Evening Class

Evening Class was my second encounter with Maeve Binchy. I am getting very fond of her. There is something about her way of writing; I don't realize that I am hooked until I've taken a moment away from the book and feel as though I'm missing something! She is so subtle, that Maeve.

I found the main characters likable and entertaining. The way that Binchy combines their individual stories (within the larger story) is wonderful and thorough. I find myself wanting to jump on a plane and join them in Dublin. Each chapter is from a different person's point of view (as it was in Heart and Soul), and that actually suits this sometimes ADD reader more than I thought it would. Although I have found in the past that this is not my ideal for storytelling, something about the way that Binchy includes other story lines in each subplot, and brings them all back to the bigger story makes her writing delightful. 

Once again the author delivered a heartwarming, feel good, entertaining novel.
Five Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

 

Comments

[jaydek]

So glad you loved Maeve! You've actually read two of my least favorite of her books, so I can only imagine what you'll think of her others! I still hold Circle of Friends and Light A Penny Candle as my favorites.

But, don't expect anything new. they are all set in ireland; they are all about family, friends, and drama; and they all follow a bunch of different characters' stories until they tie up at the end.

they are great to read once a year or when you need a break from heavy reading and just want to come home. i know what you mean about not wanting them to end, you get so involved in their lives that you want to know what happens next. she actually has recurring characters in one (a couple that meet, get married, and open a culinary school or restaurant or something...i can't remember), but it was nice to be able to pick up where one of the books left off and follow a character in their next stage in life. although i will say some of the simplicity and greatness of her books is that they are wrapped up neatly and leave you wanting more, so that you always end on a high note.