The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Glass Lake
Book Review: If you like Maeve Binchy, read this
Summary: 5 Stars
More of the Binchy we know (and love), and just as
engrossing as her other books, but somewhat less believeable.
This does not take away from the pleasure of reading this
book and stepping back into Ireland in the 1950s. Like all
her other novels, this is a major page turner, and a
very enjoyable and fast read.Book Review: Compelling characters but believable?
Summary: 4 Stars
The Glass Lake is about the eighth book I've read by the Irish author, Maeve Binchy. This novel, like many others, including _Circle of Friends_, is set in a small Irish village with parts set in London and Dublin. Also like _Circle of Friends_, _The Glass Lake_ has a very compelling central character in Kit McMahon. There are several problems with this book however, that I didn't find in _Circle of Friends.
Another central characer is Helen McMahon, AKA Lena Gray, Kit's mother. Their relationship and the events strain reality. Helen runs away from her family to be with her one true love, Louis Gray. Kit finds a letter for her father but burns it, thinking it is a suicide note. Her reasonbeing her mother could never have a Catholic burial if the village thought she committed suicide. The village does find a water-logged corpse so the village and her family mourn her death. Meanwhile Helen/Lena is setting up house with Louis in London. When she finds out her family thinks she is dead, she allows them to continue thinking this. She begins a correspondence with Kit as a "supposed" friend of Kit's mother.
I cannot buy the idea of a mother leaving her two children, especially the way Helen's loving nature is emphasized in the book.
There are a few love subplots in the novel but for the most part there is an awful lot of padding. Of 757 pages, about 500 is repetition. I have to admit though, the book did hold my interest. I never once considered stopping reading it. Although not very believable, I did enjoy it.Book Review: Best book for Summer vacation!
Summary: 5 Stars
The mystique of Ireland, excellent character development,suspense, and genuine good writing are the hallmark ofMaeve Binchy's Glass Lake. Kit McMahon is caught between the innocence of childhood, loyalty to her family, and the strong need for the love of a mother after her mother's tragic and mysterious death. Highly recommended for vacation or leisurely reading for long Summer evenings. Excellent!Book Review: FUN!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Glass lake, like other Binchy novels, is equally
engrossing and lively. This time the strange circumstances
involving a young girl and her family will not allow you to
put the book down. It is an easy and fast read despite the
length. The characters, as always, are amusing and
strangely reminiscent of someone you know. Do not miss this
one if you are a Binchy fan.Book Review: The best of Ms. Binchy's books to date.
Summary: 5 Stars
I always enjoy Maeve Binchy's books, she is one of the best story tellers writing today. The Glass Lake, however, really excels. Her characters seem like old friends, and I was lost in 1950's Ireland from the first page. If you're looking for true "escape" fiction, and a book that you wish will never end, this is it. Take it to the beach, read it on a rainy afternoon, immerse yourself in it on an airplane, it doesn't matter where, but do read it