Maeve Binchy Value Collection: The Copper Beech, Circle of Friends, The Glass Lake

by Maeve Binchy, Fionnula Flanagan (Reader)

At the heart of every Irish family, the hopes of the future are tied deeply to the dreams of the past. And at the heart of every Maeve Binchy novel, the lives and loves of vividly drawn characters are deftly woven into unforgettable, beautifully realized tales. Now, in this charming audio set, three of Maeve Binchy's classic coming-of-age tales are collected together. These wonderful audio presentations represent the very best work of one of the world's most celebrated authors. And listening to her comforting stories feels just like coming home.

The Copper Beech
Carved on the trunk of the mighty copper beech tree that embraces the schoolyard in Sharcarrig are declarations of love, hope, and identity--the youthful dreams of the children who studied there. Now grown, yet shaped by their years in the schoolhouse, they lead different lives. The Copper Beech tells the story of these eight dreamers.

Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends begins with the pair of Benny Hogan and Eve Malone from the village of Knockglen until they leave for university in Dublin and are joined by Nan Mahon and Jack Foley. Long-hidden lies emerge to test the meaning of love and the strength of ties held within the fragile gold bands of a circle of friends.

The Glass Lake
In The Glass Lake, Maeve Binchy explores the unspoken language between mothers and daughters in an extraordinary story of a mother's secret, a daughter's courage, and the hidden bond between them that neither deceit nor death can destroy.

Genres: Fiction

Audio CD

Published July 6, 2004

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

[Marlies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pretty obsessed with Maeve Binchy. She's one of my favorite "junk food" authors. What can I tell you? I have a huge weakness for corny stories set in English or Irish villages, especially during the 1950s and 60s. Of course, her more recent books, Tara Road and Scarlet Feather, were very enjoyable too. Some of the newer ones, though, are pretty crummy. LOVE the older ones--these titles being among the best.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read two of these so far this summer and am currently reading "The Glass Lake". I was so sorry when I heard of Maeve Binchy's passing... she is currently my favourite author. She certainly provides a full-meal deal of reading for anyone who (1)loves Ireland (2)loves Irish writers (3)loves a good story (4)loves character development over action stories and formula novels (5)loves a good ending where love and virtue win over the usual amoral junk. I write up my reviews on Amazon.com if you want to read them there: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-r...

[Jeri Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maeve Binchy has a way with setting the stage of her novels. The towns are so well described that you could actually make a map of the town (which I did while reading "The Copper Beach"). Her characters are real and you feel like you are walking along with them through the novel.

[Beckie Shotwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the different chapters with the characters' lives developing.

[Mary Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circle of Friends is my all time M Binchy novel altho I like them all.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Maeve Binchy books with all my heart. I will devour her stories over and over again. She was an incredible writer who dived into her characters and their everyday lives. She brings to life the ordinary and her stories suck me in until the very last word.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A date range at the beginning of each chapeter would have been helpful.

[Karen Valenze · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANY Maeve Binchy book is perfect, but “Circle of Friends” is the best one of all. . It made me a huge fan.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feeling nostalgic, I reached for this audio book knowing it would satisfy. And it did - for the most part. I had read all three titles years ago so I did not think I'd be bothered by the "abridged" versions. But I was. They seemed curtailed, that's the only way I can describe it. The narrator was great, but the added Irish music at the end of chapters was rather corny. BUT I always appreciate Binchy's story and settings.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Copper Beach--Really do not like this author and really did not like this book. Set in Ireland with complicated cast of characters and time frame. Not worth trying to explain the story line since I really did not care enough about it to bother recapping. I need to remember to avoid this author in the future.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maeve just died this week. I'll miss her sweet little Irish novels. This one is set in 1950's Dulbin, Lough Lake, and London. A beautiful woman abandons her husband and two children to shack up with an attractive but womanizing pretty-boy. Everyone thinks she drowned in the lake. We are supposed to sympathize with her following her heart, but I thought she was just an awful mother.

[Karen Kirchhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Binchey's was very easy to read. She is not an author to whom I anticipate great depth. However her stories are interesting and thought nudging about friends and life. Her written descriptions of Ireland is a good advertiesment for those who might want to visit there.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Copper Beach was my favorite of the series. I read quite few more of her books and still have more yet unread on my shelves. I connected with the Copper Beach much more than the others. Some books I have started reading but was never pulled in like CB.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of many people's lives in Scotland. Not very descriptive. Just good people stories.

[Peg Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to say I'm a big fan I have read all of her novels a lovely light read

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The glass lake.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read The Copper Beach. Very good.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and loved it as I loved all of Maeve Binchy's books. I couldn't find a listing for 'The Copper Beach' by itself. :/

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Couldn't put the book down. I wanted to know what next.

[Reni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read the Copper Beech