Reviews

The Copper Beech by Maeve Binchy

Only show reviews with written explanations

tjwallace04's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-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

"The Copper Beech" is the third book I have read by Maeve Binchy, and it might just be my new favorite, slightly edging out "Circle of Friends." I loved the format of interconnected short stories that paint a vivid picture of twenty years of mid-twentieth century life in the small Irish town of Shancarrig. For me, reading this book was a cycle of loving a chapter/character's story, not wanting it to end, starting the next chapter, and immediately being drawn into that one. It was just a cozy, wholesome, happy reading experience, and I honestly don't think I schedule enough of those types of books into my reading life.

Premise: In the rural town of Shancarrig, there is a huge copper beech tree growing outside the small schoolhouse, where all the community's children carve their names upon graduation. Maura Brennan, Eddie Barton, Nessa Ryan, Leo(nora) Murphy, Foxy Dunne, and Niall Hayes all graduate together in the 1950s. They come from different classes and types of families and have different post-graduate experiences, but they remain in touch and are able to support each other in various ways. The town's teachers, doctor, priest, and storekeeper also play major roles in the life of the community. In 1970, the old schoolhouse is set to be sold, and everyone has a different idea of how it can best be used, but one concept seems absolutely perfect...

My favorite chapters were the ones about Maddie Ross, Eddie, Nora Kelly, and Nessa, although I was disappointed in Maddie's epilogue, which wasn't exactly the happy ending I was hoping for. I mean...I guess she is happy in a cult? 🥴. I absolutely adored Maura as a character, but the end of her chapter made me feel a little squicky. This book has happy moments and poignant moments, romantic moments and heartbreaking moments, just like life. The conclusion of the book really brought everything together for me. It filled my heart and made my eyes a little shiny.

I would recommend this book to readers who want to metaphorically (or maybe actually) snuggle down with a blanket and a cup of tea in front of a fire because that's the kind of feeling "The Copper Beech" gave me. Warm, comforting, intimate, gentle, and ultimately very full of joy.

shananananah's review

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I struggled getting through this book. It was okay and some of the stories were pretty nice. But it definitely wasn’t a page turner and was overall pretty forgettable. Would not recommend.
2 / 5 stars ⭐️

sandra4475's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

It was okay

missbeckyy's review

Go to review page

medium-paced

2.0

schray32's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This was a typical Maeve Binchy novel set in Ireland. Each chapter is a different character's point of view. Very easy light reading that was great poolside. It is about a little town in Ireland and the students lives after they all go to school together.

pamjsa's review

Go to review page

4.0

I've discovered Maeve Binchy rather late in my reading life, but this story has all the components I've come to expect from her novels: realistic characters and a collection of heartening stories that feel real without being overly sentimental. I like that I can never quite tell what's going to happen, even when I can predict some events.