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carka88's review against another edition
2.0
I thought the characters weren't nearly as developed as her earlier novels. I felt the same was true of her last novel, Nights of Rain and Stars, as well.
nicole_p's review against another edition
1.0
Didn't finish this one, as I really didn't care about the characters or the story. She introduces SO many characters and the story line that connects them is thin and uninteresting. She gives me little reason to care about whether this road goes through their town or not. When I'm past the halfway point and I begin forcing myself to pick up and read and I'm hoping every time that NOW I'll get lost in the story, but then don't, it's time to pick a new book. As both a student and teacher, my discretionary reading time is too rare and precious.
khoerner7's review against another edition
3.0
This was an average read for Maeve Binchy. It was more a collection of short stories around a central theme, how a new road would change a small community in Ireland. She tied thins up nicely in the end and it was a quiet read.
pamelas's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy Maeve Binchy's books--light-hearted, excellent character development and described with such a good voice, I am practically speaking in an Irish accent when I put her books down.
This book was no different--I felt like I had gone to the town of Rossmore and met many of the people who lived there, including two in the prison. She tells the story of a proposed bypass through the voices of the townspeople--each chapter is a different voice. I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition of one person's viewpoint with another going through the same experience. Perfect book to read at the beach--or during the busy, frantic holiday season when you need an escape!
This book was no different--I felt like I had gone to the town of Rossmore and met many of the people who lived there, including two in the prison. She tells the story of a proposed bypass through the voices of the townspeople--each chapter is a different voice. I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition of one person's viewpoint with another going through the same experience. Perfect book to read at the beach--or during the busy, frantic holiday season when you need an escape!
njschultz2010's review against another edition
4.0
A nice collection of stories that intertwine with the primary theme of a well in Whitethorn Woods. Enjoyable!
aklibrarychick's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy Maeve Binchy's books. She is wonderful at creating an atmosphere that just draws you in to her world. That being said, this was not one of my favorites of hers. Yes, I enjoyed it, but it was a little more scattered than some of her books, and I didn't feel it was wrapped up well. Loved the character of Neddy - he says something about how he's learned that getting the last word isn't important, and that's why he's able to get along with everyone. There's a lot of wisdom in that!
patsy12's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun book, because there were so many different stories I didn’t get bored despite it being a light meaningless read. It was funny at times and some of the stories were kind of unbelievable but told in a way that made it seem as though it might just have happened. Well done Marj x
tollbaby's review against another edition
4.0
Nearly the entirety of the book is snippets of people's lives in the town of Rossmore. Every chapter presents two new characters. And then the last chapter is the denouement of the entire story. It was a very odd read, but very enjoyable :)