A Time to Dance

by Maeve Binchy

There is much fear associated with becoming old; fear of being caught on A&E trolley for days on end, or living in isolation. Much in our society reminds us of the negative side of growing old. And yet, this is not the truth. A celebration of life and living among Ireland's elderly, this work explores the fun of growing old gracefully.

Hardcover

First published December 1, 2006

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

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Time To Dance is a collection of photographs of older people by Ann Henrick with quotes from older people collected by Maeve Binchy. In her forward, Binchy describes it as “a joyful celebration of positive ageing”. The photographs are not retouched; there is no plastic surgery, laser or cream; these pictures deliver a sense of optimism and love of life that would make anyone look forward to getting older. Binchy spent a year talking to older people, and the quotes are not those of the smiling people pictured, but they easily could be. The quotes are funny and wise and are arranged into chapters: Work and Play, Fun, Dressing Up, Music and Art, Dance, Faces, Friendship, Couples and Family. The final quote summarises the spirit of the whole book: “Age is not a problem, a worrying situation, or an absence of glorious youth. It’s just another time of our life, a time to laugh, a time to sing. A time to dance.” Heartwarming.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful set of photos by Anne Hendrick of Dublin and words by Maeve. A celebration of life and living among Ireland's elderly. I loved it.