User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
This book is the ultimate comfort read for me. A heart-warming, emotionally gratifying & rewarding experience. The one where, after finishing, you just sit & stare out of your head happy & content that again the world has been put to rights.
"Circle of Friends" is to me what "The Baronetage" is to Sir Walter Elliot in Persuasion. :)
"...there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; there his faculties were aroused into admiration and respect, ... there any unwelcome sensations ... changed into pity and contempt."
This book is about friendship, love, betrayal, growing up, learning to fight for what is important & learning to let go.
The story takes us to 1957 when Benny (Mary Bernadette) Hogan & Eve Malone are to leave (or are they?) the safe, but limited boundaries of their small Irish hometown of Knockglen -where everyone knows everyone- for the "big, dangerous" city of Dublin.
Benny, an awkward (because she is big and tall), but infinitely kind and funny girl is an only daughter to well-meaning, but elderly parents, who don't seem to realise that she is growing up into a woman. Although they are willing to pay for a university education (strictly Catholic, of course) for Benny, their own plan includes her returning to Knockglen afterwards & marrying her father's assistant (they have a struggling gentlemen's outfit shop), the unappealing, slimy & calculating Sean Walsh.
Eve is an orphan, brought up by the nuns of the Knockglen Catholic Convent (lead by the wonderful, practical Mother Francis), after her late mother's upper-class (Anglo-Irish) family rejects her because she married a low-class, Catholic handyman. She has no funds for university, unless she learns to overcome her pride & ask the Westwards to pay her tuition fee.
In Dublin they meet handsome, popular Jack Foley, cinnamon roll of the University & beautiful, cool Nan Mahon, who is playing a dangerous & ruthless game to get away from her aggressive, drunken father's house both geographically and socially & to land a rich and upper class husband.
The scene is also enriched by a set of very well drawn supporting characters both from the big city & the small town and you cannot help to laugh, cheer, curse or cry as the story unfolds.
Rating: really liked it
The charm of a Mave Binchy as a writer is her ability to draw the reader in with familiar characters and stories that are relatable and compelling and Circle of Friends is one of those books that has host of well imagined characters whose stories and dramas make for entertaining and easy reading. I read this book when it first came out and really enjoyed it and when I happened upon it while doing a "Maria Condo" on my bookshelves I felt a strong pull for a cosy fireside read and this one sure did not disappoint second time around.
Childhood friends Benny and Eve, grew up together in the Irish village of Knockglen where the pace of life is slow and opportunitys for romance slim., and when they start University in the big city the girls make new friends, and enjoy romance and freedom that Universary life offers. While city life has its excitement they must return to the Village at the weekends. Benny the only child, yearning to break free from her adoring parents while Eve the orphaned offspring of a convent handyman and a rebellious blueblood, abandoned by her mother's wealthy family to be raised by nuns. Eve and Benny they knew the sins and secrets behind every villager's lace curtains...except their own I really enjoyed the novel, it has a slow pace but perfectly rounded characters and a great plot. Binchy's prose is light and easy and you find yourself caring about the characters and what happens to them. I probably read this novel 25 years ago and it works as well today as it did back then. I love the sense of Irishness about this one too without it being too twee.
An easy and entertaining read and readers who enjoy novels by Diane Chamberlain or Kristin Hannah may well enjoy Maeve Binchy novels tool.
Rating: really liked it
Love so much this book!! I wanted something simple, light and immediate. "Circle of friends" really kidnapped my heart, especially in such a strange and difficult period that we are living here in Milano,Italy with this Covid -19.
The plot is the most classic of stories, the friendship between these young girls, then become young women, who moved to Dublin to study at College and then...
The characters are well cared in depth, never presented and then abandoned after few chapters, for each of them we follow the beauty and even the stiff part of their destinies... Maeve Binchy has a very simple writing, but it captures you, or rather that reader’s emotionality part that makes you turn the pages without being able to put down the book.
Eve and Benny are adorable, both in their flaws and fragility but especially by the ability to heal and love their friendship.
Not all is nice and smooth, some characters are terrifying, but even for them the good destiny will reserve something special.
Magnanimity... we’ve forgotten your meaning.
Bello, bellissimo!!!!!! Avevo voglia di qualcosa di semplice, leggero e immediato. Circle of friends mi ha veramente rapita, soprattutto in un periodo così strano e particolare che stiamo vivendo qui a Milano "Coronavirus".
La storia è la piu' classica delle storie, l'amicizia tra queste bambine, poi diventate ragazze, che si trasferiscono a Dublino a studiare e poi....
I personaggi sono ben curati nei minimi particolari, mai presentati e abbandonati dopo pochi capitoli, per ognuno seguiamo il bello e il brutto del loro destino...Maeve Binchy ha una scrittura molto semplice, ma ti cattura, o meglio cattura quell' emotività del lettore che ti fa poi incollare alle pagine senza riuscire a mettere giù il libro.
Eve e Benny sono adorabili, sia nei loro difetti e fragilità ma soprattutto dalla capacità di saper curare ed amare quella loro amicizia.
Non tu va avanti positivamente, alcuni personaggi sono terrificanti, ma anche per loro il destino buono riserverà qualcosa di speciale..
Magnanimità... ti abbiamo dimenticata ormai
Rating: really liked it
I confess to loving what we at the bookstore used to consider "old lady novels." You know, written by nice old ladies, and featuring stock characters such as "Comfortable old lady who smells like violets," "Troubled young boy who will probably run away, thus becoming the catalyst to resolve the troubles of his father, who is..." "Bitter middle aged widower who just needs a little lovin'," and "Beautiful woman who provides said lovin'."
Well, I've moved on from Rosamunde Pilcher, though The Shell Seekers will always hold a place in my heart.
But two summers ago when we moved here and stayed with the in-laws for a time, I had a chance to read every single book ever written by Maeve Binchy. My husband mocked, while I only craved bon bons.
Sure, she writes old lady novels. But her characters are distinct and fully-formed. There is a lot of conflict because they are almost always Catholic. There is some strong criticism of the Church and the rifts it causes in a woman's life as she tries to reconcile her faith/upbringing with the urges of her body. Some of her plots are simplistic, but the emotions never are.
Note: I met her when she spoke at a women's lit class when I was in college. Circle of Friend was just coming out as a movie, and she was very excited. She's a sweet lady and very funny.
Rating: really liked it
2010 F.A.B. Bookclub pick # I.❤️. F.A.B.
I was not able to finish this... was added to DNF list
Rating: really liked it
5 Stars - Superb book!
I loved this book!! It’s so well written and the character development is amazing. I kept taking this one off my to-read this, but boy am I glad I decided to put it back on. The best way I can think of to describe this book is that it’s a cozy read with a bit of a bite near the end. It’s so beautifully brilliant. Just FYI, I’m still flying high on this book so this review may be disjointed and messy.
I liked the way the book moved; it’s rhythm. It wasn’t slow moving but it wasn’t action packed. I think the best way I can describe it is that it seemed natural. I could believe that all of these things were happening to these characters. Things developed organically and I don’t think that happens enough in books.
Similarly, the plot seemed to be so realistic and lifelike that it worked so well. I believe that Benny’s parents were very protective (and supportive). I could believe and understand Eve’s frustration, to say the least, with Simon Westward. I understood Nan’s desire to be someone different. It all made sense because the characters were in very relatable situations or at the least, I could relate to the emotions and feelings, if not the exact situation.
I also liked that the author gave us two different views of Ireland: city and countryside, Dublin and Knockglen. I like that the book dispelled some of my cliche thoughts about Ireland. I mean that, this book dealt with subjects that, when associated with Ireland, take on a specific historical/political/social context (religion, sex, family obligation abortion, etc.). I was not expecting some of the takes/views on some of those subjects and it was a nice surprise (also maybe revealed some of my preconceived notions about Ireland).
My favorite aspect of this book is the characters and my absolute favorite is Benny Hogan, our main character. I think the main reason she’s my favorite is because her character development is so relatable and honestly inspiring. She goes from a shy, fumbling, almost meek girl to a confident, centered, smart, kind young woman. I can’t do her justice so please read the book and enjoy with me. For those of you who have read it, (view spoiler)
[I mean the way she handles her father’s death and how mature she was when Jack and Nan were horrible people - amazing (hide spoiler)].
I also liked how Eve was the best friend for Benny. Sure, she made her mistakes. They both did, but in the end they knew each other so well and that is what they both needed. I have a lot of strong and conflicting feelings about Nan. First things first, her home life sucked and her father was an ass - no way around that. However, I felt that she wasn’t justified acting the way she did. (view spoiler)
[Obviously, the biggest thing here is her relationship with Jack (for which I 100% blame him as well) and her putting her pregnancy on Jack. When they showed up to the Easter party in Knockglen my jaw dropped. I could not believe they would do that and that she would be so stupid to think that people would be so willing to forgive her. Though, it sort of angered me that people were more willing to accept Jack. Don’t like sexism in any form. Jack was just as guilty as Nan was, at least where the sexual relationship was concerned. The pregnancy lie is all on Nan. I will say that no matter how much I disliked nan, I would have never wished her to miscarry. That was truly awful. (hide spoiler)]One quick side note about the movie. So, I haven’t seen it and didn’t even know there was one until I googled it just before writing this and then subsequently read the Wikipedia page. I will not being seeing it. I get that movies are never exactly like the book. But the movie based on those book leaves out some MAJOR characters/story elements. (view spoiler)
[How can you leave out Mother Francis?!!? HOW? Also, I didn’t like that they made Benny, Eve, and Nan friends from the start. No, there is a very specific reasoning to not have them all friends from the beginning. Benny and Eve are the OG - no room for Nan in that duo. (hide spoiler)] And it’s such a same because the movie has a fantastic cast. Alan Cumming as Sean Walsh seems absolutely brilliant.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! It was just what I needed to read at this moment and I’m so glad I did.
Rating: really liked it
Pros - The writing style itself with wording isn't bad. It has a smooth and warm tone that fits the genre. Characters are mainly likeable, especially the main Benny and her friend Eve, two girls who bonded despite being in such different circumstances. The ending isn't predictable but it's a peaceful one. There's a surprise that pops up with one of the characters showing their real face, so not everything is sedate
Cons - The lengthy book is a story of unfolding and developing relationships, but not the most interesting thing on the shelves. The main issue I had is a personal preference - way too much head hopping into random characters. I can't get as attached to characters and interested in their story if the view keeps hopping around so freely.
Overall it's a decent book but the point of view switching so heavily isn't something I enjoy in comparison to limited POV or singular, and the length doesn't quite justify the content.
Rating: really liked it
Do you have a favourite pair of old jeans? Worn to death, washed to that perfect comfortable feel, not the latest edgy trendy cut and colour but still a firm favourite. They are a perfect fit and make you feel good. Ones you pull out and wear time after time? Circle of Friends is the book equivalent of those jeans for me. Around forever, radiating warmth, full of humour and with a gossipy, uplifting plot. Yes, it’s another of my comfort books.
Big hearted, generous Benny is the main character. From a child, she has been heavy or as others non too delicately put it – a lump of a child, a heifer, large and square. On her 10th birthday, she is expecting a princess party dress to transform her but instead she gets a ‘sturdy, hard wearing outfit’ that her parents have finished off with matching shoes and handbag. Benny never tells them that this broke her heart instead she smiles through the pain and pretends excitement.
This book focuses on Benny and best friend Eve leaving their small, country town to attend college in Dublin. Benny is vibrant, charismatic, funny and tender hearted. In Dublin, Benny and Eve find new battles to be fought, new friends to be made as they struggle to make their way in a rapidly changing Ireland. On their college menu is fun and frolics and a side order of backstabbing . The book is set in the 1950’s but despite the older setting, it’s very much a case that the problems faced by college going folks never changes. I faced the challenges in the 90s that Benny faced in the 50’s. I have no doubt the themes of friendship, loyalty, the difference in values and attitudes between parents and teenagers and issues over image are timeless and will continue to have meaning to new generations of readers.
The first line draws me in
“The kitchen was full of the smells of baking”
This sounds like my home growing up where my mother was forever baking for all of us. It feels nostalgic and familiar. From that first line to the last line, I’m wrapped up in a rosy glow.
The setting is so authentic, it catches an Ireland that is long gone but captured forever within the pages of Maeve Binchy’s books. A time when church had as much importance as the government. Communities where everyone knew you and all your business. If you coughed in your bedroom in privacy, the next day half the town would ask you how you chest infection was and remind you that lung problems run in your family and to make sure and look after it! A time when the younger generation were pulling the older generation kicking and screaming into the ‘racier’ 1950’s. Where a new jukebox in town caused uproar and new fashions such as miniskirts scandalised the more conservative.
The book has a huge cast of great characters. All of them, full of life and fleshed out with remarkable detail. However, it’s Benny that won my heart. I was overweight when I was younger too and I can identify with the trouble this caused her. I had lost weight by the time I was college age but I know how it can eat away at you and destroy your confidence.
“He drew her a little closer which was great except that she feared the place he had his hand on her back was just the part where the heavy-duty bra ended and there was a small roll of flesh. God suppose he held that bit of her – it would be like a lifebelt. How could she get him to move his hand up her back? How? These were things you needed to know in life, rather than what was set out in a syllabus for you.”
This book makes me smile and I’m always rooting for Benny with her heart of gold. For a while she lives her fairy tale but unlike a fairy tale this one does not end happily ever after. Something I really appreciated about this book, it was realistic but still ended on an optimistic but not ridiculous note. Until they made a movie and changed the ending. Why? WHY? It made me so mad.
Who should read this?
Highly recommended to all who like character driven books, books with a strong sense of place with a heart warming and uplifting vibe. There is a reason Maeve Binchy sold more than 40 million copies of her books and if you have never read one, then this would be a good one to try
Rating: really liked it
Still one of my favourite books. Best written book ever. Okey, I love Maeve Binchy, but this book is smashing. I love it from the first until the last page.
You'll love all the characters, especially the friendship between Benny and Eve. And eventhough you loathes Nan's behavior, somehow you'll understand her. You'll fall in love very quickly at Jack Folley, and as soon as that you'll find yourself annoyed by his taken-for-granted-act- to our lovable Benny.
As other's Maeve writing, it's all details that we feel we really in their circle of friends in Ireland.
I love the part when Eve said to Benny "Someday I'll push down someone for you," after Benny 'rescued' her from a nasty-mouth girl who made fun of her. That's the real beginning of their beautiful friendship.
Everytime I read this book (yes, I read it more than twice), it always remind me of how valuable friendship is, and how blessed are the people who has true friends. (thanks my angels)
I also love the last two pages, especially the part when Benny looked up the sky, and all she saw was the smoke in the night sky, and she knew that Jack's face is among the friends, not taking the whole night sky.
That sentence really describe a great closure about Benny's feeling for Jack. Benny finally let him go, eventhough Jack still loves her the same (even more, I guess, after all what happened).
This book is highly recommended. For who value friendship. For who doesn't believe in friendship. For handsome guy like Jack Folley who finally let go the only girl he really love and care about, just because he took it for granted and couldn't control himself from looking around. For big girls out there with big heart that sometimes doubt about whether being virgin is still up to date.
Btw, this book already filmed, Chris O' Donnel as the handsome Jack. I haven't watch the movie (already tried to find the movie, but couldn' t find it! So if you happened to know, let me know where to find it in Jakarta)
Rating: really liked it
What a treat! It had been a while since I read a book that made me sad when turning the last page, though I was glad the way it ended.
I liked all the characters. We meet Benny who becomes best friends with Eve when they’re 10. The friendship pretty much solidifies when Benny pushes a classmate that’s bullying Eve. Eve tells her- “someday, when I’m big and strong, I’ll knock someone down for you.”
Their friendship remains strong through out the story despite how opposite they are and the many situations that make the story of the book.
Heather is introduced to us and I loved her!!
“What had Benny wanted when she was Heather’s age, twelve? She had grow out of the wish for pink velvet dresses and pointed shoes with pom -poms. What had she wanted? Maybe a crowd of friends, people that she and Eve could play with without having to be home at a special time. It wasn’t very much. And they had got it hadn’t they. “
I know I’ll be thinking about this story for a while
Rating: really liked it
(Happy sigh)
Rating: really liked it
Really enjoyable story predominantly following two young girls who grow up together in a small town in Ireland. The story mainly focuses on when they go to University together in Dublin and encompasses the story of their friends there and in their home town.
It's a family saga with plenty going on and loveable characters. I listened to this on audio and it was beautifully narrated - a lovely heart warming story.
Rating: really liked it
Softly en'circled' my heart.
Rating: really liked it
This remains my favorite book by Maeve Binchy!
Rating: really liked it
Never before an author managed to keep me awake all night and hours beyond sun rise to finish their novel.
But Binchy did! And she did it twice.. Once about two years ago with The Glass Lake when I stayed with the book in my hand all night until 8 in the morning when I finally finished it AND yesterday as I stayed in bed from 11:30 till almost 7 in the morning with the little lamp guiding my eyes page after page as I impatiently yet gladly follow Binchy's plots..
No praise a humble reading like myself would express my adoration for this author, her style, her depth and her realistic plots.
I simply adore her novels, connect with them, see reality in them and see them in reality.
Binchy takes you where your mind usually restrains itself either busy with life daily struggles or afraid to confront the harsh, complicated and complex reality of life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like, love or enjoy reading.. It will make you smile, hope and reflect..
Done with the novel today Friday 30/11 at 11:47 (the last few pages were only left because by 7 I could really push myself any further after 27 hours of work)
This review is written a couple of hours later at 14:39 :)
