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keiko28's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
sc104906's review against another edition
1.0
This novel is very similar to the movie The Holiday.
I didn't finish it. It took me weeks to read the first 50 pages of ~700 pages. I could not get into this novel.
I didn't finish it. It took me weeks to read the first 50 pages of ~700 pages. I could not get into this novel.
dawndelsol's review against another edition
5.0
I have enjoyed almost all of Maeve Binchy's books and have come back to this one over and over again. The characters are engaging.
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
I was saddened to learn of Maeve Binchy's death this summer so decided to give this popular Irish author a try. Ria is happily married and living on Tara Road with her husband, Danny, and their two children. And then her world explodes. Danny has been having an affair and he announces that his young girlfriend is pregnant and he is moving in with her. In New England, Marilyn faces an equally difficult situation. Her only son has died and she and her husband have separated as a result. The two women are brought into contact and they agree to exchange houses for the summer with surprising results.
rocio_voncina's review against another edition
4.0
[Reuploaded] Review in Spanish & English.
Que hermoso es descubrir nuevos autores que sean tan buenos. En mi caso descubrir a Maeve Binchy fue una maravilla.
Tuve este libro por años guardado en mi biblioteca, sin tener idea la joya que me estaba perdiendo.
Maeve tiene magia en las manos, la manera de describir cada personaje y sus historias, en justa medida, sin entregar detalles innecesarios que muchas veces para nosotros los lectores es como “para que tanta informacion? Menos es mas”.
No podia dejar el libro, lo disfrute tanto que por momentos no queria pestañar.
La historia gira en torno de Ria y Danny, un matrimonio donde todo parece un cuento de hadas, una casa hermosa, dos niños hermosos, un esposo hermoso, amigos, todo perfecto, demasiado perfecto. Un dia Danny le plantea a Ria que el quiere otra cosa en su vida, y es ahi donde el mundo de Ria cae al suelo destrozandose en 10.000 pedazos.
El estilo de Maeve es exquisito, como los personajes se relacionan, los giros inesperados, la felicidad y el dolor, y todo lo que hay en el medio.
Maeve, donde quieras que estes, fue un placer leerte.
https://deseoentrelibros.tumblr.com/post/188372831894/rese%C3%B1a-una-casa-en-irlanda
How beautiful it is to discover new authors that are so good. In my case, discovering Maeve Binchy was wonderful.
I had this book for years stored in my library, with no idea of the jewel I was missing.
Maeve has magic in her hands, the way she describe each character and their stories, without delivering unnecessary details that many times for us readers is like “why so much information? Less is better".
I couldn't leave the book, I enjoy it so much that at times I didn't want to blink.
The story revolves around Ria and Danny, a marriage where everything looks like a fairy tale, a beautiful house, two beautiful children, a beautiful husband, friends, everything is perfect, too perfect. One day Danny tells Ria that he wants something else in his life, and that is where Ria's world falls to the ground destroying into 10.000 pieces.
Maeve's style is exquisite, as the characters relate, unexpected turns, happiness and pain, and everything in between.
Maeve, wherever you are, it was a pleasure to read you.
cjdawn236's review against another edition
2.0
I'm beginning to think Maeve Binchy just isn't my cup of tea. This is the second novel of hers that I've read, and I haven't loved either. Though I think I did enjoy Circle of Friends slightly more (because I at least liked some of the characters). I thought this was going to be more The Holiday-esque, but we never even got to the house exchange portion of the book until halfway through. It did get more interesting at that point - I think I like Marilyn more than most of the other characters in this book - but it was still very slow moving. I typically love character-driven novels, but the majority of the characters in this book were not very likable at all. Overall this book was very "meh" for me.
gail_dancer's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Based in Dublin, the story of Ria’s life spans from awkward teenager, to wedded bliss, children and beyond. The chapters are extremely long so be prepared to set aside enough time to get to the end of one. The writer has you loving some characters at first, then not so much, others you’re not sure about then you grow fond of them. That’s the way this story twists and turns. A heartwarming read of love, life, friendships, and community.
lovecatsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
One of my fave books. Gets better with each read <3
joneskat's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0