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sjchaima's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amyl88's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite Binchy books. Strictly comfort reading.
katybarlowe's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
This was just the medicine I needed for a hard time. It was full of wonderful characters, a strong sense of place and a great story. It was cozy through and through. Over 700 pages read like 200.
Towards the end it took a sadder turn than I was expecting, but still great!
This was just the medicine I needed for a hard time. It was full of wonderful characters, a strong sense of place and a great story. It was cozy through and through. Over 700 pages read like 200.
Towards the end it took a sadder turn than I was expecting, but still great!
smcwhorter's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interesting, lovely book. It feels a bit like wandering lazily through the life of a town, getting to know the good and the bad of the people involved. It’s a comforting and easily paced book, rich with character details.
At times the pace was a bit slower than I would have liked, but ultimately felt like drifting down a river and making friends. Lazy, but thoroughly enjoyable, and with people you want to root for.
At times the pace was a bit slower than I would have liked, but ultimately felt like drifting down a river and making friends. Lazy, but thoroughly enjoyable, and with people you want to root for.
aphennekes's review against another edition
5.0
A very enjoyable and believable story, with the perfect amount of character development to pull you along quickly. I wanted the book to not end, even after nearly 600 pages.
moodswinger's review against another edition
3.0
Not a review per se, as just some brief commentary on my history with this book. I first saw the movie as a teenager with raging hormones. As such, I needed the book immediately to reflect on Jack's studliness. I read the book in Spanish, as I was nowhere near capable in English at the time.
For some reason, this week I was strongly compelled to re-read it. I figured I'd just skim over sections, but 400 pages into the ebook I thought I may as well add it.
Like I said, as a kid I looooooved Jack, and wanted he and Benny together. While I loved Clodagh and Fonsie as well, this time they have been the best part of the book. And so I'll link to this article, which I feel is very complimentary of both these characters and Nan.
For some reason, this week I was strongly compelled to re-read it. I figured I'd just skim over sections, but 400 pages into the ebook I thought I may as well add it.
Like I said, as a kid I looooooved Jack, and wanted he and Benny together. While I loved Clodagh and Fonsie as well, this time they have been the best part of the book. And so I'll link to this article, which I feel is very complimentary of both these characters and Nan.
dkhunt's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy Maeve Binchy, although I have some issues with her seeming belief that all men cheat and that women are usually faithful to them anyway. The last scene in this book was a welcome antidote to that last formula.
fleeno's review against another edition
5.0
I first read Circle of Friends in my early teens and was recently inspired to do a reread. I think I read most of Binchy's books in my teens before relgating them to the 'old lady' reading pile. Recently however I have been considering why women's literature and stories are so often dismissed as chic lit, popcorn fiction, or not gritty and real - not like men's writing. Why is Angela's Ashes considered a great insight into an Irish family and Maeve Binchy is a guilty pleasure? (Oh we know why).
Binchy's books centre around the lives of women and issues they face, often with relationships and the church. Unsurprisingly I identified with big, funny Benny Hogan as a teen (and an adult) and I loved her still. Benny and her BFF orphan Eve are embarking on adult life together. After growing up in small town Knockglen, they're off to college in Dublin, Eve will live there but poor Benny has to catch the bus home every night. The first day of college they meet beautiful, ambitious Nan and the gorgeous fuck boy Jack. Jack falls for Benny because she is bloody amazing but because Benny is a good Catholic girl and Jack is a dog, there are almost immediately issues in the relationship. Meanwhile poor Benny has to deal with slimey Sean trying to work his way into her father's business, Eve has huge issues with abandonment and anger, and Nan is desperate to escape her working class background. I love that while relationships with men happen they aren't really the core of story. This is a story about friendship, what good friends are, and how amazing women can be when they come together. I loved this reread and loved more than I remembered.
Binchy's books centre around the lives of women and issues they face, often with relationships and the church. Unsurprisingly I identified with big, funny Benny Hogan as a teen (and an adult) and I loved her still. Benny and her BFF orphan Eve are embarking on adult life together. After growing up in small town Knockglen, they're off to college in Dublin, Eve will live there but poor Benny has to catch the bus home every night. The first day of college they meet beautiful, ambitious Nan and the gorgeous fuck boy Jack. Jack falls for Benny because she is bloody amazing but because Benny is a good Catholic girl and Jack is a dog, there are almost immediately issues in the relationship. Meanwhile poor Benny has to deal with slimey Sean trying to work his way into her father's business, Eve has huge issues with abandonment and anger, and Nan is desperate to escape her working class background. I love that while relationships with men happen they aren't really the core of story. This is a story about friendship, what good friends are, and how amazing women can be when they come together. I loved this reread and loved more than I remembered.