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jmclincoln's review against another edition
2.0
I listened to the Recorded Books audio version. Good narration with long pauses. The audio version seemed to take forever.
I had wanted to read a book by Maeve Benchey and was pleased when my reading group chose The Glass Lake. The multi-year story was interesting and the many characters well drawn. However, perhaps because the pacing of the audio version was slow, I had time to ponder what I was listening to in addition to the story. I was surprised a bit more than halfway through to recognize that the most important concern of all the characters was appearances. A lot of time was spent on how people looked, dressed, aged, and worried about these things. The main message seemed to be that if one could maintain a becoming appearance then all should be well and love would be true.
I had wanted to read a book by Maeve Benchey and was pleased when my reading group chose The Glass Lake. The multi-year story was interesting and the many characters well drawn. However, perhaps because the pacing of the audio version was slow, I had time to ponder what I was listening to in addition to the story. I was surprised a bit more than halfway through to recognize that the most important concern of all the characters was appearances. A lot of time was spent on how people looked, dressed, aged, and worried about these things. The main message seemed to be that if one could maintain a becoming appearance then all should be well and love would be true.
emmeganreads's review against another edition
5.0
Can't stop thinking about this book, even though I read it years ago.
nattyg's review against another edition
5.0
While all her books are not filled with racing situations or the hustle and bustle of activities, they are lively and definitely engaging. They are filled with people doing ordinary things and excelling at them.
toellethebooks's review against another edition
4.0
Second Maeve Binchy book I read after Evening Class. I got hooked by her storytelling in that book and just found myself buying more of her works.
I usually hate it when a novel has tons of characters in it but Maeve always has that magic where even though there are numerous characters, she can always keep them in check, and have brilliant character developments at that. This was the same with the Evening Class. Also, her stories always has this sense of community wherein everyone knows about everyone and that makes her works really gossipy yet heartwarming.
One thing I found disappointing is the part about Sister Madeleine. I just felt like the mystery around her should have been unfolded a bit more. I mean, her story did make the entire novel more unique and realistic because almost every community does have someone mysterious and hermitty like her but I felt there could have been more to it, you know?
Anyway, I will definitely read more of her books.
I usually hate it when a novel has tons of characters in it but Maeve always has that magic where even though there are numerous characters, she can always keep them in check, and have brilliant character developments at that. This was the same with the Evening Class. Also, her stories always has this sense of community wherein everyone knows about everyone and that makes her works really gossipy yet heartwarming.
One thing I found disappointing is the part about Sister Madeleine. I just felt like the mystery around her should have been unfolded a bit more. I mean, her story did make the entire novel more unique and realistic because almost every community does have someone mysterious and hermitty like her but I felt there could have been more to it, you know?
Anyway, I will definitely read more of her books.
mindyb33's review against another edition
4.0
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed her stories. It is just such a good warm feeling to read about her characters in Ireland.
sis_2512's review against another edition
3.5
It was a very interesting story of family. I love that Kit was able to be with her mother again and continue correspondence. It’s unfortunate that Helen/Lena had such a bad turn of luck with love.
mbennett78's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
songbird72's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book 10 or so years ago and recently reread it. Good book and the story kept me so intrigued. I had to make myself go to bed at night and quit reading. Binchy is one of my favorite authors and I've read all of her books.
clairebartholomew549's review against another edition
5.0
Entering my reviews over from my old Goodreads profile I unearthed recently...here are some super sappy thoughts from 2009-era 14-year-old Claire!
I LOVED this book. It was so engrossing and enthralling and all those over adjectives that start with e. The main character was so relatable, and I especially enjoyed her tumultuous friendship with Clio - it was so realistic.
But really, I just love how Binchy writes. The way she skips from scene to scene keeps you interested.
And, SUCH satisfying ending.
All in all, a book I will revisit time and time again, despite its 700+ page count :)
I LOVED this book. It was so engrossing and enthralling and all those over adjectives that start with e. The main character was so relatable, and I especially enjoyed her tumultuous friendship with Clio - it was so realistic.
But really, I just love how Binchy writes. The way she skips from scene to scene keeps you interested.
And, SUCH satisfying ending.
All in all, a book I will revisit time and time again, despite its 700+ page count :)