“WHITETHORN WOODS is Binchy’s best read in a decade . . . Few contemporary novelists match Binchy’s gift for giving us the world through her characters’ eyes.” –The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Maeve Binchy once again brings us an enchanting book full of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that have made her one of the most beloved and widely read writers at work today. When a new highway threatens to bypass the town of Rossmore and cut through Whitethorn Woods, everyone has a passionate opinion about whether the town will benefit or suffer. But young Father Flynn is most concerned with the fate of St. Ann’s Well, which is set at the edge of the woods and slated for destruction. People have been coming to St. Ann’s for generations to share their dreams and fears, and to speak their prayers. Some believe it to be a place of true spiritual power, demanding protection; others think it’s a mere magnet for superstitions, easily sacrificed. Not knowing which faction to favor, Father Flynn listens to all those caught up in the conflict, and these are the voices we hear in the stories of Whitethorn Woods–men and women deciding between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future, ordinary people brought vividly to life by Binchy’s generosity and empathy, and in the vivacity and surprise of her storytelling. Maeve Binchy is at the very top of her form in this irresistible tale.
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"Crafted in an interesting manner, sort of a series of vignettes that all intertwine together and center on one town. Well done in Binchey's beloved manner of writing. You are drawn into the stories and forget for a moment that you are not yourself a resident of the Irish towns she writes about. " — Karrie (5 out of 5 stars)
"Crafted in an interesting manner, sort of a series of vignettes that all intertwine together and center on one town. Well done in Binchey's beloved manner of writing. You are drawn into the stories and forget for a moment that you are not yourself a resident of the Irish towns she writes about. "
" This book is really a collection of short stories that are supposed to be interrelated. Some are but there is such a cast of characters it was hard to keep track of eveyone. I felt it was not as good as her other books. "
" I haven't read Binchy in a long time. I must say this will not be my favorite! A LOT OF CHARACTERS!! Didn't really all tie in at the end. "
" Good read but it's basically a group of short stories, most having to be read in pairs, and not a novel. "
" This was a lovely light book. It is filled with colorful characters and vivid description. Set in Ireland it leaves a nice 'taste'. I recommend it between your more 'serious' reads. "
" It's the usual Maeve Binchy, nothing of major substance but enjoyable for a quick read. Told in a series of personal sketches all revolving around a well that is rumored to be protected by St. Ann who will grant your wishes if you pray or visit. Life in Ireland in a set of snapshots. "
" Amazing probably is too high a rating; but, since I love all of her books, that is what I gave it. This book, like many of hers, is more a collection of short stories with characters and place(s) connected. "
" I actually did enjoy this book, and I would give certain sections of it five stars, but the ending of this book was really boring, as well as it the beginning so that reduced the books rating! Everything in between was spectacular though! "
" I love Maeve Binchy, but this was my least favorite of her books. "
" I usually love Maeve Binchy, but this one was just ok. "
" Can be a bit frustrating for those memory detail challenged, but with each chapter about a character and giving their story and perspective, it comes together very nicely towards the end. It's one that you can't wait to finish to see what happens, and delightfully it's not a predictable ending! "
" Like her other novels, this one describes a great set of characters, and follows them through different problems in a small town in Ireland. "
" Typical Maeve Binchey. I liked reading about so many different people with some very loose or significant connections. Some of the stories were more captivating than others, some of them very dark. Overall, it was intriguing and I enjoyed the book. "
" Right now, I'm not sure whether I'll finish this book. To me, it seems to not get going in a way, which makes it rather boring. "
Maeve Binchy (1940–2012) was the author of numerous bestselling books, including Minding Frankie, Heart and Soul, Whitethorn Woods, and Circle of Friends, as well as Tara Road, which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection. She contributed to Gourmet; O, The Oprah Magazine; Modern Maturity; and Good Housekeeping, among other publications. Married to Gordon Snell, she lived in Dalkey, Ireland, until her death in July 2012 at the age of seventy-two, shortly after finishing A Week in Winter.
Fred Sanders, an actor and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has received critics’ praise for his audio narrations that range from nonfiction, memoir, and fiction to mystery and suspense. He been seen on Broadway in The Buddy Holly Story, in national tours for Driving Miss Daisy and Big River, and on such television shows as Seinfeld, The West Wing, Will and Grace, Numb3rs,Titus, and Malcolm in the Middle. His films include Sea of Love, The Shadow, and the Oscar-nominated short Culture. He is a native New Yorker and Yale graduate.
James Langton, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and later as a musician at the Guildhall School in London. He has worked in radio, film, and television, also appearing in theater in England and on Broadway. He is also a professional musician who led the internationally renowned Pasadena Roof Orchestra from 1996 to 2002.
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