I'm not normally a fan of short stories, but I did so enjoy Maeve Binchy's writing that I wanted to read this compilation of character sketches and ideas for a future novel which she wrote over a number of years before her death last year. The results of her editors' work did not disappoint; on the contrary Chestnut Street (#397) was almost a Twitter version of Ms. Binchy's writing - succinct, poignant, touching and yet satisfying.
Not all of these stories have happy endings. Not all of the characters are admirable or likable, but that's a reflection of real life, isn't it? Some are just downright delightful. What all of these stories have in common is their tie to Chestnut Street, a fictitious horseshoe of houses in Dublin. It's not an upscale neighborhood, but it's far from the worst, and could be improved with some gentrification. It's amazing how many stories can come from just this one place in the author's imagination.
Go and visit Chestnut Street if you have any affection for Maeve Binchy's writing. You'll be happy to spend a little more time with her there.
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