Everything I know about Ireland, I learned from one lady. Maeve Binchy. I don't even remember when I started reading her books. They have always been there, and they just keep coming. Mrs. Binchy is a classy lady who does not do Facebook or blogs. She requires letters to be sent to her-- in Ireland. I fully intend to do that, but for now I wanted to talk about her latest book: Minding Frankie.
Once again, we have a child who needs a parent. Hmm, I guess I like this theme. The child is "minded" or "raised" by a flock of people who all want to help out. If you have read her other books, you will recognize how familiar characters will pop up. She is a master at creating unique characters, in the distinct setting of Ireland (sometimes they do appear in the U.S.)
The following description is from her author website.
Baby Frankie is born into an unusual family. Her mother is desperate to find someone to take care of her child and she doesn't have much time. Noel doesn't seem to be the most promising of fathers but despite everything, he could well be Frankie's best hope. As for Lisa, she is prepared to give up everything for the man she loves; surely he's going to love her back? And Moira is having none of it. She knows what's right, and has the power to change the course of Frankie's life... but Moira is hiding secrets of her own. Minding Frankie is a story about unconventional families, relationships which aren’t quite what they seem, and the child at the heart of everyone's lives.
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| I have a few of her books! |
I liked the storyline of this book, the way that neighbors all pull together for a cause, and even the "nosy" social worker. I have been in her shoes. If you are already a fan, I think this is her best book of the past few I've read. If you have never read her books, there is a 99-cent short story download you can sample AND a very short story on her website. I will also say that I almost NEVER read short stories, but Maeve's (and L.M. Montgomery's) are THE only ones I spend any time reading. I did use all of that capitalization for EXTREME emphasis!
GIVEAWAY time! I'm going to give away a new copy of Minding Frankie to a random commenter. Let me know if you enjoy Maeve Binchy, and if you have a favorite of hers. OR let me know something about Ireland, in keeping with St. Pat's coming up. Have you been there? Are you Irish? Have you found a pot of gold?
(By the way, it's just MAYV).
And the randomly selected winner is. . . . Alissa! Congratulations!
Hi Christina, it's your Aunt Laurel. I've known you all your life, and of course I knew you were an avid reader. I've also read a lot of Mauve Binchey. I've also been to Ireland 3 times. In Ireland, St. Pat's Day is a religious holiday, and families go to Church. Unlike in America, they don't have parades, nor do they drink green beer until the pubs close down!
ReplyDeleteHere is the poem I wrote in the airplane, looking down on the auld isle on the way home after my first trip to Ireland:
Ireland, you touched my heart,
You magical, mystical place.
With rolling mist and cloud-like sheep
And trees with majestic grace.
From up on high your stone walls
look like old pottery's crackled glaze,
Which spider-webs my memory
Leaving me images to trace.
That's neat! Gives me chills. I'm glad you found my blog :0) Maybe if you e-mail me some Ireland pictures, I can put them on here this month.
ReplyDeleteHi Christina! It's Alissa, even though it shows Dave as the one on the e-mail address.
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd look at your blog finally. Very Nice!! This is very YOU! :-) I love it. I, unlike you, am not an avid reader. I am an "avid reader want-to-be". I actually would like to get into reading more sometime in the near future. So, maybe I'll get some good ideas from your blog. I have never been to Ireland and have never heard of this author, so I don't have a lot to share with you. Just wanted to lend you my support as your friend and let you know that I"ll check in every now and then to see what new things you have to share with us on your blog. :-)
Alissa
What a dedicated friend you are! Thank you so much for supporting me! I'll be giving away some of my favorite Trader Joe's products from time to time, too. That should make it worth it to tune in.
DeleteJust read Aunt Laurel's poem. I love it! I know she loves Ireland and our roots certainly trace back to Ireland and England. She has all of the history back to when there were the "lords" and landowners in the 1600's. I hope you, Laurel, will keep writing! AND finish that children's book you started.
ReplyDeleteBarbie
Thanks for coming by, Mom! I know you read a lot of Maeve Binchy, too.
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