Maeve Binchy: Circle of Friends / The Copper Beech

by Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy is the New York Times bestselling author of fifteen internationally acclaimed books. Now two of her top-selling works have been brought together for the first time in an outstanding volume that shines with moving storytelling that celebrates Ireland, its people, and the journey of life itself.

Circle of Friends is the heartwarming tale of two Benny Hogan and Eve Malone, friends from the time they're in school together. Off to the university in Dublin to begin a new life and face new challenges, they help and support each other in a world that can bring them great new riches, expanded friendships, and also betrayal of the worst kind.

In the Copper Beech , the children of the village of Shancarrig grow up without much obvious excitement, but there's far more there than meets the eye. The mysteries and adventures behind closed doors in a small town shape the children's futures and the life of the town in this moving novel of a country town in Ireland.

928 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

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

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Maeve Binchy. Circle of Friends is a favorite book of mine. The Copper Beech was good but not as good as I wanted it to be. Definitely not one of my favorites of hers. It was a book of vignettes that really didn't form a whole story, and part of what I love is her ability to weave all these different characters and their lives into a cohesive work.

[Marie-Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Maeve Bunchy and this book doesn't disappoint

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be my favoirte book ever! I loved it.

[Martha Woodroof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does anyone else find reading Maeve Binchy as soothing as a long soak in the tub?

[Barbara Raghavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reading.

[Kalli]

5*
As warm and compassionate as ever.