First Maeve Binchy brought us to Dublin 4 and ‘The Lilac Bus’ now Sheila O’Flanagan takes us on a ride with another journey of tales: ‘Destinations’ which revolve around different areas of the Fair City’s Dart system.
This collection of 19 individual stories, a few entwined, reveal the inside track on the lives of the ordinary commuters. It also uncovers the hidden links that lie beneath the surface of anonymous city lives. It includes two eavesdropping passengers who learn more than they bargained for; an office-party fling that has unforeseen consequences; a suburban housewife who is forced to face her estranged mother and her thorny past; an office worker who finds her commute to work livened up by the daily sightings of a handsome stranger; as well as a hot date with the office stud that gets off to a disastrous start… is there light at the end of the tunnel?
As one of Ireland’s best-loved storytellers, the author explains that “In my imagination there are so many different tales to tell – and I wanted to be the person who brought those fictional stories to life”. And she has. These simple stories, some heart warming, others sad, will capture you in its train of thought and go the distance.
This book is destined to be a light and joyful read, not just for those familiar with the trappings of inner-city transport, so don’t delay. Dart out and grab a copy.