As Maeve Binchy is an author who has given me great pleasure throughout the years it was a joy to find this collection of her short stories. For me, Binchy is an author whose works are filled with warmth, humor and understanding. It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite from among her books, however Tara Road and Heart and Soul do stand out. I was saddened to read of her passing not too long ago and realize there would be no more books. But, these short stories again remind me of her grace and understanding of the struggles of ordinary people.
Most often her works were set in contemporary Ireland. They were “family” dramas with female protagonists and concerned marriage, husbands, lovers, friends, children, relatives. So with A Few Girls we meet Bella who is convinced that if she could just lose some weight Jim would forget his young lover and return to her welcoming arms. In another tale Maura’s aunt advises her to read her husband’s letters and search his pockets. That course of action Maura says was of great benefit to her in warding off some of his past flirtations. And so it goes.
Binchy’s stories are brought to vivid life thanks to readings by Sile Bermingham, Jayne Entwistle, John Lee and Katharine McEwan. A few Of The Girls is an audio book you can enjoy for several minutes or listen to for several hours. Whatever the case it will leave you wanting more.
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