Similar to Quentins, this was a Binchy reunion book. With characters from Evening Class, Scarlet Feather, Nights of Rain and Stars, Whitethorn Woods, and probably more that I’ve forgotten – it was nice to once again check in for an update. I mean, Simon and Maud are teenagers – it’s worth it for that alone.
These characters’ stories are less separated into seemingly short stories, and so Heart and Soul feels a lot more cohesive than some of Binchy’s other works. The many romances feel more natural, the characters are complex and interesting, and you get a good idea of how their lives intermingle, mainly through this new heart clinic.
As usual, 95% of the characters are good-natured and lovely people with a few built-in villains and religious nuts. With a few dark patches for everyone to overcome, usually as a team, there’s plenty of drama to keep you hooked.
Binchy’s voice rings true throughout Heart and Soul, and it is once again incredibly easy to read. While I may be starting to find my journey through her published works to be a little repetitive, I think I’ve been spacing them out enough to be able to finish without burning out – only two more to go!