Each chapter is written as episodes in the lives of the characters and it all seems to link together into a relaxing if not a somewhat predictable read. If you have read previous novels by this author you will also enjoy catching up with characters you met earlier and once again visiting the restaurant Quentins, also a title of one of Maeve Binchy’s earlier novels. It doesn't matter if you are new to this author though as it stands alone easily as well.
It is not a novel that I am gong to rave about and say how fantastic it is or anything but it definitely has a feel good factor about it, a novel to relax with on the beach or curled up next to a roaring fire.
There always seems to be a large cast of characters in Maeve Binchy’s novels and this is no exception. The story hinges around Clara Casey, a cardiac specialist as she takes charge of a newly opening heart clinic in Dublin. As well as meeting her family, two daughters Adi and Linda, her ex husband Alan there are the staff and patients at the clinic, as well as the old friends I mentioned from previous novels. They are all ordinary people with sorrows and joy in their everyday lives and as you read you find yourself drawn into the events that unfold. Nothing dramatic or particularly thrilling to keep you guessing but tales that just reach into the Hearts and Souls of the characters.
Born 28 May 1940 (age 70)
Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland
Novels
- Light a Penny Candle (1982)
- The Lilac Bus (1984)
- Echoes (1985)
- Firefly Summer (1987)
- Silver Wedding (1988)
- Circle of Friends (1990)
- The Copper Beech (1992)
- The Glass Lake (1994)
- Evening Class (1996)
- Tara Road (1998)
- Scarlet Feather (2000)
- Quentins (2002)
- Nights of Rain and Stars (2004)
- Whitethorn Woods (2006)
- Heart and Soul (2008)
- Minding Frankie (2010)
Please note besides these novels Maeve Binchy has also written a large number of short stories, novellas, non-fiction and a play.
I have been reading Maeve Binchy’s novels since the early 1980’s and have read all but one on the above list, The Lilac Bus from 1984. Her latest novel Minding Frankie was published on September 30th and I have already added it to my wishlist of titles.
To find out more about Maeve Binchy and her latest novel visit her Official Website.
The video I have included will tell you more about Heart and Soul.
I think this is the last Binchy (other than her latest) that I haven't read. I'm so excited that we get to run into characters from previous books, I love it when authors do that. I agree Binchy is a perfect comfort read.
ReplyDeleteHi I was surprised and pleased to read that you enjoy Maeve Binchy as I had not thought she would appeal to younger readers such as yourself.
ReplyDeleteShe is very predictable, but as you say writes a perfect comfort book for long cold evenings. I actually stock up on her books at second-hand book sales and leave them in Italy for holiday reading.
ReplyDeleteI first read her work when I was in Ireland and I just loved the characters she created. After reading about 5 in a row, I’ve tried to limit myself to one a year since I’m almost out of her books.
ReplyDeleteCiao Linda! I've been reading a lot of Maeve Binchy over the past year, and this one is waiting for me on the shelf along with Tara Road. I just read The Evening Class earlier this summer and enjoyed the read. Like you described, I wouldn't RAVE about some of her books. But there is also something very intriguing about them, especially the way she weaves a story with many characters. I'm currently writing a novel with my mother, and our story is about a large family, so naturally it's an interesting topic to me. :-)
ReplyDeleteScintilla - After nearly thirty years of reading Maeve Binchy novels I am pleasantly surprised that she still seems to have a strong following.
ReplyDeleteAvid Reader - Her characters must feel like family to her.
Laura - How exciting that you are writing a novel with your Mum, yes Maeve Binchy novels certainly would appeal if you are writing about large families.
She is new to me. Sometimes, you need a read of this type.
ReplyDeleteLakeviewer - She is very popular in the UK and has been publishing since 1982. Do let me know if you do try her how you get on.
ReplyDeleteGreat to meet you read you and know you through this blog, hope you will spare me time to read my words of wisdom
ReplyDeleteI have read a couple of Maeve Binchy novels and while I enjoyed them, I haven't found myself raring to read all the rest of her books for some reason.
ReplyDeleteSapna - Welcome, hope that you will enjoy my reviews. I will certainly visit your blog.
ReplyDeleteBuckeroomama - It is lovely to have you here and thanks for commenting. I think I have maybe continued reading her books from habit, after all to have been doing so since the 1980's is a long time!!
I do love Maeve Binchy! I know what you mean, though -- they do seem to kind of meld together in your mind after you've read a few of hem. I think I've read all her novels but I'll still go back for more.
ReplyDeleteTalli - I am actually pleasantly surprised how many of you younger ladies seem to enjoy Maeve Binchy reading the comments here.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have been reading Maeve Binchy for a very long time. As you say, her novels really do have a feel good good factor about them, and I think her characters are wonderful.My favourite books of hers, are Tara Road, Quentins and The Evening Class. I am very much looking forward to reading Minding Frankie, her latest novel. (one for my Christmas pressie list, me thinks!). How I envy you now living in Italy. I absolutely love the country and go there on holiday whenever I can. I shall now look forward to following your Blog. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteHello and welcome to my Book Review Blog, I see you are also a new follower over on 'News From Italy' thankyou I hope you will enjoy them both.
ReplyDeleteMaeve Binchy does have wonderfully real characters that have developed with her books, she must know them all really well by now.
I read The Glass Lake on holiday once and while it was a perfect holiday read it was a little too much like reading a soap opera for my liking. But I lent the same book to my brother on the same trip (as he had run out of books) and he ended up really enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteJessica - While your reaction to The Glass Lake did not surprise me, your brothers did :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Tara Road..Have read a few of her others too..She is a great author.
ReplyDeleteRosebud - Great to see you here. I enjoy the way her characters appear in her books again and again, she must know them all so well. Looking forward to getting hold of a copy of her latest published just a couple of months ago.
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