FICTION

A Few of the Girls: Stories

by Maeve Binchy
Knopf. Mar. 2016. 352p. ISBN 9781101947418. $26.95; ebk. ISBN 9781101947425. F
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Previously unpublished in the United States, this latest collection of short stories provides readers with one last contribution from the late author, who died in 2012. Binchy's unique voice is reminiscent of a letter from an old friend, but, regrettably, the collection fails to inspire an emotional attachment to any of the characters. Readers will recognize familiar themes, for example, unfulfilled dreams and moments of self-awareness, and while the common thread is that the main characters are women, the execution would have been more successful had the stories celebrated women rather than focus on their worst qualities. As was Binchy's style, the characters are flawed, but, unfortunately, in many of these pieces they are unlikable as well.
VERDICT Binchy's writing is loved by many, and while die-hard fans will be anxious to get their hands on this latest offering, it also seems many readers will have moved on. Overall, an unremarkable collection that doesn't stand up when compared to other works by the beloved author. [See Prepub Alert, 9/28/15.]
Reviewed by Vicki Briner, Westminster, CO , Jan 15, 2016
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