View source for The Revolving Door of Life by Alexander McCall Smith

{{infobox1
|title=The Revolving Door of Life
|sort=Revolving Door of Life
|author=Alexander McCall Smith
|reviewer=Ruth Ng
|genre=General Fiction
|summary=Always a delight, fans of Bertie should ready themselves for a satisfying treat!
|rating=5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=368
|publisher=Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited
|date=August 2015
|isbn=9781846973284
|website=http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/home/
|video=
|cover=1846973287
|aznuk=1846973287
|aznus=1846973287
}}

I am always happy to sit back down with old friends, to catch up on what has been happening on Scotland Street.  As in the last episode [[Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith|Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers]] there is plenty of Bertie throughout the whole story.  Bertie is my favourite character by far, so this was very pleasing to me!  Our other favourites are there too, however, so there's something to please everyone, from Bruce being, well, Bruce, and dear Angus reciting a poem at the end.

So, eager to find out what would happen next in poor Bertie's life, I was very pleased that his mother, Irene, was still lost abroad (though in no particular danger).  As Bertie's father, Stuart, soon realised that he would struggle to manage both children and his job, his mother flies back to Scotland to come and help him.  She is a delightful presence in Bertie's life and, finally, Bertie begins to have a normal childhood since she immediately cancels his therapy and yoga and Italian lessons!  There are many pleasurable moments for Bertie through the story, with a tumultuous ending to keep us waiting eagerly for the next installment!

Matthew and Elspeth have moved house, and they have an amazing discovery in their new home.  It raises an interesting moral dilemma - I half expected Isabel Dalhousie to put in a cameo role to help out!  We also get to see a little more about Pat and her father, and Bruce even helps Pat out with a tricky situation.  There are some interesting side stories concerning the Association of Scottish Nudists, as well as some enlightenment on what happens in the back scenes of the luggage carousel at Edinburgh airport.  I personally enjoyed the discussion concerning what gift, if any, to take when visiting friends, depending on how long you've known them, what age they are, and what event you're going to.  It was one of those things I've never consciously thought about but made perfect sense as I read it!

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting old friends, and I'm already eager for the next installment.  I do love the short chapters in these books that allow me to squeeze one in quickly whilst I wait for the kettle to boil, or the kids to tie their shoes, or a bus to arrive.  

Further reading suggestion: If you've lost track of where you are in this series check our handy guide [[Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street Series in Chronological Order|here]].

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