Last Stories

by William Trevor
Last Stories cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 3753
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780241337790
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-05-24
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Last Stories,' William Trevor delivers a final collection of ten exquisite tales that delve into the complexities of human nature. Each story is crafted with Trevor's signature gentleness and insight, revealing the underbelly of everyday lives with profound empathy. From a tutor and pupil whose lives are upended by a chance encounter to a young girl discovering her mother's secret existence, these narratives affirm Trevor's status as one of the greatest storytellers of our time. /n/n Praised by literary giants like Hilary Mantel and John Banville, Trevor's work in this collection is a testament to his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience. The stories, written with a quiet compassion and linguistic mastery, leave a lasting impact, making this a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Reviews
746 Books · 2023-12-14
poignant 4.50

The collection feels like a poignant farewell, immersing readers in Trevor's exquisite storytelling. It is a fitting end to a year spent exploring his work.

The reviewer from 746 Books finds 'Last Stories' to be a poignant and fitting farewell to William Trevor's literary legacy. The collection immerses readers in Trevor's exquisite storytelling, making it a memorable end to a year spent exploring his work. The stories are described as deeply moving and beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of Trevor's unique voice. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the skillful way Trevor handles complex themes, making this collection a must-read for his fans.

Quick quotes

    Last Stories feels like a very poignant place to take leave of my Year with William Trevor.

    I have loved immersing myself in his work, watching his stories unfold with such grace and precision.

    The collection is a fitting end to a year spent exploring his literary genius.

The Guardian · Julian Barnes · 2018-05-19
poignant 4.50

The collection showcases Trevor's signature precision and subtle storytelling, leaving a lasting impression. The stories are deeply moving and beautifully crafted.

Julian Barnes praises William Trevor's final collection for its evasive precision and emotional depth. Each story is a masterclass in subtle storytelling, capturing the nuances of human experiences with a deft touch. Barnes highlights how Trevor's writing leaves a lasting impression, making this a poignant farewell to a literary master. The collection is not just a set of stories but a testament to Trevor's ability to evoke deep emotions with seemingly simple narratives.

Quick quotes

    The great Irish writer displays all his trademark evasive precision in Last Stories, a posthumous collection.

    Trevor's stories are deeply moving, and this collection is no exception.

    The writing is so precise that it feels like a final gift from a master storyteller.

The New York Times · 2018-05-14
profound 4.75

Trevor's final collection captures turning points in individual lives with powerful slyness. The stories are a gift to readers, showcasing his unparalleled skill.

The New York Times reviewer highlights William Trevor's ability to capture pivotal moments in people's lives with a powerful and subtle approach. The stories in 'Last Stories' are described as a final gift to readers, demonstrating Trevor's unparalleled skill in crafting narratives that resonate deeply. The collection is seen as a fitting farewell from a literary virtuoso, with each story offering a unique and profound insight into the human condition.

Quick quotes

    The great Irish writer William Trevor captured turning points in individual lives with powerful slyness.

    Last Stories is his final gift to readers, showcasing his unparalleled skill.

    Each story offers a unique and profound insight into the human condition.

Appears in Lists