A favourite author of mine is Maeve Binchy, 1940-2012. I can’t remember when I first started to read her books but I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.
She makes you fall in love with the characters and the setting and many of the books have overlapping characters and places. Quentins pops up in many of her books and there is a book all about it.
Her stories get you involved in the everyday life of everyday people.
When I came across a book I hadn’t read … Minding Frankie, written in 2010, … I immediately plucked it from the shelf of the library. Frankie is a new baby girl who captures everyone’s love and attention. It gives new meaning to the old saying “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Emily arrives from the United States to connect with her homeland and family in Ireland. She immediately fits in and becomes entwined with all the neighbours. Noel discovers that he is the father of a soon to be born baby girl. The mother is terminally ill and wants Noel to raise the child. There is Moira, the social worker, who wants to set out to prove that Noel is an unfit father. He is turning his life around by attending AA meetings and taking classes at the community college. He has a network of family, friends and neighbours set up to look after Frankie when he is working or at college. Muttie and his family are in this story and we’ve met him in previous books. It is revealed he has cancer and not long at all to live. Lisa has left home, is in a one sided love affair and wants to improve herself at college as well. There is the local doctor, the priest, the hair dresser, and others.
The book shows how all these people are intertwined. There are many little independent stories that go on as the main story continues. It’s like its own little village in Dublin.
Some of my favourite books are Circle of Friends, Scarlett Feather, Quentins and Tara Road. Unfortunately no photos of the book covers. It has been awhile since I read any of her books, so it just might be time to read them again.
Have you read any Maeve Binchy books? If so, what was your favourite?
Time to join:
Sarah
One of my favourite authors too and captures Ireland so well, have you read any of Cecelia Ahern book’s?
Crafty Gardener
I haven’t read any of her books but have added her name to my list of authors to check out. Thanks for the recommendation.
somewhereinireland
Maeve Binchy is a great read. My favorite was Tara Road which I bought for my mother but decided to read it first. 🙂 Quentins was another one I loved. Currently I just got the audio book Dublin 4 which I haven’t started listening too. Looking forward to listening maybe later tonight. Enjoy your day and have a wonderful new week and month. Stay safe!
Crafty Gardener
Enjoy the audio book. Thanks for visiting today. Happy reading.
Sarah at SmallWorld Reads
I used to adore Maeve Binchy! I haven’t read her in years, but I loved Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends especially.
Crafty Gardener
Those are 2 of my favourite books too. Thanks for visiting today. Happy reading.
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
I’ve read a few by Maeve Binchy but not for a long time. I hope you enjoy Minding Frankie.
Wishing you a great reading week
Crafty Gardener
I haven’t read her books for a long time either, so time to revisit some of my favourites. Thanks for visiting. Happy reading.
Vondean Erickson
Hi Linda,
I really liked the author Maeve Binchy and felt so sad when I heard she died.
I have read most of her books and should go back and read them again. My first one to read was the Scarlet Feather. My sister and I were talking about her books the other day and how we always enjoyed them. We both agreed Circle of Friends was our favorite.
Our library is closed during the shut down so will have to wait awhile to read some of her books.