I was a little nervous at the beginning of this book when more and more characters were added to the story. Because in real and meaningfull relationships communication is unnecessary! Isn't is all just sooo amazing? This is Serious Stuff! You must Cry! You must Laugh! You must think Deep and Meaningfull thoughts about life and relationships! And there is Nothing Funny about that, young lady!Īnd the cherry on top of this trainwreck? The ending of course, where two people sit together in silent understanding. The author has no sense of humour about the story or the characters. I think I might have been able to enjoy this book a bit if it wasn't so completely serious. Sorry, but I think that would require some sort of emotional bond with the characters. Especially the coupple of mistreated kids who were probably supposed to be the part that makes me cry. There are several other characters as well, but they are equally forgettable and annoying. You see, they are simple Irish folk who just want to make good food, have a solid marriage and make lots of Irish babies. Well, I was bored to tears if that counts?Ĭathy and Tom, the main characters are clueless, stupid and completely lack the ability to stand up for themselves. This book promises that I will be 'laughing and crying with Cathy, Tom and all their friends'. Her cousin Dan Binchy is also a published writer, as is her nephew Chris Binchy. She passed away on 30 July 2012, at the age of 72. The main characters are people whom readers can empathise with.

Her books often deal with people who are young, fall in love, have families, and deal with relationship or family problems. Some of her later novels, such as Evening Class, take place in more modern times. Many of her books, such as Echoes, are set in the past in Ireland. When they were struggling financially, Light a Penny Candle was published, which made her an overnight success. Maeve married Gordon Snell, writer and editor of children's books. After these letters were published, Maeve left teaching and became a journalist. They were so impressed with these chatty letters from all over the world that they decided to send them to a newspaper. While she was away, she sent letters home to her parents. She liked going to different places, such as a Kibbutz in Israel, and she worked in a camp in the United States. She also loved traveling, and this was how she found her niche as a writer. She studied at University College Dublin and was a teacher for a while. Although she described herself as an overweight child, her parents' attitude gave her the confidence to accept herself for who she was. Her parents were very positive and provided her with a happy childhood. Maeve Binchy was born on in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, the eldest child of four.

Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy