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melindamoor's review against another edition
4.0
Whether it's hot and you need a book while lying on the beach or raining and you need a one to curl up with at home, either way this book is a perfect choice.
Take a bunch of people all over Dublin with different characters, background, social standing, dreams and fears and throw them together in an unlikely place like a suburbian schoolroom where they meet to learn.. ITALIAN of all things.
The result is CHANGE for the better for all of them though it may come with twists and turns told in the trademark Binchy-style with warmth, gentle humour and understanding.
Take a bunch of people all over Dublin with different characters, background, social standing, dreams and fears and throw them together in an unlikely place like a suburbian schoolroom where they meet to learn.. ITALIAN of all things.
The result is CHANGE for the better for all of them though it may come with twists and turns told in the trademark Binchy-style with warmth, gentle humour and understanding.
lisagray68's review against another edition
3.0
My Secret Santa over at Library Thing bought me this book for Christmas. I have no earthly idea why they would think I would like such a thing if they looked over my library!! Anyway, I used to read Maeve Binchy back in my 20's, so it made me feel younger! And of course a nice brainless read for Christmas vacation. Not terrible, but I don't think you'll see me reading another one!
elenap's review against another edition
5.0
What an absolute delight! I did not see this one coming, to be honest. I've seen this author recommended by a YouTuber which I enjoy following but who is heavily on a conservative side so I wasn't entirely sure I would vibe with her suggestions in literature. Boy was wrong!
Found a couple of Maeve Binchy's books on a sale in a used books store and got them super cheap to see what it's all about. Now I can't wait to dig into the other ones, fingers crossed they're just as lovely as this one.
I think wholesome is the perfect word to describe this book and the author's writing style. It's not Dostoyevsky, but it's not shitty chick lit either. It's a golden middle: easy to read, lovely characters, vivid descriptions, and great opportunity to discover the connection between it all. A big plus is the multiple characters view, a different one for each chapter, it's a favorite trope of mine (it's not for everyone though).
I don't usually enjoy romance but luckily the romance here takes a back burner or is used as means for characterization.
There were a couple of loose ends (although as I understand, we see a lot of the same characters throughout her books so that's something to look forward to) and some things that aligned a bit too neatly. I'm not the one to complain though, I devoured it. A tale of loss, tragedy, heartbreak, and how different people cope with it all. 4.5 from me and I will round it to 5.
Found a couple of Maeve Binchy's books on a sale in a used books store and got them super cheap to see what it's all about. Now I can't wait to dig into the other ones, fingers crossed they're just as lovely as this one.
I think wholesome is the perfect word to describe this book and the author's writing style. It's not Dostoyevsky, but it's not shitty chick lit either. It's a golden middle: easy to read, lovely characters, vivid descriptions, and great opportunity to discover the connection between it all. A big plus is the multiple characters view, a different one for each chapter, it's a favorite trope of mine (it's not for everyone though).
I don't usually enjoy romance but luckily the romance here takes a back burner or is used as means for characterization.
There were a couple of loose ends (although as I understand, we see a lot of the same characters throughout her books so that's something to look forward to) and some things that aligned a bit too neatly. I'm not the one to complain though, I devoured it. A tale of loss, tragedy, heartbreak, and how different people cope with it all. 4.5 from me and I will round it to 5.
sjchaima's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookishcat23's review against another edition
2.0
Read for book club. Would not have selected it myself.
deniset's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
mmjollymimi's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
samanthaxe's review against another edition
4.0
I think I’ve found a new comfort author. A whole range of (sometimes upsetting) plot points took place, but the writing style was like a warm blanket.
thxsie42's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
way too long, it got boring in the end and I wouldn't recommend it to readers younger than 30 as most of the characters are quite old