The Enigma of Garlic: A 44 Scotland Street Novel

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Bertie and Ranald are dismayed to find they can’t even escape Olive and Pansy at summer camp: “He felt that there was some cosmic plan that meant that he would never be completely free of Olive’s influence. Perhaps she was right when she said that he would, in due course, have to marry her; perhaps that was his unavoidable destiny, decreed by some indifferent Fate somewhere, perhaps even by the planets in their unchangeable rotations. If that was the case, his only hope, he had decided, was to make good his escape to Glasgow.” Poor Bertie! I always like these books, but this one seemed unfinished …stories not as fleshed out or left at the beginning ..mainly, Irene! ..and there are touches of Bruce’s old self peeking through ..it will be a long wait, again!

The Enigma of Garlic a book by Alexander McCall Smith. The Enigma of Garlic a book by Alexander McCall Smith.

It’s the most anticipated, and perhaps controversial, event of the decade—Lou and Bob’s wedding—and everyone is invited. But the relative peace and tranquility of 44 Scotland Street is about to be disrupted. Outspoken Irene is returning home for a two-month stay, with plans to send young BertieThe story begins with a celebration of the wedding of Big Lou and Fat Bob. She is too busy running her restaurant and cooking her famous bacon rolls to consider a honeymoon. Fat Bob is frequently absent. Rumours are that he is having an affair and is sighted with another woman. We learn that the busybody Italian nun, Sister Marie Fiore dei Flori de Montegna was a member of the Vatican's secret spy organization. She is determined to discover the truth about Big Bob being unfaithful and may stir up more heartache for Big Lou. We shall change all that...because it is possible to change the world, if one is determined enough, and if one sees with sufficient clarity just what has to be changed. When you are with somebody you love the smallest, smallest things can be so important, so amusing because love transforms the world, everything. And was that what had happened? A collective sigh of relief must have been heard from many readers lips when she left Scotland Street. comfortable in his new surroundings and discovers that his talented patron’s shoes are all too easy to slip into. With great taste comes great responsibility.

The Enigma of Garlic: A 44 Scotland Street Novel | The The Enigma of Garlic: A 44 Scotland Street Novel | The

Olive and Pansy indulge in cancel culture but are unable to get Tofu to react as intended; Irene coins the term “toxic caninity” with reference to the gold-toothed Cyril; Sister Maria-Fiore reveals a past in the Vatican’s Intelligence Service and puts it to good use in discovering the truth about Fat Bob. As always, Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna is her hilariously helpful self by way of being nosy, but in doing so, resolves a huge concern for Big Lou following her wedding. Bruce’s visit to the monastery changes his life even more. Irene is a changed woman. Wait, really? We shall see, I suppose. I only wish we’d had more interaction with Bertie in this novel. The eternal seven-year-old is largely absent here, with only a few peeps into his camping (mis)adventures. What there is of Bertie, though, shows his patience and kindness, and is endearing and makes one love him even more. The last chapter ran today in The Scotsman. It’s becoming a fall tradition of mine to read along as Alexander McCall Smith publishes one chapter a day in the newspaper from September through November, and then releases the book at the end. to a sleepaway camp—a most unappealing proposition. She also manages to come between the enigmatic nun, Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna, and her dear friend, Antonia Collie. Every chapter was a little gift of philosophy, gentle humor, and kindness. I loved the theme of "change". I can honestly say that reading this book series (and this book in particular) makes me want to be a better person. I think my favorite author, Alexander McCall Smith, is just getting more profound with age.

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Following all sixteen books in the series is like catching up with old friends. These are comfortable, relaxing books told with wit, humour, wisdom, and a quiet philosophy to ponder. I always look forward to the newest edition. There was a limited amount of actual character development with a few exceptions. I felt too much time was spent in conversations between inhabitants of Scotland Street with debates about serious or profound subjects. Thought-provoking philosophies were revealed, and even arguments about trivial matters.