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claresbookishworld's review against another edition
4.0
"But in the middle of this and all the music, Rory and Fiona celebrated the fact that nobody is, or ever has been ordinary. Not since time began."
I really loved this collection of short stories! All of these stories are about everyday life and everyday characters, but as the quote says, somehow they aren't ordinary. I love how Maeve Binchy explores that anyone can have really beautiful, extraordinary experiences and find joy in their lives. Somehow, despite how short each of these stories is, the story and characters are still so developed. Each of the characters learns something so valuable about life and love, and as a reader I felt that I was learning along with them. There was so much hope in all of these stories and they made me so happy because even while characters were struggling or going through something hard/sad, they also learned that it was okay and ultimately they would find love and joy in themselves. Also, what I've heard about Maeve Binchy's twist ending is so true! They were really good and were constantly surprising me. I also loved all of the European settings, particularly Dublin/London where many of the stories are set.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection. I always like novels more than short stories because I just prefer full stories, so I will definitely be checking out Maeve Binchy's full length novels and I am so excited.
I really loved this collection of short stories! All of these stories are about everyday life and everyday characters, but as the quote says, somehow they aren't ordinary. I love how Maeve Binchy explores that anyone can have really beautiful, extraordinary experiences and find joy in their lives. Somehow, despite how short each of these stories is, the story and characters are still so developed. Each of the characters learns something so valuable about life and love, and as a reader I felt that I was learning along with them. There was so much hope in all of these stories and they made me so happy because even while characters were struggling or going through something hard/sad, they also learned that it was okay and ultimately they would find love and joy in themselves. Also, what I've heard about Maeve Binchy's twist ending is so true! They were really good and were constantly surprising me. I also loved all of the European settings, particularly Dublin/London where many of the stories are set.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection. I always like novels more than short stories because I just prefer full stories, so I will definitely be checking out Maeve Binchy's full length novels and I am so excited.
midnightbookgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I love Binchy's short stories, and these didn't disappoint, although I have previously read a few of them.
sarahsd's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mugglemom's review against another edition
3.0
36 shorts stories by Maeve Binchy – an author I loved from my early 20s. Some pull more punches than others but overall, I would read these stories again.
Loved the stories read by Jayne Entwistle - she's my favorite narrator.
Loved the stories read by Jayne Entwistle - she's my favorite narrator.
avidreadergirl1's review against another edition
3.0
An unfortunate last opus for Maeve Binchy. I loved all of her book but this one, which sounds like a mix and match lord of self pity and misplaced superiority.
engelkat's review against another edition
4.0
Maeve Binchy. True comfort food for my soul. This collection of short stories was published after her death. I love stepping into her version of Dublin. Her characters are all interesting and complex.
kc1005us's review against another edition
4.0
A fun collection of short stories by Ms. Binchy. Easy to read, good "filler" book
jenwestpfahl's review against another edition
4.0
A nice collection of stories. Some left me wanting more and feeling like they were meant to be the start of something bigger. But some had very satisfying endings.
frtps's review against another edition
2.0
I could only read half of this. The stories are plotted well enough, and no doubt could each stand as perfect examples of the art of the short story, but I just didn't feel they were fresh or intriguing enough in terms of character.