A Few of the Girls, Maeve Binchy
A Few of the Girls, Maeve Binchy
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A Few of the Girls
Stories

Author: Maeve Binchy

Narrator: Sile Bermingham, Jayne Entwistle, John Lee, Katharine Lee McEwan

Unabridged: 10 hr 50 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/01/2016

Synopsis

From Maeve Binchy’s earliest writings to the most recent, her work is filled with wisdom and common sense and also a sharp, often witty voice that is insightful and reaches out to her readers around the world and of all ages. Whether it is one of her best-selling novels or a short story, Maeve shows us that times may have changed, but people often remain the same: they fall in love, sometimes unsuitably; they have hopes and dreams; they have deep, long-standing friends whose secrets are shared; they go on holidays and celebrate new jobs . . .

A Few of the Girls is a glorious collection of the very best of her short story writing, stories that were written over the decades—some published in magazines, others for friends as gifts, many for charity benefits. The stories are all filled with the signature warmth and humor that have always been an essential part of Maeve’s appeal.

About The Author

MAEVE BINCHY was born in County Dublin and educated at the Holy Child convent in Killiney and at University College, Dublin. After a spell as a teacher she joined The Irish Times. Her first novel, Light a Penny Candle, was published in 1982, and she went on to write more than twenty books, all of them best sellers. Several have been adapted for film and television, most notably Circle of Friends and Tara Road, which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection. She was married to the writer and broadcaster Gordon Snell for thirty-five years, and died in 2012 at the age of seventy-two.www.maevebinchy.com

Reviews

Goodreads review by Karen on November 18, 2024

Here we have a few short stories with sub-headings of friends and enemies, love and marriage, your cheating heart, relatives and other strangers, work and no play and holidays. They all have a basic central theme of how the women (or girls, as Maeve Binchy likes to refer to them) handle each scenari......more

Goodreads review by Cait on October 27, 2015

3.5 Stars. It's tough to rate a book of short stories that you're not sure were ever meant to be published. I can picture Maeve Binchy sitting at her writing desk, working away on one of her many best sellers, when she realizes she needs a break. She wants to keep writing but just not on the book sh......more

Goodreads review by Amy on October 14, 2019

Published posthumously, this collection suffers a bit in comparison with the author's other stories. Men who cheat on their spouses, women who fall in love with married men, spoiled children of divorce playing the guilt card, parents who can't let go... I think she was trying to keep it real (becaus......more

Goodreads review by Laurie on May 24, 2016

I miss Maeve Bunchy. I miss her dearly. Her husband, Gordon Snell’s, posthumous release of some of her short stories is a deeply appreciated gift. Reading a FEW OF THE GIRLS was like sitting on a park bench next to Maeve on a blustery autumn day with a shared thermos of hot tea. Leaning toward each......more

Goodreads review by Carolyn on January 25, 2016

A Few of the Girls by Maeve Binchy is a lovely collection of short stories which will be the last ones found and written by Maeve Binchy which does make them pretty special. The short stories are about everyday life, some are serious, sad, funny and even comical but all of them are real and true to l......more

Quotes

“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

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