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Reviews"A short story by Binchy is immediately recognizable for its blessed brevity, swift pace, poignant wit and unfailingly wise and gentle psychology. This posthumously published collection gathers 36 stories from various nook's in Binchy's writing life. . . Honestly, every one is marvelous. . . . A Few of the Girls is a string of gems, and, despite its title, it is not just fiction for women, any more than it is just a book for Irish and English readers." --Pamela Miller, Minneapolis Star Tribune "Exploring the complex nature of relationships in the melodic prose that became her trademark, Binchy charts the dynamics of romance, the politics of family and the stipulations of friendship. When it comes to capturing the caprices of the human heart, she's unbeatable. Readers will recognize themselves in her nuanced portrayals of women and men whose goals and regrets, dreams and disappointments never feel less than true-to-life. There's no better antidote to a raw March evening than a dose of vintage Binchy." --Julie Hale, BookPage "The stories cover a broad range of human experiences for which Binchy had a unique talent for expressing . . . There are no flashy literary pyrotechnics, just solid, old-fashioned storytelling. Binchy displays a deep understanding of human nature that strikes a balance between idealists and realists, the cynical and the hopeful . . . At times whimsical, at times somber, Binchy had a keen sense for the nuances of relationships, and the inherent contradictions and quirks of human behavior. A Few of the Girls is a fitting tribute to a beloved and much-missed writer." --Eleanora Buckbee, Everday eBook "Binchy's unique voice is reminiscent of a letter from an old friend." --Vicki Briner, Library Journal "In true Binchy fashion, these gentle stories revolve around universal themes of love, loyalty, friendship, compassion, and perseverance. The exploration of human relationships never ceases to fascinate and the author's ability to empathetically depict the ups and downs of ordinary people living in authentic circumstances translates well to a briefer format. Tying all the stories together is, of course, their trademark comfy settings, and devoted fans will relish another armchair visit to Ireland." --Margaret Flanagan, Booklist "Short stories that thrill, entertain and delight readers like only Binchy can. . . . Without a doubt, Binchy is a masterful storyteller. In this work is a variety of stories that appeal to the heart and mind." --Tmoura Gardener, The Baton Rouge Advocate "The stories bring to life well-developed characters, often in the space of a few paragraphs, and brim with Maeve's warmth and common sense. She writes particularly well on loneliness, and about the hopes and fears of young people on the cusp of adulthood." -- Irish Independent "This new collection of Maeve's beloved short stories will force you to put down your smartphone in favour of your favourite armchair and this hardback. Featuring some of her best works it is a fine tribute to a very fine author." -- Image "These stories are full of warmth and humour . . . easy to read and an ideal present for any of her fans." -- Woman's Way "The wit, humanity and truths of dearly departed Maeve Binchy live on in her absorbing fictions as this collection of 41 stories proves." -- RTE Guide From the Hardcover edition., "Marvelous. . . . Unfailingly wise." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Brim[s] with Maeve's warmth and common sense. . . . The stories bring to life well-developed characters, often in the space of a few paragraphs." -- Irish Independent "When it comes to capturing the caprices of the human heart, she's unbeatable. . . . There's no better antidote to a raw March evening than a dose of vintage Binchy." -- BookPage "Featur[es] some of her best works . . . a fine tribute to a very fine author." -- Image "These stories are full of warmth and humour . . . easy to read and an ideal present for any of her fans." -- Woman's Way, "Marvelous. . . . Unfailingly wise." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Brim[s] with Maeve's warmth and common sense. . . . The stories bring to life well-developed characters, often in the space of a few paragraphs." -- Irish Independent "When it comes to capturing the caprices of the human heart, she's unbeatable. . . . There's no better antidote to a raw March evening than a dose of vintage Binchy." -- BookPage "Featur[es] some of her best works . . . a fine tribute to a very fine author." -- Image "These stories are full of warmth and humour . . . easy to read and an ideal present for any of her fans." -- Woman's Way
SynopsisA Few of the Girls brings together, for the first time, thirty-six of Maeve's very best stories--some published in magazines, others written for friends as gifts, many for charity benefits, all of them filled with her trademark warmth, wisdom, and humor. Written over a period of decades, these stories show that while times change, people often remain the same: they fall in love, sometimes unsuitably; they experience heartbreak, compassion and redemption; they hold to hopes and dreams; and they have friendships--some that fall apart, and a few special ones that endure. A foreword by her husband, Gordon Snell, offers a privileged, intimate glimpse into the writing process behind her extraordinary work.
LC Classification NumberPR6052.I7728A6 2016