Sunday, February 7, 2016

Maeve Binchy's Chestnut Street

Reading Maeve Binchy's Chestnut Street is like reading the Book of Proverbs. It may sound like a harsh attribute for a work of fiction. But as far as I am concerned, the Book of Proverbs is full of practical advise on how to live in this world. It is the Bhagavad Gita of Christianity. Each chapter in Binchy's book will provide you with a valuable lesson on life. Really the book reads like a combination of proverbs and Olive Kitteridge. Besides, who wouldn't like to live on a street named Chestnut Street?

Each chapter of this book is about a person or family that calls Chestnut Street their home. They could be living there, returning there or connected through family who lives there. At first I didn't like that the stories were not connected. But each story is so interesting that I ended up liking the format. It also allowed me to put the book down at good places to come back to. There are no barren spots which you want to turn over fast. Each chapter is a good read on its own. This is is just perfect for a time starved working mother who is addicted to books. What I love most is the age old wisdom that shines out from every page. It is  cleverly disguised and you will not know that you are getting this little nugget of advise until you are at the end of a story. By that time you are nodding your head in full agreement. A great book! Having no time is simply not an excuse when it comes to a book like this. I was sad to find out that Maeve Binchy is no more. Check out a free short story from this beloved author at her eponymous website.

2 comments:

soulsearchingdays said...

The title of the book is really interesting lan, now that I have got a kindle, hope to get my hands on all these gems soon... thanks for keeping it going... take care

lan said...

thanks ss! i know you will like this book. it is challenging and light at the same time. the perfect book:-)