Maeve's Diary: From Maeve Binchy's Column in the 'Irish Times'

by Maeve Binchy

Book

118 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

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

[Jane]

I have all Maeve's books, even this one. If I could only read one author for the rest of my life, it would be Maeve Binchy. Her books are treasures.

[Alayne]

3 and a half stars. This was very topical - from the late 1970s! It also was very badly edited - or not edited at all - with wrong words and bad punctuation. However it was interesting from a historical point of view, and the fact that nothing much has changed in nearly 50 years. The very first line starts with "Prince Charles will be 30 by the time you read this..." which tells the reader everything they need to know!

[Molly]

This is a collection of Maeve Binchy's columns from the Irish Times in the 1970's. Maeve offers her views on many different everyday things and not so everyday things. It is funny, true to life and insightful. A great collection of columns.

This was a really enjoyable read. It was also pretty quick. Maeve makes small masterpieces out of seemingly unimportant things. I love her views on things. She is really funny as well. It was really fun to read.

[JayeL]

July 2015: not available on audio at Mechanics' Institute