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abbywebb's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book by Binchy. This one started slow with Father Flynn, but it picked up after the first chapter. Every subsequent chapter, except for one in the middle and the final one, were narrated by two different characters that were related in one capacity or another. The switching of characters within and across chapters gave the feeling of reading a series of short stories; however, in true Binchy style, the characters are all interrelated in some way. The chapters about Father Flynn introduce the story's characters and provide endings for them as well.
This was a sweet and light novel, again cleverly written as always. Binchy has a great way with words and a great mind for developing characters by providing them with intriguing plots and backgrounds. I really have no idea where she finds influence for some of the characters she has created in this book and all the others she has written. She has a marvelous talent for writing and I hope she keeps creating such interesting works for us to read!
This was a sweet and light novel, again cleverly written as always. Binchy has a great way with words and a great mind for developing characters by providing them with intriguing plots and backgrounds. I really have no idea where she finds influence for some of the characters she has created in this book and all the others she has written. She has a marvelous talent for writing and I hope she keeps creating such interesting works for us to read!
trisha_clay's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
toellethebooks's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As always, Maeve did a fine job of beautifully narrating a story of a small town in Ireland (this time, Rossmore) from the perspective of diverse, interesting, and loosely connected (but still interwoven) characters.
I know some people do not appreciate this kind of writing but I just love her genius. The way it excites me to guess how this new character is connected to the previous one and the way it thrills me when that connection is later on revealed! Ugh, *chef's kiss* It's like I am putting a puzzle piece by piece while reading!
And her beautiful lively narration, I just can't get enough! Some of my bookworm friends ask me how I am able to read through her books when most of them are crazy-ass long. I always tell them that I don't really read her books for the plot (because I admit sometimes the endings of her books can be a bit dissappointing) but for her beautiful narration so it's okay if I take time! I do my best to savor every bit of it because her storytelling is just so entertaining.
The only reason I am giving it only 4 stars is because there are a few characters I don't like that the story could have went on without. But still, forever part of Maeve's club 💜
I know some people do not appreciate this kind of writing but I just love her genius. The way it excites me to guess how this new character is connected to the previous one and the way it thrills me when that connection is later on revealed! Ugh, *chef's kiss* It's like I am putting a puzzle piece by piece while reading!
And her beautiful lively narration, I just can't get enough! Some of my bookworm friends ask me how I am able to read through her books when most of them are crazy-ass long. I always tell them that I don't really read her books for the plot (because I admit sometimes the endings of her books can be a bit dissappointing) but for her beautiful narration so it's okay if I take time! I do my best to savor every bit of it because her storytelling is just so entertaining.
The only reason I am giving it only 4 stars is because there are a few characters I don't like that the story could have went on without. But still, forever part of Maeve's club 💜
soniapage's review against another edition
3.0
Audio version of book read by Jenny Sterlin who does a delightful job voicing the characters. Each chapter is told from a different person's point of view - all about their own personal lives and opinions of whether or not a road should be built through the woods which would destroy St. Ann's Well, a local shrine. This format works well and the author's wit and contemporary setting makes for an entertaining story.
shoesmcdaid's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
3.0
Binchy's books tend to fall into two categories: novels and collections of stories. This one is the latter. She writes stories about a bunch of loosely connected individuals. If you're not into that, this would be frustrating. But her writing is entertaining and generally pleasant. Some books are more upbeat and "happy endings" than others. But mostly, she makes for fun, relaxing reading that's fairly easy. Fun character studies.
cwsreads's review against another edition
2.0
This was probably my least favorite Maeve Binchy book (my favorite being Evening Class, which I highly recommend). I was left feeling disappointed.
romonko's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
5.0
It's been quite awhile since I read a Maeve Binchy book, but I had this one on my shelf, and I felt the need of some nice cozy fiction during the cold snap we're currently experiencing. It did not take me long to realize how much I enjoy Maeve Binchy's books, even though I haven't read one for a long time. This was like reading a book similar to the television series, Midsomer Murders. Only in this it is a small Irish village called Rossmore that we visit. The characters in the book are truly spectacular. I fell in love with everyone of them, and believe me, there are quite a few recurring characters in this book. The story is woven around the small village, and the possibility of a huge road going in beside their town, and through a famous old well called St. Ann's Well where people have gone for years to have their wishes granted. We meet Brian Flynn, the village curate, and we meet Neddy Nolan, and many others. We find out about their adolescent years as well as their adult lives, and we are part of all the trials and tribulations that each of the families have gone through. Each story has been woven into the fabric of this book to make an utterly believable whole. I was so taken with the book that I am going to read the Maeve Binchy books that I haven't read before. I look forward to this journey because I know I will love everyone as much as I loved this one.
jmages's review against another edition
2.0
I just thought this was okay - was glad I listened to it or I probably would have given up.