Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Heart and Soul
Book Review: Like visiting old friends
Summary: 5 Stars
I received the book from Amazon yesterday at 2 p.m. (home sick from work) and now it is 8 a.m. and I have finished it. It was, as expected, like visiting old friends and finding out what had been going on in their lives. My favorites are Nora and Aidan, but I was delighted to reconnect with the characters from Nights of Rain and Stars, Tom and Cathy, Simon and Maud. This is a beautifully-written book, one of Maeve's best. I should probably donate it to my library, but I won't. In a few months, I'll probably want to read it again.Book Review: Lots of heart and plenty of soul
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a fan of Ms Binchy's works since I was in college back in the 90s, and have faithfully collected all of her works. The wonder of Binchy's novels is that they are peopled with ordinary characters who seemingly lead average lives, but she fleshes out these characters so well and creates intricate storylines that make readers truly care about what happens to these characters. I always feel comforted by her books, and associate them with feelings of warmth,humor, wit and a deep sympathy for the trials of the average Joes and Janes portrayed within.
In her latest effort, "Heart and Soul", Binchy centers her story around St Brigid's Heart Clinic, a specialist clinic in Dublin. The hospital head has other, more lucrative plans in mind for the site, but is thwarted by the industrious Dr Clara Casey,who takes on responsibility as director of the under-funded clinic. Clara manages to assemble a team of able staff and runs the clinic with efficiency, though she herself has problems of her own. She has to deal with problems on the domestic front - two difficult, grown-up daughters, and an ex-husband.
But as with Binchy's other novels, the story is not merely Clara's alone. There are other characters and they each have their own issues - there's Ania, the Polish immigrant with the specter of a failed love in her past; Declan, the young doctor who forms an attachment to a nurse Fiona, though he still lives at home with his parents;Bobby, a patient at the clinic who has a difficult wife; Father Bryan Flynn, and even a stalker!
Besides being a heartwarming and riveting read, the bonus here is that we have some characters from her earlier novels within this novel. Those who have read Binchy's earlier works such as Evening Class, Quentins, Scarlet Feather will recognize some familiar characters and places.
Though I find each Binchy novel a treat to savor and relish for as long as I can, I do have a special fondness for her earlier works and count "Circle of Friends", "Glass Lake", "Light a Penny Candle", "Evening Class", and "Tara Road" amongst my personal favorites.
"Heart and Soul" reminds me of Binchy's older works - it brings back the magic of insight into each character, presented in a very human manner and leaves one with an indescribable feeling of 'loss' when the book comes to an end. This book has plenty of heart and soul!
Book Review: Love Maeve Binchey
Summary: 5 Stars
I love Maeve Binchey. I went to a book signing of hers years back and she impressed me so much, especially when she said that she wasn't there to sell books, but to meet the people who read what she writes. This book was wonderful-I read it flying from Boston to LA. It wasn't quite as good as her earlier books, but the fact that she brought back some of the beloved characters for her other stories made up for that. I really recommend it.Book Review: Loved it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just love Maeve Binchy's books. I am so excited when I hear one will be released and then I buy it on day one and finish it in no time and then the waiting begins again...
Maeve Binchy's books are like meeting up with old friends. This book won't disappoint her devoted readers.
Book Review: Lovely
Summary: 5 Stars
Oh, what a lovely Binchy ready. So old friends and a new plot. Put up your feet and go along for the slow yet so much fun ride. I love this and highly recommend it. I also have a new legal thriller author...J Lance Erikson's The Fraud