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Circle of Friends

Maeve Binchy

4.04 · Rating details · 59,432 ratings · 1,893 reviews

Big, generous-hearted Benny and the elfin Eve Malone have been best friends growing up in sleepy Knockglen. Their one thought is to get to Dublin, to university and to freedom...

On their first day at University College, Dublin, the inseparable pair are thrown together with fellow students Nan Mahon, beautiful but selfish, and handsome Jack Foley. But trouble is brewing for ...more

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Paperback, 596 pages

Published October 1st 1991 by Dell (first published 1990)

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Oct 30, 2014 Melindam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: womens-fiction, cozy-comfort-read, lovely-makeover-story, wheelaton-5, favourites

This book is the ultimate comfort read for me. A heart-warming, emotionally gratifying & rewarding experience. The one where, after finishing, you just sit & stare out of your head happy & content that again the world has been put to rights.

description

"Circle of Friends" is to me what "The Baronetage" is to Sir Walter Elliot in Persuasion. :)

"...there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; there his faculties were aroused into admiration and respect, ... there any unwelcome sensations ... changed into pity and contempt."

This book is about friendship, love, betrayal, growing up, learning to fight for what is important & learning to let go.

The story takes us to 1957 when Benny (Mary Bernadette) Hogan & Eve Malone are to leave (or are they?) the safe, but limited boundaries of their small Irish hometown of Knockglen -where everyone knows everyone- for the "big, dangerous" city of Dublin.
Benny, an awkward (because she is big and tall), but infinitely kind and funny girl is an only daughter to well-meaning, but elderly parents, who don't seem to realise that she is growing up into a woman. Although they are willing to pay for a university education (strictly Catholic, of course) for Benny, their own plan includes her returning to Knockglen afterwards & marrying her father's assistant (they have a struggling gentlemen's outfit shop), the unappealing, slimy & calculating Sean Walsh.
Eve is an orphan, brought up by the nuns of the Knockglen Catholic Convent (lead by the wonderful, practical Mother Francis), after her late mother's upper-class (Anglo-Irish) family rejects her because she married a low-class, Catholic handyman. She has no funds for university, unless she learns to overcome her pride & ask the Westwards to pay her tuition fee.

In Dublin they meet handsome, popular Jack Foley, cinnamon roll of the University & beautiful, cool Nan Mahon, who is playing a dangerous & ruthless game to get away from her aggressive, drunken father's house both geographically and socially & to land a rich and upper class husband.

The scene is also enriched by a set of very well drawn supporting characters both from the big city & the small town and you cannot help to laugh, cheer, curse or cry as the story unfolds. ...more

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Sep 28, 2009 Dem rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The charm of a Mave Binchy as a writer is her ability to draw the reader in with familiar characters and stories that are relatable and compelling and Circle of Friends is one of those books that has host of well imagined characters whose stories and dramas make for entertaining and easy reading.

I read this book when it first came out and really enjoyed it and when I happened upon it while doing a "Maria Condo" on my bookshelves I felt a strong pull for a cosy fireside read and this one sure d ...more

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Mar 01, 2020 Ines rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Love so much this book!! I wanted something simple, light and immediate. "Circle of friends" really kidnapped my heart, especially in such a strange and difficult period that we are living here in Milano,Italy with this Covid -19.
The plot is the most classic of stories, the friendship between these young girls, then become young women, who moved to Dublin to study at College and then...
The characters are well cared in depth, never presented and then abandoned after few chapters, for each of them Love so much this book!! I wanted something simple, light and immediate. "Circle of friends" really kidnapped my heart, especially in such a strange and difficult period that we are living here in Milano,Italy with this Covid -19.
The plot is the most classic of stories, the friendship between these young girls, then become young women, who moved to Dublin to study at College and then...
The characters are well cared in depth, never presented and then abandoned after few chapters, for each of them we follow the beauty and even the stiff part of their destinies... Maeve Binchy has a very simple writing, but it captures you, or rather that reader’s emotionality part that makes you turn the pages without being able to put down the book.
Eve and Benny are adorable, both in their flaws and fragility but especially by the ability to heal and love their friendship.
Not all is nice and smooth, some characters are terrifying, but even for them the good destiny will reserve something special.
Magnanimity... we’ve forgotten your meaning.

Bello, bellissimo!!!!!! Avevo voglia di qualcosa di semplice, leggero e immediato. Circle of friends mi ha veramente rapita, soprattutto in un periodo così strano e particolare che stiamo vivendo qui a Milano "Coronavirus".
La storia è la piu' classica delle storie, l'amicizia tra queste bambine, poi diventate ragazze, che si trasferiscono a Dublino a studiare e poi....
I personaggi sono ben curati nei minimi particolari, mai presentati e abbandonati dopo pochi capitoli, per ognuno seguiamo il bello e il brutto del loro destino...Maeve Binchy ha una scrittura molto semplice, ma ti cattura, o meglio cattura quell' emotività del lettore che ti fa poi incollare alle pagine senza riuscire a mettere giù il libro.
Eve e Benny sono adorabili, sia nei loro difetti e fragilità ma soprattutto dalla capacità di saper curare ed amare quella loro amicizia.
Non tu va avanti positivamente, alcuni personaggi sono terrificanti, ma anche per loro il destino buono riserverà qualcosa di speciale..
Magnanimità... ti abbiamo dimenticata ormai ...more

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Aug 24, 2007 Holly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: socalled-chick-lit, general-fiction

I confess to loving what we at the bookstore used to consider "old lady novels." You know, written by nice old ladies, and featuring stock characters such as "Comfortable old lady who smells like violets," "Troubled young boy who will probably run away, thus becoming the catalyst to resolve the troubles of his father, who is..." "Bitter middle aged widower who just needs a little lovin'," and "Beautiful woman who provides said lovin'."

Well, I've moved on from Rosamunde Pilcher, though The Shell ...more

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Oct 20, 2017 Hannah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

5 Stars - Superb book!

I loved this book!! It’s so well written and the character development is amazing. I kept taking this one off my to-read this, but boy am I glad I decided to put it back on. The best way I can think of to describe this book is that it’s a cozy read with a bit of a bite near the end. It’s so beautifully brilliant. Just FYI, I’m still flying high on this book so this review may be disjointed and messy.

I liked the way the book moved; it’s rhythm. It wasn’t slow moving but it w 5 Stars - Superb book!

I loved this book!! It’s so well written and the character development is amazing. I kept taking this one off my to-read this, but boy am I glad I decided to put it back on. The best way I can think of to describe this book is that it’s a cozy read with a bit of a bite near the end. It’s so beautifully brilliant. Just FYI, I’m still flying high on this book so this review may be disjointed and messy.

I liked the way the book moved; it’s rhythm. It wasn’t slow moving but it wasn’t action packed. I think the best way I can describe it is that it seemed natural. I could believe that all of these things were happening to these characters. Things developed organically and I don’t think that happens enough in books.

Similarly, the plot seemed to be so realistic and lifelike that it worked so well. I believe that Benny’s parents were very protective (and supportive). I could believe and understand Eve’s frustration, to say the least, with Simon Westward. I understood Nan’s desire to be someone different. It all made sense because the characters were in very relatable situations or at the least, I could relate to the emotions and feelings, if not the exact situation.

I also liked that the author gave us two different views of Ireland: city and countryside, Dublin and Knockglen. I like that the book dispelled some of my cliche thoughts about Ireland. I mean that, this book dealt with subjects that, when associated with Ireland, take on a specific historical/political/social context (religion, sex, family obligation abortion, etc.). I was not expecting some of the takes/views on some of those subjects and it was a nice surprise (also maybe revealed some of my preconceived notions about Ireland).

My favorite aspect of this book is the characters and my absolute favorite is Benny Hogan, our main character. I think the main reason she’s my favorite is because her character development is so relatable and honestly inspiring. She goes from a shy, fumbling, almost meek girl to a confident, centered, smart, kind young woman. I can’t do her justice so please read the book and enjoy with me. For those of you who have read it, (view spoiler).

I also liked how Eve was the best friend for Benny. Sure, she made her mistakes. They both did, but in the end they knew each other so well and that is what they both needed. I have a lot of strong and conflicting feelings about Nan. First things first, her home life sucked and her father was an ass - no way around that. However, I felt that she wasn’t justified acting the way she did. (view spoiler)

One quick side note about the movie. So, I haven’t seen it and didn’t even know there was one until I googled it just before writing this and then subsequently read the Wikipedia page. I will not being seeing it. I get that movies are never exactly like the book. But the movie based on those book leaves out some MAJOR characters/story elements. (view spoiler) And it’s such a same because the movie has a fantastic cast. Alan Cumming as Sean Walsh seems absolutely brilliant.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! It was just what I needed to read at this moment and I’m so glad I did. ...more

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Jan 29, 2017 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it liked it

Shelves: a-own-book-form, got-in-2013, 3-star, drama-gen-fiction, reviewed, read-in-2017, too-much-head-hopping

Pros - The writing style itself with wording isn't bad. It has a smooth and warm tone that fits the genre. Characters are mainly likeable, especially the main Benny and her friend Eve, two girls who bonded despite being in such different circumstances. The ending isn't predictable but it's a peaceful one. There's a surprise that pops up with one of the characters showing their real face, so not everything is sedate

Cons - The lengthy book is a story of unfolding and developing relationships, but ...more

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Aug 05, 2013 Trish at Between My Lines rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Do you have a favourite pair of old jeans? Worn to death, washed to that perfect comfortable feel, not the latest edgy trendy cut and colour but still a firm favourite. They are a perfect fit and make you feel good. Ones you pull out and wear time after time? Circle of Friends is the book equivalent of those jeans for me. Around forever, radiating warmth, full of humour and with a gossipy, uplifting plot. Yes, it’s another of my comfort books.

Big hearted, generous Benny is the main character. Fr Do you have a favourite pair of old jeans? Worn to death, washed to that perfect comfortable feel, not the latest edgy trendy cut and colour but still a firm favourite. They are a perfect fit and make you feel good. Ones you pull out and wear time after time? Circle of Friends is the book equivalent of those jeans for me. Around forever, radiating warmth, full of humour and with a gossipy, uplifting plot. Yes, it’s another of my comfort books.

Big hearted, generous Benny is the main character. From a child, she has been heavy or as others non too delicately put it – a lump of a child, a heifer, large and square. On her 10th birthday, she is expecting a princess party dress to transform her but instead she gets a ‘sturdy, hard wearing outfit’ that her parents have finished off with matching shoes and handbag. Benny never tells them that this broke her heart instead she smiles through the pain and pretends excitement.

This book focuses on Benny and best friend Eve leaving their small, country town to attend college in Dublin. Benny is vibrant, charismatic, funny and tender hearted. In Dublin, Benny and Eve find new battles to be fought, new friends to be made as they struggle to make their way in a rapidly changing Ireland. On their college menu is fun and frolics and a side order of backstabbing . The book is set in the 1950’s but despite the older setting, it’s very much a case that the problems faced by college going folks never changes. I faced the challenges in the 90s that Benny faced in the 50’s. I have no doubt the themes of friendship, loyalty, the difference in values and attitudes between parents and teenagers and issues over image are timeless and will continue to have meaning to new generations of readers.

The first line draws me in

“The kitchen was full of the smells of baking”

This sounds like my home growing up where my mother was forever baking for all of us. It feels nostalgic and familiar. From that first line to the last line, I’m wrapped up in a rosy glow.

The setting is so authentic, it catches an Ireland that is long gone but captured forever within the pages of Maeve Binchy’s books. A time when church had as much importance as the government. Communities where everyone knew you and all your business. If you coughed in your bedroom in privacy, the next day half the town would ask you how you chest infection was and remind you that lung problems run in your family and to make sure and look after it! A time when the younger generation were pulling the older generation kicking and screaming into the ‘racier’ 1950’s. Where a new jukebox in town caused uproar and new fashions such as miniskirts scandalised the more conservative.

The book has a huge cast of great characters. All of them, full of life and fleshed out with remarkable detail. However, it’s Benny that won my heart. I was overweight when I was younger too and I can identify with the trouble this caused her. I had lost weight by the time I was college age but I know how it can eat away at you and destroy your confidence.

“He drew her a little closer which was great except that she feared the place he had his hand on her back was just the part where the heavy-duty bra ended and there was a small roll of flesh. God suppose he held that bit of her – it would be like a lifebelt. How could she get him to move his hand up her back? How? These were things you needed to know in life, rather than what was set out in a syllabus for you.”

This book makes me smile and I’m always rooting for Benny with her heart of gold. For a while she lives her fairy tale but unlike a fairy tale this one does not end happily ever after. Something I really appreciated about this book, it was realistic but still ended on an optimistic but not ridiculous note. Until they made a movie and changed the ending. Why? WHY? It made me so mad.

Who should read this?

Highly recommended to all who like character driven books, books with a strong sense of place with a heart warming and uplifting vibe. There is a reason Maeve Binchy sold more than 40 million copies of her books and if you have never read one, then this would be a good one to try ...more

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Jul 22, 2007 Sondang rated it it was amazing

Shelves: myfavouriteofalltimes

Still one of my favourite books. Best written book ever. Okey, I love Maeve Binchy, but this book is smashing. I love it from the first until the last page.
You'll love all the characters, especially the friendship between Benny and Eve. And eventhough you loathes Nan's behavior, somehow you'll understand her. You'll fall in love very quickly at Jack Folley, and as soon as that you'll find yourself annoyed by his taken-for-granted-act- to our lovable Benny.
As other's Maeve writing, it's all detai ...more

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Jun 06, 2018 Liz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What a treat! It had been a while since I read a book that made me sad when turning the last page, though I was glad the way it ended.

I liked all the characters. We meet Benny who becomes best friends with Eve when they’re 10. The friendship pretty much solidifies when Benny pushes a classmate that’s bullying Eve. Eve tells her- “someday, when I’m big and strong, I’ll knock someone down for you.”
Their friendship remains strong through out the story despite how opposite they are and the many sit ...more

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Oct 18, 2014 Lisa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Really enjoyable story predominantly following two young girls who grow up together in a small town in Ireland. The story mainly focuses on when they go to University together in Dublin and encompasses the story of their friends there and in their home town.
It's a family saga with plenty going on and loveable characters. I listened to this on audio and it was beautifully narrated - a lovely heart warming story. ...more

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Jan 02, 2021 Crumb rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Softly en'circled' my heart. ...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Erin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This remains my favorite book by Maeve Binchy!

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Sep 07, 2020 Suanne Laqueur rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

(Happy sigh)

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Nov 02, 2017 Syndi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Heart warming story about love and friendship. How fate and personality can clash and destroy innocent dream/ hope. This book is classic. I like it OK. I feel bit dragging on the character development. Nevertheless this is a romantic and sweet book.

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Nov 30, 2012 Engy Moussa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Never before an author managed to keep me awake all night and hours beyond sun rise to finish their novel.
But Binchy did! And she did it twice.. Once about two years ago with The Glass Lake when I stayed with the book in my hand all night until 8 in the morning when I finally finished it AND yesterday as I stayed in bed from 11:30 till almost 7 in the morning with the little lamp guiding my eyes page after page as I impatiently yet gladly follow Binchy's plots..
No praise a humble reading like my ...more

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Sep 27, 2017 Obsidian rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: tbr-2017, 2017-library-love-challenge

This book was over 700 pages! Seriously. At one point I nodded off and I think my finger kept moving or something so I woke up to a totally different place in the book, and did not go back. I just couldn't.

I really do love Maeve Binchy's works and since I saw the movie version of this, I really wanted to read this. If I had known how long it was and how some parts deviated from the book though, I would have passed.

I think the biggest issue is that at first the book focuses on two school children ...more

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May 05, 2016 Quirkyreader rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was major comfort food during a very rainy week. There were parts of this story that had me crying and parts that got me upset with some of the characters. I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.

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Sep 06, 2020 *The Angry Reader* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020, best-of-2020, favorites

There is generally something a bit nerve-racking in the reread. If i loved a book enough to want to read it again considering all of the wonderful books out there, I’m taking quite the risk that I’ll hate it this time. There have been a number of books I read five years ago when my love for romance really sparked that are absolutely dreadful on the reread. Bad enough that I’m embarrassed for past-me and her bad bad taste.
So can you imagine the stress of rereading a book I adored in 1995 - when ...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Jenna St Hilaire rated it really liked it · review of another edition

My friend Elizabeth bought this book for me, saying that Binchy’s writing is peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable to read. It is that. But I also had to stay up reading it till three A.M. in desperate suspense.

It wasn’t due to relentless pacing or swift-moving prose. Binchy’s writing career apparently began before the modern outcry against things like the passive verb and the third person omniscient voice. Her brief sentences and snappy dialogue generally kept the scenes from dragging, though, and I My friend Elizabeth bought this book for me, saying that Binchy’s writing is peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable to read. It is that. But I also had to stay up reading it till three A.M. in desperate suspense.

It wasn’t due to relentless pacing or swift-moving prose. Binchy’s writing career apparently began before the modern outcry against things like the passive verb and the third person omniscient voice. Her brief sentences and snappy dialogue generally kept the scenes from dragging, though, and I appreciated the easygoing nature of the tale.

The characters delighted me. Taking the secondary cast for now, I particularly loved Mother Francis, Kit Hegarty, Heather, Aidan, Clodagh and Fonsie. I wound up liking Bill a good bit, too. He could be a touch tactless, but he seemed like a solid, good-natured guy. I rather wish we’d gotten more of him.

Benny is an incredibly sympathetic protagonist. Most women know the feeling of having some physical flaw that we fear will turn men away, and when that flaw is noticeable enough to be pointed out again and again and again by everyone, it turns to torment. Benny’s humor and grace throughout make her lovable, someone I couldn't help wanting to be like.

Eve is just as likable in her own way, primarily for her intense loyalty and sharp wit. She and Aidan share quite a few hilarious little dialogues; they and Clodagh and Fonsie provide much of the comedy in the story. And I’ve got to admit, I’ve made numerous re-reads of the scene where Eve confronts Nan, just for the satisfaction of her fierce defense of her friend and her home. Even though part of that defense was rather indefensible.

The friendship between Eve and Benny carries the tale, beneath the numerous perspectives and the sweet but doomed romance. Yeah, I suppose that’s a little spoilerific. But that “sweet but doomed” bit is exactly why I stayed up till three—it was all so tender, and I really wanted it to work out, but I had myself braced for an explosion.

I didn’t brace hard enough.

The ending itself was beautiful and admirable and exactly what it should have been, if you’ll grant me the nitpicky writerly whim of disliking the last two lines as used together. I knew just why Binchy ended it the way she did, and the reasonable half of me cheers.

Now, spoiler.

(view spoiler)

This book has been made into a movie—Minnie Driver’s first lead role, I believe, and with improvements enough to Jack’s character to pull off a classic happy ending. Both of which interest me in watching it; I am rather fond of happy endings and Minnie Driver. I like Chris O’Donnell, who plays Jack, too. On the other hand, the trailer makes it sound as if the movie’s theme is more “Catholic girls and sex” than friendship, which is unfortunate. Binchy does give an interesting and nuanced depiction of the former, but it’s a subservient theme and anyway, I’m not sure I trust the film industry to treat it quite so fairly. ...more

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Dec 08, 2009 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction, chick-lit, 2010

This has probably been my favorite Maeve Binchy book that I have read so far. One of the things that I like about Binchy is that she is very good at describing the characters and giving the back story of the characters.

Circle of Friends tell the story of Benny and Eve, friends who grow up in a small town in Ireland. They go off to university in Dublin where their circle of friends grows and their lives change greatly. This is a story of friends and the changes we go through as we grow up.

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Jan 15, 2019 Annie ⚜️ rated it liked it · review of another edition

I liked the movie so much I had to read the book when I saw it was based on one. Sadly, I didn't care for it as much and I've never read another Maeve Binchy since. ...more

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Oct 21, 2019 Amy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

One of my favorite Binchy books. Strictly comfort reading.

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Jan 22, 2013 Jen rated it did not like it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book starts off very slowly, with an opening chapter regarding the meeting of Benny and Eve (the main characters of the novel). It's a chapter that does very little than to show that Benny comes from a good family, and Eve is an orphan being raised by nuns. The chapter itself is very long, boring, and honestly doesn't feel like has any purpose for the rest of the story, which then takes place 7 years later. In a way, I am more angry at the fact this chapter happened, since it barely served This book starts off very slowly, with an opening chapter regarding the meeting of Benny and Eve (the main characters of the novel). It's a chapter that does very little than to show that Benny comes from a good family, and Eve is an orphan being raised by nuns. The chapter itself is very long, boring, and honestly doesn't feel like has any purpose for the rest of the story, which then takes place 7 years later. In a way, I am more angry at the fact this chapter happened, since it barely served as a good enough introduction to the created town of Knockglen, and the later development (or lack there of) in the future characters of Benny and Eve.

Eventually, Benny grows from being a sheltered 10 year old to being a sheltered 19/20 year old about to attend a Dublin university. Eve herself somehow develops a nasty temper, and is about to start working for a convent also in Dublin. By an unfortunate accident, Benny and Eve meet a group of students who will later be considered their circle of friends (see what I did there?) through the school year. Random events, both good and bad, happen to Benny and Eve, all somehow involving Nan Mahon, Jack Foley, and a bunch of other Knockglen residents and Dublin students whom I didn't pay attention to. Many times the author describes in detail characters who the reader will eventually find have little use to the overall plot of the story (ex: Jack Foley's parents, Patsy and Moosy). In the end, it all reads quite like a soap opera, with a lot of unnecessary antics in between the main story lines of Benny and Eve. Sometimes, I felt the author seemed to tempt me with some kind of worthy 3-dimensional character in Nan or Benny, only to have that snatched away by a scene that portrayed them as inconsistent or backward from how I had pictured them.

The plot felt like Binchy tossed together a lot of twists. They would of been exciting, except Binchy's writing could be so banal, so monotone that it was hard to tell if something truly tragic/joyous happened or Binchy was just stating a fact. For example, when Benny and Eve witness a student's tragic car accident, Binchy wrote the scene as if they simply crossed the street and happened to find a parked car rather than a dead body. I know that sounds cruel, but I don't know how else to explain it. More dramatic scenes should of used more dramatic language. Binchy did not have a grasp of that.

Another thing that bothered me was how Binchy described moments where I'm sure dialogue would of been much better than prose. What the characters could of said would probably show more about themselves to the reader than having their actions described word for word. This happens to every major conversation in the book, where Binchy describes what is said rather than how it is said. Example:

She [Nan] told him that she was going to London. She hoped to do a course in dress-designing. She wanted to be away for a while. She didn't really know exactly what she did want, but she knew what she didn't want.

I feel like you could of gotten a bit of insight into how Nan talked or what words she chose to handle the situation. Yet it's as if dialogue was nothing but dribble in literature that should be ignored, rather than a tool for character insight. Ugh.

There were few, rare moments where the writing style comes through and the story drew me in for a bit. Benny's and Jack's early romance had a sweetness to it. The simplicity of the writing seemed perfect to write an innocent, naive love. I kept reading mainly because I wanted to know if they would truly fall apart (plus, I never trusted that Jack - god what a terribly written character). And maybe the scene of Eve's party is somewhat described more strongly than the other tense moments in the book. Otherwise, much of the other scenes felt like jumbled events happening in an already boring world.

...more

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Mar 13, 2008 Sara rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Sara by: Jen Pawlowski

The best part about this book was the characters and how well they are portrayed. Everyone had thier own distinct personality and thier personality shown through as if Binchy were writing about people she's known her whole life.

I personally found the storyline a little slow for my liking, and it took me a long time to get through this book. However, it was well written and I enjoyed it. The character of Nan fascinated me the most. I've known girls like her, so poise and perfect in every way... d ...more

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Mar 02, 2015 Jan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I debated. four stars? five stars? I really liked this story about two girls who grow up in a small town and go to college in Dublin. Benny and Eve are fierce friends in a circle of friends who contain some who are not so true in the end. Is it a perfect book? Probably not. Did I enjoy it? Yes! The moral lines are subtle, but they are there. All the characters are fully drawn and the plot kept me reading - quite late on the night I finished it.

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May 31, 2013 Carmen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A lovely story with well portrayed characters.

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Dec 11, 2020 Emma Deplores Goodreads Censorship rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: female-friendship, historical-fiction, best-10-books-read-in-2020, world-books-challenge, 4-stars-and-a-half, ireland

4.5 stars

I’d never read Binchy before, but had a great time with this warm and immersive novel, centering on two young women starting college in the big city (Dublin) while remaining connected to their hometown (the fictional Knockglen). Benny and Eve are best friends and both wonderful characters. Benny is a people-pleaser trying to escape her loving but overprotective parents, while stressing about her large body and an unexpected but fraught romance with the campus heartthrob. Eve is an orpha 4.5 stars

I’d never read Binchy before, but had a great time with this warm and immersive novel, centering on two young women starting college in the big city (Dublin) while remaining connected to their hometown (the fictional Knockglen). Benny and Eve are best friends and both wonderful characters. Benny is a people-pleaser trying to escape her loving but overprotective parents, while stressing about her large body and an unexpected but fraught romance with the campus heartthrob. Eve is an orphan raised by nuns, and is spiky and proud and determined and generally the type of character that I love; she has to figure out how to pay for college and negotiate complicated relationships with her blood relatives, while also having a romance that is refreshingly drama-free and not the center of her story.

It’s also the story of a lot of other people in the town and the college, and so in large part it’s one of those small-town novels where everybody’s in each other’s business and many minor characters’ stories play out in the background, often to amusing or heartwarming effect. The book wanders in and out of lots of people’s lives, drawing the reader into their community. Some favorites: Mother Francis, an awesome nun (how often do you encounter fictional clergy who have actual emotional lives?); Heather, a lonely girl obsessed with animals; Clodagh and Fonsie reinventing their families’ businesses and revitalizing the town; Aidan’s silly banter. There’s a lot of dialogue, which brings the characters to life: Jack’s glib charm and Sean Walsh’s condescending sleaziness radiate from the pages. And the author does an expert job of moving things along to keep the readers engaged even though, for the most part, nothing very dramatic is happening.

Admittedly, I liked the principals enough that I wished their horizons were a bit wider, their stories more dramatic than going to college and dating some boys. The “circle of friends” Benny and Eve meet in college isn’t all that great: the boys are mostly pretending to be girls’ friends while trying to get laid (realistic enough for 18-year-old boys I suppose) while the other girls are backstabbers competing for male attention. There are also a few elements in the last quarter of the book I wasn’t thrilled with: There’s a melodramatic confrontation in which the scenery intervenes to punish a character’s misdeeds (though the scene could be interpreted differently). There’s a quick reference whose implications are never explored but that changed my view of Mother Francis for the worse: (view spoiler). And one character’s ending left me sad when everyone in the book seemed happy about it: (view spoiler).

That said, those are quibbles about a book that had me very invested in the characters and their stories. I enjoyed this a lot and felt good reading it, although the story has plenty of moments of difficulty and even tragedy. And it was interesting to read about life in 1950s Ireland: the Catholic/Protestant divide is quite prominent, without ever feeling like the author had set out to educate the reader. Binchy’s other books might not appeal to me as much, but I’d definitely read this one again. ...more

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Mar 23, 2020 Iza Brekilien rated it really liked it

Shelves: irish-literature, irish-readathon

Reviewed for Books and livres

I loved reading this book, that began with how the two main characters, Benny and Eve, met when they were about ten. Loved it but not adored it, it was a bit long, you see, almost 600 pages. The story, heartwarming as it was, could have been a wee little shorter. Or maybe it's just that I want to finish #TheIrishReadathon in time - I don't deal well with pressure even when I chose, that's how weird I am. (Though the last books I wanted to read for it are on my desk a Reviewed for Books and livres

I loved reading this book, that began with how the two main characters, Benny and Eve, met when they were about ten. Loved it but not adored it, it was a bit long, you see, almost 600 pages. The story, heartwarming as it was, could have been a wee little shorter. Or maybe it's just that I want to finish #TheIrishReadathon in time - I don't deal well with pressure even when I chose, that's how weird I am. (Though the last books I wanted to read for it are on my desk at the library, a place I'm almost beginning to forget !)

Anyway it was a lovely story, I loved Benny and her big heart, with a personality that is beginning to build when she tries to get out of the reach of her parents. I loved Eve and her temper ! I also absolutely adored the witty banter between Eve and Aidan :
"When are you going to stop fighting this hopeless physical passion you have for me and succumb. Allow yourself to have your way with me."
"Wouldn't you drop dead if I said I would ?"
"I'd recover pretty quickly, I tell you."
"Well, it mightn't happen for a while. The succumbing bit I mean. A good while."
"That's the trouble about being brought up by nuns. I might have to wait forever."
"They weren't nearly as bad as everyone says."
"When are you going to take me to meet them ?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Why not ? I took you to meet my family."
"You didn't. They just happened to be there."
"You didn't arrange for your nuns to rent motorbikes and roar up to the party. I think that was socially inept of you", Aidan said.
"They couldn't make it," Eve explained. "Friday's their poker night and they just won't change for anyone."

I didn't like Jack, even if I could understand the appeal of this handsome, charming guy. And I never liked Nan even if I felt sorry at one point, tired as she was being so young because she tried to achieve her (and her mother's) life plan.
The group of friends was lively, the characters were good, so was the story, I laughed and cried - I just wish it was a little shorter.

"Are there women after you in College ?" Aengus asked Jack Foley.
"I never looked." Jack wasn't concentrating.
"You'd know. They'd be breathing heavily," Aengus explained. ...more

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Jan 31, 2017 Lainy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Time taken to read - on and off for 7 days

Pages - 722

Publisher - Arrow

Blurb from Goodreads

Big, generous-hearted Benny and the elfin Eve Malone have been best friends growing up in sleepy Knockglen. Their one thought is to get to Dublin, to university and to freedom...

On their first day at University College, Dublin, the inseparable pair are thrown together with fellow students Nan Mahon, beautiful but selfish, and handsome Jack Foley. But trouble is brewing for Benny and Eve's new circle of fri Time taken to read - on and off for 7 days

Pages - 722

Publisher - Arrow

Blurb from Goodreads

Big, generous-hearted Benny and the elfin Eve Malone have been best friends growing up in sleepy Knockglen. Their one thought is to get to Dublin, to university and to freedom...

On their first day at University College, Dublin, the inseparable pair are thrown together with fellow students Nan Mahon, beautiful but selfish, and handsome Jack Foley. But trouble is brewing for Benny and Eve's new circle of friends, and before long, they find passion, tragedy - and the independence they yearned for.

My Review

A story of friendship, Benny and Eve come from very different backgrounds. Benny is well loved, cared for and the apple of her parents eye. Eve is an orphan, raised by the Sisters and despite having living family members Eve has no one but the Sisters. Benny and Eve spark a friendship from bairns that lasts them unto adulthood. We watch the girls grow, love, hurt and become adults facing the world and its challenges.

This is one of those stories that the reader can relate to at least one character if not more throughout the tale. Friendship plays a huge role and it is always heartwarming in any story to see a strong element throughout. But with friendship often comes betrayal, hurt or both and this tale covers all the bases. Eve is a hard to trust wee soul, due to all she has been through you completely appreciate when she is coming from. Benny we see go through a journey of self growth and turn from a bit of a spoiled child into a warm and lovely young lady.

Set in Ireland the girls are from a small town and cannot wait to escape, they meet Nan, beautiful, confident and a girl who knows exactly what she wants. The trio are very different and bring depths to the tale that make the vast differences shine. It also emphasizes the things you love about characters and the things you hate. I think this was my first Binchy, it won't be my last 3/5 for me this time. Whilst I really enjoyed the Irish setting and lots of the themes there were aspects that frustrated and irritated me.
...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-deficient, im-a-novel-you-know-what-i-mean

More like 2.5. I was feeling in the mood to read something cozy and glurge-y that I didn't need to use much brainpower to read. So something made me think of this. I suspect it was seeing the third of the Dark Knight Batman films, and being reminded of the previous series of Batman films. Yes, there is a connection — Batman Forever featured Chris O'Donnell as Robin, and in the movie version of this book (which came out in the same year) he played the male lead. (For a while he was a major teen h ...more

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About Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy

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Maeve Binchy was born on 28 May 1940 in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, the eldest child of four. Her parents were very positive and provided her with a happy childhood. Although she described herself as an overweight child, her parents' attitude gave her the confidence to accept herself for who she was.

She studied at University College Dublin and was a teacher for a while. She also loved travelin ...more

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“Who knows what light housework means? One nun’s light could be another nun’s penal servitude.” — 6 likes

“Eve showed Aidan how to rake the range. “I think when we’re married we might have something more modern,” he grumbled. “No, surely with the eight children we can have them stoking it, going up the chimney even.” — 2 likes

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