Chestnut Street

By: Maeve Binchy

Narrated by: Sile Bermingham

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Maeve Binchy imagined a street in Dublin with many characters coming and going, and every once in a while she would write about one of these people. She would then put it in a drawer; “for the future,” she would say. The future is now.

Across town from St. Jarlath’s Crescent, featured in Minding Frankie, is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities. Some of the unforgettable characters lovingly brought to life by Binchy are Bucket Maguire, the window cleaner, who must do more than he bargained for to protect his son; Nessa Byrne, whose aunt visits from America every summer and turns the house - and Nessa’s world - upside down; Lilian, the generous girl with the big heart and a fiancé whom no one approves of; Melly, whose gossip about the neighbors helps Madame Magic, a self-styled fortune-teller, get everyone on the right track; Dolly, who discovers more about her perfect mother than she ever wanted to know; and Molly, who learns the cure for sleeplessness from her pen pal from Chicago...

Chestnut Street is written with the humor and understanding that are earmarks of Maeve Binchy’s extraordinary work and, once again, she warms our hearts with her storytelling.

©2014 Random House Audio; 2014 Maeve Binchy

Critic reviews

“Gives us one last extraordinary look at ordinary people as they struggle with family relationships, romances gone awry, and the possibility for a better future. . . . One finds here insightful observations about human nature—all with Binchy’s thoughtful and loving touch that will be sorely missed.” — Publishers Weekly

“Binchy was well-known for creating realistic characters who interact in ordinary ways, in ordinary places. . . . Her many fans are sure to line up to read this.” — Booklist

Sweet

Simply sweet stories that deal with the best in people. Heartwarming, funny, insightful stories about daily life.

Sad, inspiring, wondrous, pathetic, and more...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes. I love Maeve Binchy's stories. They're about real people and especially the importance of connecting with others.

What other book might you compare Chestnut Street to and why?

Other titles by Maeve Binchy. Her writing is truly unique, and the villages and neighborhoods she writes about are places I aspire to be one day.

What about Sile Bermingham’s performance did you like?

She's wonderful with the different characters and accents. You can tell that she understands the intent of each story and the attitudes of each character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Connections.

Any additional comments?

I'm truly sorry that Maeve is no longer with us. I've listened to everything available in audiobooks, and now I'll try to hunt down each of her other titles in paperback.

Wonderful

I love Maeve's characters. Just real people, like your neighbors. Doesn't hurt to Hear Sile Birmingham...beautiful lilt to her voice.

A collection of short stories

I bought this thinking it was a novel. It is really a collection of short stories. The only link between them is that all the people are tied in someway to Chestnut Street. Both the quality and the length of the stories vary, but all have that characteristic Binchy touch. Generally quite good as long as you know what you're getting.

Recommended for book club

This is not my usual read, I like the interweave of characters, but felt the story dragged a bit. I liked it but not sure I would ever read it again or revisit this author.

Last of the fabulous Binchy

What did you love best about Chestnut Street?

The courage of the decent everyday person.

What other book might you compare Chestnut Street to and why?

The Lilac Bus, a previous book of short stories by Binchy.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to choose.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Fools and Wisewomen, alternately.

Any additional comments?

I am so happy we have a final chance to enjoy the storytelling of Maeve Binchy. No other author can tap into the spirit of everyday people like she can. She especially addresses the woman who sacrifices herself for others and ungrateful children and in many of these stories, the downtrodden triumph when they stand up for themselves. I will sorely miss her talent.

Great read

Excellent narrator! ..endearing characters as always. Classic Maeve Binchy. We will truly miss this great author.

This is a book of short stories.

The overview does not include mention that this is a book of short stories. I would have preferred more interconnectivity between the stories and neighbors. As written, there were some bright spots, but more often sad sameness - adultery and world weariness is very much at home on Chestnut St. I’d rather pitch a tent on St Charlth‘s Crescent!

What Just Happened?

This book reminds me of Maeve Binchy's previous book Minding Frankie. As with Minding Frankie, the book tells many stories of many people. I honestly lost track of who was who, what their story was and by the end of the book I had no idea who was connected to whom, how, and what the point of the whole book was except for compiling a myriad of short stories into one.
A week after I had finished this book, a friend mentioned this book to me and I didn't remember that I had just read it. I thought maybe I had read the excerpt but not the whole book! I checked my audible app and sure enough I had listened to the whole thing!
So now I'm wondering....What was the plot? Was there one? Did I go into a deep coma and miss the whole book? Did each story of betrayal become one story on repeat and my brain shut-off? The only feeling this book left me with was a feeling that anyone I love will inevitably cheat, betray and leave me...because that's what happens to each of the main characters in this book.
I've read many of Maeve's books, and each book seems to have this similar tale of love, betrayal, healing and forgiveness. Unfortunately, I think this was a poorly constructed book and I'm sorry this is probably the last book that will be published by Maeve Binchy.
I cannot recommend this book, but if you are a Maeve Binchy fan you may as well listen to it. Maybe you'll have more patience or understanding and can explain it to me.

Like a great glass of wine after a long day

so easy to curl up with a Maeve Binchy book. its like an evening with friends and family.