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pamelarope's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite stand alone novel of all time. I strongly relate to the main character and feel affection towards her and a lot of the other characters. Circle of Friends is just a comfort read for me--I know what's going to happen but I love reading it anyway. I recommend it to everyone. Also DO NOT watch the movie--it doesn't even compare.
jpmindful50's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the story of this book a lot, however I found the writing style kept me distant from the characters. I felt for each of them, but never felt truly close to any of them.
sallyluvs2read's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this novel and am becoming a fan of Maeve Binchey.
This novel takes place in the late 40's to late 50's Ireland in a small town outside of Dublin centered around two girls, Eve and Benny who are friends from childhood. It takes us through their acheivements and sorrows. It show how they become stronger through their trials. Binchey had a way of just telling enough about what a charcter was going through and then moving on the next character which encourage's you to keep rading to find out what happens. It was dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit. She makes you fall in love with the right characters and despise the one's that deserve to be despised.
I loved how the friendship between handsome Jack Foley and Benny grew and then ended. I hated how ambitious Nan was especially when it meant hurting her friends and putting herself before everyone else including the men in her life who pled complete devotion to her. I loved how all the secrets of the different characters were open to the reader and how delicious the sins were. But I enjoyed seeing everyone get caught no matter discreet they thought they were.
This novel takes place in the late 40's to late 50's Ireland in a small town outside of Dublin centered around two girls, Eve and Benny who are friends from childhood. It takes us through their acheivements and sorrows. It show how they become stronger through their trials. Binchey had a way of just telling enough about what a charcter was going through and then moving on the next character which encourage's you to keep rading to find out what happens. It was dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit. She makes you fall in love with the right characters and despise the one's that deserve to be despised.
I loved how the friendship between handsome Jack Foley and Benny grew and then ended. I hated how ambitious Nan was especially when it meant hurting her friends and putting herself before everyone else including the men in her life who pled complete devotion to her. I loved how all the secrets of the different characters were open to the reader and how delicious the sins were. But I enjoyed seeing everyone get caught no matter discreet they thought they were.
gingeroftheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Circle of Friends exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with Benny and her friends. If I were to describe the novel to someone, I would tell them it evokes a similar feeling to Gilmore Girls. And Jack Foley... I have so many words for you. The last few paragraphs were beautiful. This book is so comforting. Unfortunately, I did not care about all of the side characters' storylines.
leona28's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed so many aspects of this book including Binchy's writing style. I loved how Binchy showed the importance of friendship. The characters are so well developed throughout and even the minor characters were given so much detail in the book. The way in which Binchy describes the local characters of Knockglen really reminded me of how some communities can be and how gossip can spread like wildfire. Overall this book felt like a real comfort read and I really enjoyed it! Will definitely be picking up more Maeve Binchy books in the future.
Synopsis:
Generous-hearted Benny and Eve Malone have been best friends throughout their childhoods in sleepy Knockglen. When they both go to study in Dublin, they meet a circle of friends that includes handsome Jack Foley and the selfish but beautiful Nan Mahon - whose ambitions will drag them all into trouble.
As Knockglen is surprised into new life the two girls, Benny and Eve, discover that among the many distractions of growing up true friendship is the greatest gift of all.
Synopsis:
Generous-hearted Benny and Eve Malone have been best friends throughout their childhoods in sleepy Knockglen. When they both go to study in Dublin, they meet a circle of friends that includes handsome Jack Foley and the selfish but beautiful Nan Mahon - whose ambitions will drag them all into trouble.
As Knockglen is surprised into new life the two girls, Benny and Eve, discover that among the many distractions of growing up true friendship is the greatest gift of all.
jdelloso's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nadoislandgirl's review against another edition
3.0
It is indeed a circle of friends - with all the tensions, drama, love and care that go with that. Who wouldn't love sweet Benny, the over-coddled girl as she tries to leave home and make her way in the world?
I wanted to hug some characters and and I wanted to punch some characters. Does that make this a good book? Maybe.
I wanted to hug some characters and and I wanted to punch some characters. Does that make this a good book? Maybe.
graham_greene_lantern's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75