Scan barcode
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
sterialm's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.25
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
I read this on the recommendation of friends; I was traveling to Ireland and asked for suggestions. As I read it on a kindle, I had no idea how long it was! I would probably give it 3.5; it's more than average, but there were some disappointments. I was hoping for a bit more of the flavor of Ireland, and less soap opera. There were some parts I found very interesting, and some that made me mad. When I finished it, I went right on to Circle of Friends while still in Ireland, and came to the conclusion that Binchy had a theme in mind: Don't trust good-looking men! Parts I found disturbing or lacking: the relationship between Colm and his sister, and the redeeming qualities of Bernadette, other than not being demanding on Danny. This did not strike me as the typical Oprah Book.
thameryst's review against another edition
1.0
I think this will be my last ever Maeve Binchy book. I've finally come to terms with the fact that I've outgrown her. I was saddened by this when I began to realize it last year as I read Circle of Friends. I feel as if, from having reading so many of her books, that she can offer me nothing new. When I read several works of an author and start to see that she writes basically the same things over and over again, with only surface things changed, that's the beginning of the end for me. It's odd though, how finding overlapping patterns and formulas in the works of L.M. Montgomery didn't inspire in me a similar desire to abandon her books. I guess my love of Binchy wasn't strong enough to withstand my experience of the utter idiocy of this book.
Nevertheless, I will have fond memories of Maeve Binchy. At seventeen I discovered her through the book Quentins which captured me because it was so emotionally economical, if that makes any sense--I guess I mean it just wasn't the style of books I was used to at the time. I didn't read another Binchy until I was in college and I believe The Glass Lake was my next encounter. That book was a great read. I recall telling the story afterwards to my mother and she became thoroughly engrossed with it as well. After that though, I'm afraid things went downhill. I was unimpressed with Nights of Rain and Stars which came next. I do recall that I started Evening Class, but didn't get to finish it. By then I had come to expect of Binchy a cozy read. I was starting to become cognizant of the formula.
Of course, none of this is any guarantee I won't be tempted to dive into another book sometime in the future when the memory of this sour grape fades. I'll probably be in a mood where I crave Binchy's predictable type of storytelling and want to curl up with the thoughts of that old friend. Maybe I'll have discovered another author to fill her place by then, someone who can take me to new lands of contemplation.
Nevertheless, I will have fond memories of Maeve Binchy. At seventeen I discovered her through the book Quentins which captured me because it was so emotionally economical, if that makes any sense--I guess I mean it just wasn't the style of books I was used to at the time. I didn't read another Binchy until I was in college and I believe The Glass Lake was my next encounter. That book was a great read. I recall telling the story afterwards to my mother and she became thoroughly engrossed with it as well. After that though, I'm afraid things went downhill. I was unimpressed with Nights of Rain and Stars which came next. I do recall that I started Evening Class, but didn't get to finish it. By then I had come to expect of Binchy a cozy read. I was starting to become cognizant of the formula.
Of course, none of this is any guarantee I won't be tempted to dive into another book sometime in the future when the memory of this sour grape fades. I'll probably be in a mood where I crave Binchy's predictable type of storytelling and want to curl up with the thoughts of that old friend. Maybe I'll have discovered another author to fill her place by then, someone who can take me to new lands of contemplation.
m_kayk's review against another edition
2.0
I think I am not a fan of Maeve Binchy. I found Tara Road well written, but I really didn't connect to the characters. The same thing happened for me with another Binchy novel, so I believe I don't like the author or her style.
PopSugar Challenge 2021: A book set in multiple countries.
PopSugar Challenge 2021: A book set in multiple countries.
carlislerose17's review against another edition
3.0
Great concept and well-developed characters, but way too much introduction. The story I signed up for didn't start until nearly 200 pages in. It was also really hard to believe that this all took place in the early 2000s. It seemed much more old-fashioned than that. Good. Not great.
soonerlit22's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
paddiem's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75