mindyb33's review
4.0
Book of short stories. The common theme is a street in Dublin (Chestnut Street) I enjoy Binch's writing it is just a feel good style.
mbhammons's review
5.0
I loved this collection of short stories and it gets 5 stars because it falls into that ‘I’d definitely read it again’ category. Each of these left me for wanting more, which is exactly what I look for in a good storyline. I love the little touches of coincidence and connection between those who live on Chestnut Street and I most especially loved their sense of community just because they all loved their street so much. She didn’t shy away from each character’s imperfection and oftentimes that was the focus of the story. I think we could all find ourselves somewhere on Chestnut Street and perhaps gain a different perspective just from looking at the lives of those around us. Quick easy read that I could put down and pick back up anytime without feeling like I was losing time or ran the risk of forgetting the narrative.
kelseyd's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I hadn't looked at this one too closely because it was an automatic winner (#MaeveBinchy4life) so when I finally got to pick it up, it was bittersweet to see it had been published posthumously. It also was a short story collection, which is not usually my favorite, but Maeve basically crafted little delicious bites that all centered around people living on the same street, and I gobbled it right up. None of the stories veered too sad, although she did intersperse some drama with her usual happy ending, and only one story faltered a little and made me think an editor had just thrown it in when it was not needed. Regardless, my Irish queen didn't disappoint, and I was happy to spend time on Chestnut Street with her.
orygunn's review
4.0
Maeve Binchy had a wonderful knack for making you feel like you knew characters, even in just a few short pages. Chestnut Street is like a wonderful little buffet of characters, all somehow related to Chestnut Street. The only shame is that you only get the one little glimpse into their lives provided in Binchy's short stories. I'm grateful that her family has shared these after her passing and sad that we will never know where many of their lives went.
amb0517's review
5.0
I wasn't sure I would enjoy this. I'm not big on short stories. These were perfection. Each chapter wraps it all up so well and tells a complete story.
lpinney12's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ciaram12's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mariskyrinsarker's review
2.0
There was a feeling of incompleteness, which makes sense because this book was published posthumously. These are a collection of stories that Maeve Binchy most likely didn't get a chance to polish before she died. I had to keep that in mind while reading these mostly unsatisfactory stories.
bridgeca2's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
While this book is described as a story connected by the people living on Chestnut street this is more a collection of short stories which sometimes the only connection is that there's a line referencing living on Chestnut Street. There are only 3-4 stories that actually reference another. If you are looking for a connected story where the characters interact with one another, this is not the book for you. Most of these stories' themes revolving around cheating partners/divorced bitter couples.
trickyplanet's review
4.0
I loved this book of short stories about the lives of people living on Chestnut Street.