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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
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:
Yes
Absolutely tore through this, a great vacation book. Easy to pick up at a moments notice, and can be put away at any point.
The story itself was fine, and clearly I enjoyed it to some extent. But the most griping part of the book was the look at Ireland at that time. It seems so alien to me, hard to imagine the place seeming the oppressive and antiquated not so long ago. How quickly the world must change
The story itself was fine, and clearly I enjoyed it to some extent. But the most griping part of the book was the look at Ireland at that time. It seems so alien to me, hard to imagine the place seeming the oppressive and antiquated not so long ago. How quickly the world must change
I was really engrossed in the lives of the characters in this one. It was far less of a love story than her other books. Binchy usually has a knack for making life in small town Ireland appear quaint and charming, but this was sadder and darker than her other books.
Maeve Binchy’s talent shines in this ambitious character study of Castlebay’s residents. The narrative skillfully juggles a large cast of characters, multiple viewpoints, and intertwining storylines. However, the book is overly long and the ending is underwhelming.
The vivid setting is the highlight of Echoes. Binchy brings the small beach town of Castlebay, Ireland, to life, capturing both the charm and challenges of the era. Themes of class, prejudice and religion are expertly woven alongside the problematic attitudes of the time, such as white saviorism, sexism, and rigid gender roles. The characters feel authentic to their period, their behaviours shaped by societal norms.
While most characters are well-developed, some stand out more than others. Angela O’Hara is a standout as she is progressive, sharp, and unafraid to challenge conventions. Clare, the central character, and David, her love interest, are far less compelling. Their romance feels sudden, and its resolution is deeply frustrating. In contrast, while it's a small part of the book, I appreciated the dependable relationship between David’s parents.
Despite its flaws, Echoes excels in atmosphere, thematic depth, and the nuanced portrayal of its characters, even if the pacing and conclusion isn't up to par.
The vivid setting is the highlight of Echoes. Binchy brings the small beach town of Castlebay, Ireland, to life, capturing both the charm and challenges of the era. Themes of class, prejudice and religion are expertly woven alongside the problematic attitudes of the time, such as white saviorism, sexism, and rigid gender roles. The characters feel authentic to their period, their behaviours shaped by societal norms.
While most characters are well-developed, some stand out more than others. Angela O’Hara is a standout as she is progressive, sharp, and unafraid to challenge conventions. Clare, the central character, and David, her love interest, are far less compelling. Their romance feels sudden, and its resolution is deeply frustrating.
Spoiler
David’s infidelity and Clare’s easy forgiveness at the end of the book, despite his lingering concerns about his affair partner, is so unsatisfying. While this may be realistic, it's so disappointing.Despite its flaws, Echoes excels in atmosphere, thematic depth, and the nuanced portrayal of its characters, even if the pacing and conclusion isn't up to par.
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I love you Maeve Binchy. This one hurt. The way you follow the characters as they grow into adulthood, full of hope, and then she pulls the rug out from under you.
I enjoyed the story line: girl and boy who are separated by class lines as well as age (he is several years older). The even more compelling part for me was her story: from a large family where her potential is unlikely to be fostered, she is helped along by an incredible teacher. Her teacher, Angela, half a generation earlier had been in a similar position.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An older Maeve Binchy book that I hadn't read previously. Glad I did. It seemed more unique than her later books.
Binchy's novels are a safe read for me. What I mean is that I know what I'm in for - a quaint story with colorful characters that almost always is sure to please.