Scarlet Feather

by Maeve Binchy

They met in cooking school-and became fast friends with a common dream. Now, Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather hope to take Dublin by storm with their newly formed catering company, aptly dubbed “Scarlet Feather.”

Not everyone, however, shares their optimism. Cathy’s mother-in-law disapproves of both Cathy and her new “hobby,” while Cathy’s husband Neil pays no mind to anything - except his work as a civil rights lawyer. And then there’s Tom’s family, who expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps, and an ambitious girlfriend who’s struggling with career dreams of her own.
Between friends and families, ups and downs, heartaches and joys, Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather are about to embark on the most maddening - and exhilarating - year of their lives.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Ireland, Romance, Contemporary, Irish Literature, Adult Fiction

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

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

[Saj · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book promises that I will be "laughing and crying with Cathy, Tom and all their friends". Well, I was bored to tears if that counts?

Cathy and Tom, the main characters are clueless, stupid and completely lack the ability to stand up for themselves. You see, they are simple Irish folk who just want to make good food, have a solid marriage and make lots of Irish babies.

There are several other characters as well, but they are equally forgettable and annoying. Especially the coupple of mistreated kids who were probably supposed to be the part that makes me cry. Sorry, but I think that would require some sort of emotional bond with the characters.

I think I might have been able to enjoy this book a bit if it wasn't so completely serious. The author has no sense of humour about the story or the characters. 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!

And the cherry on top of this trainwreck? The ending of course, where two people sit together in silent understanding. Because in real and meaningfull relationships communication is unnecessary! Isn't is all just sooo amazing?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is easy listening at its best - perfect for accompanying dreary chores and Christmas prep!

The story spans a year in the life of Tom Feather and Cathy Scarlet who are trying to get their catering company off the ground and keep their personal relationships going. We meet their family and friends and all their stories intertwine to entertain you.

There are no twists and turns - this is a family saga / drama and was very enjoyable.

Maeve always manages to create characters that I like and want to know what happens to them.
If this appeals I would recommend the audio version which is read by Kate Binchy in her beautiful Irish accent.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little nervous at the beginning of this book when more and more characters were added to the story. I was wondering if I should pull out an index card to keep track of them all. Well, Binchy does such a great job telling her story and developing her characters, no need for the index card. I absolutely adored this book. This has now become a rare gem in my library. This was so well told and so engaging, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Although there are several characters, the main one, Cathy, is the focal point. She has started up a catering business with her friend Tom. As she struggles to get the business off the ground she is also dealing with an extremely busy lawyer husband who never seems to have time for her, 2 children that have suddenly appeared in their lives and a sister who is planning a Scottish wedding from the states and wants Cathy’s business to cater it. All the other sub-plots mixed in just add to the fun. It’s been a while since I’ve read a Binchy and oh! How I’ve missed her.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a couple of writers that I read anything they write, and Maeve Binchy is one of those readers. When you pick up Scarlet Feather, you notice 2 things. 1, that this work is part of a larger story and 2, that it is good enough to stand alone.

Maeve's characters are always FULLY developed and you will occasionally find yourself shaking your head as some of the characters are just like people you may know in your personal life, warts and all. When I read her books, my mind can seriously "see" the characters. They come in all shapes, heights and varying varieties of Irish backgrounds.

So without spoiling the story line, the Starlet Feather is a catering business. It touches the lives of just about everyone in town and has people from owners, to customers, to children and abuse recovery. The two main characters, Katy Scarlet and Tom Feather are individuals mentioned and written about in previous books and it is nice to see them enjoy the fruits of their labors in Scarlet Feather. What I enjoy also in this book is you witness the growth and development of personalities. For example without giving away the plot, The Twins burst into the scene as wild, unkempt run about children with no manners or thought of their surroundings or other people. Mid way the book you see them making attempts at polite conversation and interaction. Still sticking their foots in their mouths, but immediately making apologies and corrections, eager to learn. By the books end, they have transformed not into a Prince and Princess, but into polite, manageable children who have captured the hearts of some of the town folk who in turn praise Katy for her hand in turning them around despite their situation. Psst... my favorite side characters in this read are the twins and Walter.

Not of the plot is revealed, but I do believe that you will be drawn in before you have completed reading the first chapter.

This is the second time I have read Scarlet Feather and read 3 is in the future. Check out your local library for a digital copy to listen to, audio books make those car trips more enjoyable, plus you can "read" the book while doing gardening or other chores.

If Ms. Binchy write a travel book, I am definitely getting a copy!

So this is me, not the best review writer, signing off.

[Mary Pessaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many Maeve Binchy books, and I have to say I haven't met one I didn't like. I decided to just pick one, because this one had characters that were repeated in other novels. Quentins, Nights of Rain and Stars, Heart and Soul, Evening Class, Minding Frankie. I love seeing the characters reappear, not as primary, but as secondary in other stories. Ms. Binchy's characters are her real strength, because they always feels like friends. And of course, the setting in Ireland (also Italy, Greece, London) appeals to my wonderlust.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how many times I have read Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy, but I always enjoy it. Binchy writes three-dimensional, realistic characters; this book is a shining example of her skill. I loved some characters and hated others, but I never stopped caring about their fates. Reading the touching interactions between the characters made me happy, even though parts of the story were sometimes sad. This is a long book, but the story, the characters, and the writing are so wonderful, I never want the book to end. It's a good thing several characters appear in later books. If you haven’t read Scarlet Feather yet start it today, and if you have read it, maybe it’s time to experience it again! 5 stars

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I liked this book so much. It wasn't a "big message" book, really, but it was charming. The appeal had something to do with how likeable the characters were, despite very obvious flaws. It had something to do with how the characters forgave each other their flaws and supported each other, regardless. It had something to do with the pluck shown by so many of the characters. The plot was unique, the characters were unique, and plot and message were compelling and uplifting.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

When I think of Binchy, Scarlet Feather is the book that first comes to mind. Tom and Cathy are the quintessential Binchy characters, and their story is filled with the strange and wonderful twists and turns you would expect.

I love Tom and Cathy's passion for their waitressing - sorry, catering - business. Tom is much more likeable than Cathy, but she has her moments. They complement each other well and their friendship is a beautiful thing. I like that they're not always optimistic or pessimistic - they have reasonable ranges of emotions and play off each other well.

Binchy strikes the perfect balance with Simon and Maud - it would've been easy to lean on the side of obnoxious, pretentious children. At first, it looked like it might be going that way, but there's an endearing quality to them that outlasts their first impression.

The Shona/James side plot was touching but didn't contribute much to the overall narrative. I liked them both as individual characters, but their story together felt a bit contrived to fit in with other things that were going on.

Geraldine is reminiscent of Polly from Tara Road , with a little less attachment to her romantic partners. I admired her composure at all times, and I think she deserves a lot more credit than Cathy gives her. However, once Cathy finds out more details about Geraldine's relationships, it seems to take some of the shine off of her, and Cathy gets pretty judgmental. Despite Geraldine's contributions towards Cathy's education and business, it seems to have earned no goodwill. However Geraldine chooses to live her life is her business.

Neil is an entitled prick. Sure, he works very hard for others less fortunate, but he assumes that others will exist happily in his orbit, giving way to his needs and desires. He seems pretty keen to not turn out like his father - corporate law, spending most of his time on the golf course - but he's much more likely to turn out like his mother with all her entitled notions.

Marcella seems lovely but incredibly naive. Her choices are questionable at times, but who can say what decisions they would make if their dreams were on the line? I admired her commitment to her goals but did feel sorry for her.

Scarlet Feather continues to be my favourite Binchy, but they are definitely on an upward trend, so I'm looking forward to making my way through the rest of her books.

Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.

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[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5***

Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather met in culinary school and became fast friends. Now they’ve joined forces to start a catering company – Scarlet Feather. They’re young, energetic, and talented and have made some good connections. They’ve found the prefect premises to make their new business the best in Dublin. They know it will be hard work but they are ready to pursue their dream, and with the support of friends and family they feel sure they will succeed.

Binchy excels at writing ensemble pieces that show ordinary people in some extraordinary circumstances. This novel covers a year in the lives of Cathy, Tom, their life partners, parents, employees, friends and family. They make mistakes, have emotional melt downs, overcome obstacles, find reserves of love and compassion, smile through adversity, and never stop working to achieve their dream.

One thing I like about Binchy’s novels is that her characters are so real. They may be brilliant chefs but Tom and Cathy also have character flaws. They’re both far too reticent when it comes to expressing their feelings, preferring to put off to tomorrow what should be faced today. But over the course of the novel, they do grow and mature. The rest of the ensemble cast is unevenly drawn … Cathy’s parents have a fairly significant role and are pretty complete, but Tom’s parents are rarely seen and his mother, in particular, is somewhat of a caricature. Neil’s father also was very simply drawn, though maybe his general absence from the story is indicative of his absence as a true father.

The book is written in a style that supports the ensemble cast. Each chapter covers a month in the year, but is divided into short vignettes jumping from character to character and scene to scene. The result is that the reader gets a more complete picture than any of the characters does.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably the 3rd or 4th book by Maeve Binchy that I've read... I read her books when I was in college and I have really loved her writing... She writes these intricate stories that involve a lot of characters and several story lines... they usually end up intertwined at the end in surprizing ways... Often main characters of one book will end up as supporting characters in another... That being said... I didn't LOVE this book the way I loved the others... The beginning of the book was slow because there were so many story lines to set up... After the set up it began to follow Cathy and Tom starting up their catering business and taking on jobs... a large bulk of the book involved details of catering job, after catering job, after catering job and so forth... There were story lines that I thought were going to have a big dramatic ending that fizzled out at the end... I felt some of the others were resolved too quickly or too easily... The ending was the usual neat, clean ending... all the loose ends were being tied up... Despite the things I disliked, I did enjoy the book... I wouldn't NOT recommend it... but if you've never read Maeve Binchy's books before I'd probably recommend Tara Road or Evening Class before I would recommend this book...

It's worth noting that it's been at least 5 or 6 years since I've read one of Maeve Binchy's books and I'm left wondering if I would love the others as much as I did back then if I re-read them today... It's been so long that I honestly couldn't say if this book is actually less enjoyable in comparison to the others I've read or if my taste in writing as changed that much over time...

[Drebbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set over a period of one year, Scarlet Feather is a novel featuring Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather, who open a catering company together. As they deal with the joys and heartbreak of owning a business their relationship with each other changes as does their relationship with the other's around them,notably Cathy's husband, Neil, who is a lawyer who wants to save the world and Tom's beautiful girlfriend, Marcella, who will do just about anything to make it as a model. Also involved are Cathy's parents, Muttie, who knows that the next bet he places will be the winner, and "his wife Lizzie", who used to clean for Neil's mother. Neil's family also plays an important part in the novel, especially his cousin Walter, and Maud and Simon, Walter's neglected 8-year-old brother and sister. Other characters include Cathy's family in America, her Aunt Geraldine, and their accountant James Byrne. By the end of the year, each character's life had changed, many in ways they never would have imagined.

Maeve Binchy is a talented writer who can create many characters and make you care about each one, bad or good. Muttie, Maud and Simon are the characters that stood out the most to me. I wish Neil and Cathy's earlier relationship had been developed more, it's hard to understand what brought the two of them together. I do like the way the novel is set over the period of a year, it's amazing how much life can change in a year.

I like Maeve Binchy's books, but there is something a bit melancholy about them, that, while I enjoy reading them, after I've finished it's a long time before I read another one.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope,nope,nope. I gave this book 86 pages to make me care enough to wade through the mediocre writing. It didn't happen.

[MajerEmma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from Page 1 to the last. It couldn't make you feel any cosier or warm your heart any better.

[Em · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was quite a page turner, the 7th book I’m read by Binchy. I completed the last half or more since yesterday. But though it was a quick read I wouldn’t say it was her best. It was a bit of a soap opera and she didn’t have a very sharp focus. It’s about two partners in a catering business in their start-up year and their family, it sometimes went too far afield. The passages about the American exiles fell flat. The family entanglements were interesting but also kind of hollow. The most interesting portions were about the business and the abandoned twins. But the rest seemed very superficial, because the characters were living superficial lives. Geraldine who only has affairs with married men she doesn’t love. Tom Feather whose girlfriend tells him the truth, but he isn’t honest and keeps is feelings hidden. And Cathy Scarlett whose marriage is so empty, it seems so evident that Binchy will bring them together at the end, and she does in a very dissatisfying way with them sitting on the sofa in the back room of their business because they don’t want to go home to their empty flats. So they sit commiserating and celebrating their past year of their business… and that’s it, that’s where she leaves it and us – flat!

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also another re read. I do remember the catering aspect. I love each and every book she wrote.

[Nettie Cacossa · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎶I like big books, and I cannot lie🎶

[Elif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitap adını yansıtmıyor, aşk odaklı bir konusu yok bence ama bu kötü bir durum değil. Bir dramdan beklediğim her şey vardı; içerdiği başarı hikayesi hoşuma gitti, oldukça akıcıydı ve karakterleri de sevdim. 5 vermeyi düşündüm ancak karakterler arası geçişlerin kısa olması bir puan kırmama neden oldu.

[SK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful Binchy. Her characters are rich, real, flawed and yet you can't help but get invested in their stories. How to make annoying kids tolerable, a long-standing betting man the sane voice of the story and the dissolution of a long relationship wistful and still hurt so less, this mastery belongs to Binchy. Once again I marvel at the depth of her understanding of all sorts of human nature, without unnecessary judgement; presenting all facets for the reader to get familiar with while not making them unlikeable or flat.
The story revolves around two successful partners who run a catering company, each have a long term relationship and stubborn families to deal with, with the additional drama of burglary and difficult circumstances to overcome. The reader travels through the successes and the bad times, showing how good understanding can come in the places one least expects, and the closest can disappoint one without even knowing how they inflict wounds.
The remaining characters are well fleshed, none of them feel like an afterthought. You begin to care for children who are abandoned by a sketchy (but rich) father and a mother who is slowly descending into a debilitating mental illness, and despite them not being winsome in the least, are shown to be exactly like real children - not precocious but painfully direct and taking everything literally.
There's an independent older women managing modern relationships which aren't the usual fare - being a mistress and still firmly self-aware of what she's dealing with, there's the very much working class couple who's daughter has married "way above her place" in society, the struggle the daughter faces in empowering her mother to stop thinking of herself as merely the cleaning lady, all of this and a few more that make the tapestry so rich.
A satisfying and engrossing read.

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read three Maeve Binchy books so far - Tara Road, Quentin's, and Scarlet Feather. Scarlet Feather catering company and Tom and Cathy, and Simon and Maud are in 'Quentin's', so I was really excited to read this book and find out how it all began. I was not disappointed at all, in fact this is my favourite Binchy book so far.
Some people might have found all the stories about Tom and Cathy's catering jobs boring, but I really enjoyed reading about them, seeing how their company had successes and failures and their business grew, with lots of amusing moments and strange/annoying customers along the way.
As with her other books, Scarlet Feather includes lots of characters who all play a role of some sort in the story of Tom, Cathy and their company, whether good or bad or sometimes both. There are lots of interesting story threads going on throughout, and happening alongside the main plot line with Tom and Cathy.

Lots of funny moments, but quite a bit of the darker side of life too.

My favourite characters, besides Tom and Cathy, were Simon and Maud. They are nine year old twins who suddenly end up being a very important though unexpected part of everyone's lives. They are very strange and kind of eccentric, and very, very funny. They appeared in 'Quentin's' too, so it was great to see how they first came to be a part of the Binchy world, and they're even madder in this book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five hundred pages is a lot to read, and this novel begins with so many characters and so many subplots I thought I’d never get through it, but it comes together beautifully, and now I kind of wish there was more. Our main protagonists, Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather, dream of creating a hugely successful catering business in their town near Dublin, Ireland. As the story opens, they have just found the perfect location. Work is going well, but their personal lives are complicated. Cathy, from working-class roots, is married to Neil, a rich guy whose family opposed the marriage. Neil, a barrister, is so busy fighting for his various causes he’s never home. Tom is not quite married to Marcella, whose life is devoted to her dream of becoming a model. Into the mix come Neil’s 9-year-old twin cousins Maud and Simon, whose parents are such a mess they can’t stay with them anymore. Somehow they end up in Cathy’s hands. It gets complicated as the story unfolds in a sea of champagne and canapes, and all the dreams collide. But it turns out well in the end, and I have already purchased another Binchy novel because I liked this one so much.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book because I had read Tara Road several years earlier, and had really enjoyed it. After sitting on my bookshelf for 10 years, I started reading Scarlet Feather last month. Unfortunately it’s been a huge disappointment—one of the dullest books that I’ve read in quite a while. After close to a month, I could only slog my way to page 110 before finally putting it down. Besides not having much of a plot, the characters are cliched and dull (nasty mother-in-law, humble parents, narcissistic girlfriend, neglectful workaholic husband, bratty abandoned children). I was literally nodding off while reading it. I’m not sure if it’s because Tara Road was written that much better than Scarlet Feather or, over the years, my taste in reading has changed. Oh well, time to move on to another book.

[Nathalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I learned from this book:

- Reading Ms. Binchys novel in the order in which they were published might really pay off, because she again mentioned characters that appeared in other novels and that would have been exiting, if I had read the books in which they are the main characters.
- Before you get married, you should really think hard and be honest with yourself, before making stupid promises to the other, that you might not mean to keep.
- Never say never.
- Putting down other peoples dreams as not as meaningful as your own is a pretty mean thing to do.
- Respect for people who work in Catering Services.

-Every author has good and not so good novels. This dragged along a bit and was very formulaic at times, and only picked up pace in the last quarter.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visit in another world, colourful, funny, touching. Can't help getting involved and hoping that the protagonists survive and thrive in the turmoil. Slightly hindered by the numerous point of view/ voice changes. I'll read more of her books. Good escapism.

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever!

Edit 2/9/25: Just as good as the first time I read it maybe 40 years ago.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mary Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Maeve Binchy book. I read it years ago but it made me want to read all of her other books.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having re-read Tara Road, the next thing I just had to do was move onto another favourite, Scarlet Feather!

Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather both went to catering college and have long dreamed of having their own company – haven’t they already got the perfect name? However, they need to find suitable premises and deal with the disappointment of Tom’s parents that he isn’t going into the family business, while Cathy’s mother-in-law thinks her place is at home dancing attendance on her son and isn’t shy of telling her so! Tom also has a gorgeous girlfriend who has her own career ambitions . . .

I think this may be my most favourite of all of Maeve Binchy’s novels! I vaguely remembered it from previous readings, but I really had forgotten how good it is. The characters are just amazing; all true-to-life and most skilfully crafted. There are plenty of threads to this tale, all woven into a most intricate pattern which kept me reading long into the night. The absolute icing on the cake are Maud and Simon, twins who are related to Cathy through marriage and they are a joy to behold! This story is just bursting out all over with events and goodness – counteracting the considerable badness – and I revelled in each and every word. If you only ever read one book by this author, please make it Scarlet Feather. A full five flashing, sparkling and dancing stars and worth so much more.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming tale of Tom Feather and Cathy Scarlet, friends and business partners trying to get their fledgling catering business Scarlet feather off the ground.
Things are not as easy as they at first hoped when they try to juggle their private lives alongside their business lives.
Both have complicated family issues and personal issues to resolve.
Tom and his girlfriend Marcella are struggling to keep their relationship alive as they move in different circles, Tom with his catering and her with her budding modelling career.
Ironically Cathy is in the same boat with her well to do husband Neil who spends so much time working to support his legal causes in his own time and his daytime professional lawyer work that he doesn't realise they are drifting apart in different directions.
A heartwarming story of loss, love, personal struggles and acceptance helped along by a whole cast of loveable characters, Cathy's parents Muttie and Lizzie, the posh side of Neil's family, and also the lower "criminal" end of the Mitchell family including the adorable and hilarious twins Simon and Maud.
Can Tom and Cathy finally save the beloved business from going under and also the people who mean so much to them in their personal lives or is it all too late?
A great read.

[LibraryCin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather are friends and are trying to start a catering business in Dublin. Cathy’s husband, Neil, has young cousins who show up at his rich parents’ place, needing a place to stay, but they rub his parents the wrong way, so Cathy and Neil end up taking them in. Tom’s wife, Marcella, wants desperately to be a model.

There is plenty going on, as this novel follows their lives for one year. There are many characters, and the perspective goes back and forth amongst many of them, but somehow, they are pretty easy to keep straight. I quite like that Binchy often has characters in multiple novels. I enjoyed the book, but problems can be seen coming from a bit of a distance. That is, I don’t think there are really any surprises in the book.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two people who start a catering business called Scarlet Feather and all of the goings on of the people in their life and how that affects their business. I just love this author because she just tells a story about people's lives and their thoughts and I find myself ingulged in their world the whole time I'm reading the book. It also made me think about the situation for children in foster homes and how we sometimes miss what is going on right in front of us because we're off trying to save the world. I found myself really hating some of the characters (Neil) and loving and identifying wiht others. It was a good read!