Firefly Summer / Echoes

by Maeve Binchy

Book by Maeve Binchy

850 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Anne Maeve Binchy Snell was an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, columnist, and speaker. Her novels were characterised by a sympathetic and often humorous portrayal of small-town life in Ireland, and surprise endings. Her novels, which were translated into 37 languages, sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Her death at age 73, announced by Vincent Browne on Irish television late on 30 July 2012, was mourned as the death of one of Ireland's best-loved and most recognisable writers.
She appeared in the US market, featuring on The New York Times Best Seller list and in Oprah's Book Club. Recognised for her "total absence of malice" and generosity to other writers, she finished third in a 2000 poll for World Book Day, ahead of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King.

Reviews

[Kingfan30 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read quite a few of Maeve Binchy books when I was younger and remember enjoying them. So when I noticed someone on Bookcrossing after a copy through the wish list tag forum I though I would pull this out of the back of the cupboard and revisit this author.

The first in this big book was Firefly Summer and is actually the longest of the two. An American returns to his small family home town and to set up a hotel. This delves into the effects this has on the residents of this small town - the good and the bad. It touches on some difficult subjects and although there a lot of characters and quite a few storylines, it was always easy to follow.

Echoes is also set in a small village although a different one to the first book. Again a lot of characters and several storylines. It’s maybe showing it’s age as the prejudice of wealthy families against those with less than them is generally not such a big deal these days, back in the period this was written, I can imagine it was a massive deal. Again some touchy subjects but I did find this book less entertaining than the first and slightly more frustrating with its views.

The thing that strikes me the most reading her book now is the lack of Irishness. We have family in the north and south and there are sayings and words that they use which we don’t, and there is no sign of them in this book at all, and I feel that’s a shame.

[Laurena Carter-gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book but it is not listed on goodreads and can`t find it. It is called echoes.

[~Emmy~ REYN · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. I have to say. The characters. The Plot. Storylines. The Partnerships. The entire story was written beautifully. For a very long book the ending was just that little bit abrupt - however - very well rounded. Enjoyable.

[Megg J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very slow moving with no story line or excitement... I quit. Good thing I only paid 2$ for it.. back to the used book store it goes!