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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
Another lovely novella by Maeve Binchy. I just love her easy, comforting style. Reading her is like wrapping yourself in a fuzzy blanket in front of a nice fire on a cold night.
This novella has an interesting method of story telling, telling the same story from eight different points of view. I've not read anything written in that style before and it really works well. It's an interesting study in human nature and how we see ourselves be how others see us; and also the secrets we all carry and those to whom who choose to reveal those secrets. There's a lot of story in these 106 pages. Read it, it won't disappoint you.
This novella has an interesting method of story telling, telling the same story from eight different points of view. I've not read anything written in that style before and it really works well. It's an interesting study in human nature and how we see ourselves be how others see us; and also the secrets we all carry and those to whom who choose to reveal those secrets. There's a lot of story in these 106 pages. Read it, it won't disappoint you.
This book was not a favorite. The first half of the book or so is actually about the lilac bus and its passengers. Each chapter is from each passengers point of view and you learn the different reasons they take the lilac bus back home every weekend. Most of the reason are interesting. The thing that killed me was at the end of the chapter, it kind of left you hanging. And you never get an answer because after you read each person's chapter, the book goes into a totally different direction and gives you 4 short stories that are completely not related to the lilac bus or anyone who rides it. Then those short stories had the same writing style and would build up the story, then leave you hanging again with no endings or resolutions. I did not care for this book and would not take time to read it again.
The lilac bus reminded me, of which I had forgotten, how wonderful and light Maeve Binchy's stories are. I loved that again, like in her other books, the characters were all connected somehow, and even in each of the short stories about the characters they all speak of the same events happening through different eyes.
I couldn't pick a favourite character as I related so much to their stories and their look on life, the two stories I liked the best were Judy and Kev's just because they were funny to read and so unpredictable.
I'm giving the book 4 stars instead of 5 because I really didn't like Nancy Morris but I think she was written to be hated by the reader.
The story flows very well from each characters small narration, I wish it hadn't ended and I could of stayed in Rathdoon a little bit longer
I couldn't pick a favourite character as I related so much to their stories and their look on life, the two stories I liked the best were Judy and Kev's just because they were funny to read and so unpredictable.
I'm giving the book 4 stars instead of 5 because I really didn't like Nancy Morris but I think she was written to be hated by the reader.
The story flows very well from each characters small narration, I wish it hadn't ended and I could of stayed in Rathdoon a little bit longer
What a delightful little read! Thanks Klaudia for buying me this all those years ago, I will probably check out more of her books from the library. I really like that we only spend one weekend with the characters- perfect for those who enjoy people watching. I just wish there was a little bit more- maybe a final chapter of them all getting back on the bus?- and felt that it cut off a bit abruptly!
All the characters in these separate but intertwined stories are on a journey of growth and redemption. There is hope for them although most of them come from difficult families that don't know how to help them thrive.
I had to admire how non-judgemental the text stays as it moves through heartbreak, adultery, and even crime (although there is a cosy conservatism behind it, gendered identities are very conventional and that is inadequately problematised in each context). I really disliked the first chapter and all the references back to it that were meant to be funny I think, but I think this was the one place where the author was a bit nasty to one of the characters.
There is a hint of romance- after all the relationships and situations gone wrong, after all the loneliness and hints of sadness of all the characters there is a quiet coming together that may or may not turn out at the end. I liked it a lot better than more passionate romances that take over the plot- and it seemed there was genuine attraction behind it.
It still wasn't completely my cup of tea, but I could see why a lot of people would love this sort of writing (anyone who likes the Anne of Green Gables series for example). I liked it better than the last Maeve Binchy I read.
I had to admire how non-judgemental the text stays as it moves through heartbreak, adultery, and even crime (although there is a cosy conservatism behind it, gendered identities are very conventional and that is inadequately problematised in each context). I really disliked the first chapter and all the references back to it that were meant to be funny I think, but I think this was the one place where the author was a bit nasty to one of the characters.
There is a hint of romance- after all the relationships and situations gone wrong, after all the loneliness and hints of sadness of all the characters there is a quiet coming together that may or may not turn out at the end. I liked it a lot better than more passionate romances that take over the plot- and it seemed there was genuine attraction behind it.
It still wasn't completely my cup of tea, but I could see why a lot of people would love this sort of writing (anyone who likes the Anne of Green Gables series for example). I liked it better than the last Maeve Binchy I read.
Way too confusing, way too many "unended"stories! I don't understand at all what the writer was hoping to accomplish. Five partial stories does not equal one full story when none of them are even remotely related. I am upset that I finished the book thinking that somehow the stories would make sense or come together....or something!!!
These are quick sketches of a cast of 8 characters who live in Dublin and travel to their small village in Ireland every weekend. Aside from the conceit of every single one of them having a life changing weekend at the same time, this was a satisfying and fun set of stories.
They would be perfect if there was a "six months later" chapter.
They would be perfect if there was a "six months later" chapter.
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A great collection of short stories, woven together into a novella. Superlative character studies that could only be improved if Binchy had written them into a full length novel.