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lbb00ks's review against another edition
Because I was not holding the book in my hand and seeing the pages it took me a while to catch on to and keep straight all of the voices in this story of a holy well and its human environs in Ireland. Although many interconnections become coincidences that strain credulity, the characters are so approachable and heartfelt that I found myself rooting for every improbable end to each vignette.
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
First by author
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: I heard about Maeve Binchy a few years ago, probably after her death. I wasn't sure I'd like her but with my foray into women's literature and with Binchy being Irish, I put her on my list.
Will I read more of the author?Probably Not Maybe Highly Likely
The story structure of this book was unusual; I'm not sure if all her books have multiple characters telling multiple stories that loosely relate to one theme. In some ways I liked this approach and in other ways, I did not. I will try another book to see how it goes.
The narrators were Sile Bermingham and Paul Michael. Ms. Bermingham must have been the main narrator because there were times when I didn't initially grasp it was a man telling the story. I guess Mr. Michael introduced the chapters???
Source: Buffalo Library
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: I heard about Maeve Binchy a few years ago, probably after her death. I wasn't sure I'd like her but with my foray into women's literature and with Binchy being Irish, I put her on my list.
Will I read more of the author?
The story structure of this book was unusual; I'm not sure if all her books have multiple characters telling multiple stories that loosely relate to one theme. In some ways I liked this approach and in other ways, I did not. I will try another book to see how it goes.
The narrators were Sile Bermingham and Paul Michael. Ms. Bermingham must have been the main narrator because there were times when I didn't initially grasp it was a man telling the story. I guess Mr. Michael introduced the chapters???
Source: Buffalo Library
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Classism, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Car accident, Pregnancy, Cancer, Dementia, Incest, and Terminal illness
maeverose's review against another edition
I will be honest I only picked this out because I’ve vaguely known about Maeve Binchy as an author since I was little (because we have the same name and it’s not a common name), and finally decided to try one of her books out of curiosity. I’m not sure this was the best to start with, but the writing style isn’t working for me, and I don’t care for the characters or plot. Skipping ahead there are too many characters and povs, and I’m just not that interested. Might try one of her more popular books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Abandonment, Incest, Kidnapping, and Rape
Minor: Misogyny
(The rape + incest is only implied, not on page. At least as far as I read)monicamjw's review against another edition
4.0
Another charming Binchy story that weaves the lives of locals around a central theme.
caitatoes's review against another edition
5.0
my only real complaint is that the voices in this book all sound very similar to one another, but i don't think that's necessarily detrimental. the book was fun (and yes, somewhat easy) to read and i had a great time reading it.
jennfgarcia's review against another edition
5.0
Great story and I love the amazing way Binchy weaves so many stories in one book.
mariasbooknook1's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
bellebelly's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
3.0
jtlars7's review against another edition
2.0
I always find Maeve Binchy's books very readable, and this one fit that mold, but it was not in the same class as my favorites (Evening Class, Tara Road, Scarlet Feather).