following genres: Books of the Month, General Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Love and relationships
Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream is available in Paperback, Hardback
Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream was written by Alexander McCall Smith and published by Abacus an imprint of Little, Brown
Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream has 272 pages
Yes it is part of 44 Scotland Street series
£9.89
