I am trying to read five books by Irish Authors for Reading Ireland month. This is my first and I really enjoyed it.
Published 2002 by Dutton
I have had this book on my shelf for many years, but with Reading Ireland in March and my Alphabet Challenge needing a “Q” book, this seemed to fit the bill. Many readers were very disillusioned with this story due to Ella, one of the main characters. She was a woman in love, blind to the clues and information about the man she loved. I thought she was a nitwit. She seemed to be a smart woman in some areas, but in her personal life, she gave women a bad name. Having said that, the story about Quentins was delightful.
Quentins has a thousand stories to tell: tales of love, of betrayal, of revenge, of times when it looked ready for success and of times when it seemed as if it must close in failure. I loved meeting all the characters that had stories to tell. We learn about the founding of the restaurant, which has a story behind it, the development and changes that take place and the possible making of a documentary about how it played a part in the changing culture and lives of the people. It isn’t the main characters that make this story work, but the side characters (there are many) and the setting of contemporary Dublin, that allows the reader to enjoy this book without worrying about the Ella Brady love story and debacle.
I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for a good story without a lot of heavy elements. It is beautifully written as Maeve Binchy does a wonderful job with prose, some wit and a lot of angst. I am going to read more by this talented author.
About the Book:Â Every table at Quentins restaurant has a thousand stories to tell: tales of love, betrayal and revenge, of hope and despair. The staff who come and go have stories of their own, and the restaurant itself has had times when it looked set fair for success and others when it seemed as if it must close in failure. Ella Brady wants to make a documentary about the renowned Dublin restaurant that has captured the spirit of a generation and a city in the years it has been open. twins from SCARLET FEATHER, Signora from EVENING CLASS, Ria from TARA ROAD – and a host of fresh faces. There is Monica, the ever-cheerful Australian waitress, and Blouse Brennan, whose simplicity disguises a sharp mind and a heart of gold. The whole place is presided over by the apparently imperturbable Patrick and Brenda Brennan, who have made Quentins such a legend. But even they have a story and a sadness which is hidden from the public gaze. bringing it to the screen. Are there some stories which are too sacred to be told? Should the restaurant keep its secrets?
About the Author:Â Maeve Binchy was born on 28 May 1940 in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, the eldest child of four. Her parents were very positive and provided her with a happy childhood. Although she described herself as an overweight child, her parents’ attitude gave her the confidence to accept herself for who she was.
She studied at University College Dublin and was a teacher for a while. She also loved traveling, and this was how she found her niche as a writer. She liked going to different places, such as a Kibbutz in Israel, and she worked in a camp in the United States. While she was away, she sent letters home to her parents. They were so impressed with these chatty letters from all over the world that they decided to send them to a newspaper. After these letters were published, Maeve left teaching and became a journalist.
Maeve married Gordon Snell, writer and editor of children’s books. When they were struggling financially, Light a Penny Candle was published, which made her an overnight success. Many of her books, such as Echoes, are set in the past in Ireland. Some of her later novels, such as Evening Class, take place in more modern times. Her books often deal with people who are young, fall in love, have families, and deal with relationship or family problems. The main characters are people whom readers can empathise with.
She passed away on 30 July 2012, at the age of 72.
March 19, 2019 at 1:39 pm
She was and always will be one of my favorite authors. I have been purchasing her books whenever and wherever I see them and still have quite a few that I haven’t read – even more that I have. I love your review Carla. This is one that I neither own nor have I read. Adding it to the list right now!
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March 19, 2019 at 5:10 pm
This was the first Maeve Binchy book I read and now I don’t understand why. I checked and my library has lots so summer reading by the pool will be a lot of Irish stories.
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March 14, 2019 at 7:53 pm
Wonderful review, Carla. I’ve always meant to read this author, but haven’t gotten around to it just yet. Probably won’t start with this one, but I’m still very much looking forward to one of her books in future.
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March 14, 2019 at 9:01 pm
This one filled a few roles for me and I had been given it by a friend years ago. I am glad I read it, but will check out some of her earlier work. Thanks Myndi.
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March 13, 2019 at 9:12 pm
Great review, Carla! I enjoy books that have more than one theme as long as it is either a series or the loose ends are tied up at the end.
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March 13, 2019 at 9:41 pm
Thanks Michelle. I liked how everything was tied up.
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March 12, 2019 at 4:40 pm
I do love Maeve Binchy! Thanks for taking part x
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March 12, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Thanks Cathy. Four more to go.
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March 12, 2019 at 3:28 pm
I love her books, and cried when she passed away. I usually reread at least one a year. But I haven’t read her autobiography (thank you Rae) so must try and get a copy. 💕📚
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March 12, 2019 at 6:00 pm
I have Scarlet Feather on my shelf at home, apparently I should have read that one before this one. I will have to check out her autobiography as well.
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March 12, 2019 at 2:12 pm
Your review brought back memories of reading this book years ago. I remember I started reading Binchy around the 80’s and red right up until the last she wrote. I particularly liked this one, and I’m still a sucker for novels or cozy mysteries involving restaurants, cafes, and tea rooms. If I ever open a used bookstore, my fantasy goal (Alvin does not have any kind of bookstore; the nearest are B&Nobles about thirty miles west or twenty miles east of our little town,) I’d recommend all of Binchy’s books, including her autobiography.
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March 12, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Thanks Rae. I have only read one other one by her, but I really enjoyed the writing in both of them. I will definitely be reading more. Scarlet Feather will be next.
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March 26, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Around the 1980’s I was going to a swap ‘n shop , independent book store in a nearby town, and I must have read at least a dozen of her books, including her autobiography. What a writer!
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March 12, 2019 at 11:09 am
I’ve read so many of her novels. She’s a true treasure. Thanks for the reminder of how much I always enjoyed her.
Mary
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March 12, 2019 at 6:02 pm
You are welcome. This is only the second one I have read, but it sure won’t be the last.
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March 12, 2019 at 9:20 am
I’ve read many, many Maeve Binchy books in past years. I remember the first one of hers that I read was “Light a Penny Candle” which I enjoyed very much. I found her earlier titles better than her later ones, but all were worth reading.
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March 12, 2019 at 6:03 pm
I have definitely added her as an author I want to read more of. I will see how many my library carries, and I know I have a couple on my shelf at home.
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March 12, 2019 at 9:19 am
I read this years ago, Carla, and your review reminded me how much I adored all the secondary characters in Quentins. And now I want to read Binchy again! 😉
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March 12, 2019 at 6:03 pm
This is a great time to do so with March being Reading Ireland month.
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March 12, 2019 at 8:45 am
Lovely review, Carla. Quentin sounds like quite an interesting setting.
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March 12, 2019 at 6:03 pm
The setting and prose was wonderful. Thanks Diana.
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March 12, 2019 at 8:16 am
I used to love reading Maeve Binchy’s novels and your fab review has reminded me just now much. I must re-read her novels one of these days.
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March 12, 2019 at 6:04 pm
I am finding that I am late to the game with Maeve Binchy. A lot of people seem to love her work.
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March 12, 2019 at 7:29 am
Lovely review, Carla! I have always wanted to read a book by her. Maybe I should choose this one!
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March 12, 2019 at 6:09 pm
I enjoyed this one, but apparently it is not one of her best. Her early works were better I have heard, but I did like this one.
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March 12, 2019 at 9:59 pm
I will make sure to check out one of the earlier ones, Carla! That’s good advice!
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March 12, 2019 at 4:01 am
Lovely review!
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March 12, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Thanks Nicki.
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March 12, 2019 at 2:15 am
I love her books… I used to read them all the time. Now I tried in a few places, but I don’t get her books. Lovely review Carla 💖
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March 12, 2019 at 6:13 pm
Thanks Shalini. I am definitely going to read more of her work. I have heard the early ones were the best. Too bad you can’t get them anymore.
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March 13, 2019 at 12:14 am
Exactly… I have loved her earlier works and probably have read them
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March 12, 2019 at 1:37 am
Fantastic review I have not read a book from her in ages!
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March 12, 2019 at 6:14 pm
I am late to the game with her. Thanks Berit.
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March 11, 2019 at 10:40 pm
Oh, and a Q book and Irish—High five! ✋🎉
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March 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm
I have to double dip to finish all the challenges. 😃
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March 11, 2019 at 10:38 pm
She sounds like a wonderful storyteller and one that should be on my radar. Great review!
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March 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm
Thanks Linda. It was a wonderfully written story, that I enjoyed, especially sitting by the pool. 😃
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March 11, 2019 at 9:57 pm
I love her books too! Wonderful review Carka! Have a safe trip home my friend!!💜
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March 11, 2019 at 9:59 pm
Thanks Susan.
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