While she was writing columns for "The Irish Times" and her best-selling novels, Maeve Binchy also had in mind to write a book that revolved around one street with many characters coming and going. Every once in a while, she would write about one these people. She would then put it in a drawer. "For the future," she would say. The future is now.
Just around the corner from St. Jarlath's Crescent (which readers will recognize from "Minding Frankie") is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities. Written with the humor and understanding that are earmarks of Maeve Binchy's work, it is a pleasure to be part of this world with all of its joys and sorrows, to get to know the good and the bad, and ultimately to have our hearts warmed by her storytelling.
Just around the corner from St. Jarlath's Crescent (which readers will recognize from "Minding Frankie") is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities. Written with the humor and understanding that are earmarks of Maeve Binchy's work, it is a pleasure to be part of this world with all of its joys and sorrows, to get to know the good and the bad, and ultimately to have our hearts warmed by her storytelling.
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Publisher:
Waterville, Maine :, Thorndike Press, A part of Gale, Cengage Learning,, 2014.
Edition:
Large print edition.
ISBN:
9781410466792
1410466795
1410466795
Branch Call Number:
FICTION
Characteristics:
581 pages (large print) ; 23 cm.
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Add a CommentUnfortunately I didn't realize it was a collection of short stories. I kept waiting to see what happened to the characters, but they never returned. For me that was unsatisfactory.
I didn't think I liked reading Maeve Binchy's books b/c I read one when I was too young to enjoy her insight into people and into people's lives and decisions. I'm glad I gave her another chance, now that I don't need great adventures and excitement in the stories I like. So if you tried once and weren't won over, try again. This is a great collection.
A patron review from the Adult Summer Game: "This novel was compiled after Maeve Binchy's death. It was a collection of short stories all having a connection to Chestnut Street. An excellent read for the fans of Maeve Binchy."
Didn't want this book to end. A lovely set of short stories.
I wanted to take my time with this seeing as it is Maeve's last ever book. Unfortunately, I couldn't put it down. It is written in her typical manner of short stories that are revolved around something impartical. In this case, a street named Chestnut. It was bittersweet to read the last page. If you are a fan of Maeve's, you will enjoy this novel, and if you have never read one of her books, shame on you and get busy :)
This collection of short stories is about people who live and work on Chestnut Street. Characters from one story appear in another and another. Binchy is very good at showing us what's behind the facade a person presents to the world. Her stories don't always have happy endings, and I appreciate that. I am sorry that this is likely the last writing of Maeve Binchy (unless other manuscripts are found). I'll miss her and her words.
These short stories were really good.
Ms. Binchy made Chestnut Street and the characters that live there seem so real, and as usual there is always something to learn from her stories.
Lovely is the word. Maeve Binchey knows people, particularly Irish people.I don't like short stories but this compilation has more going for it with the link formed by the street, its location and the people who live there.It's a good book for dipping.