A biography on Maeve Binchy just hit our library shelves, and I snatched it up. I think I read all her books and bought a few to reread. I remember when Minnie Driver was hired for the movie, Circle of Friends, my favorite of all the Binchy books and how displeased (but in a gracious way) Ms. Binchy was because heroine, Bennie, was a big girl and Minnie Driver wasn't. What I didn't realize but learned in the bio. was Ms. Binchy was six-foot tall and what Alexander McCall Smith would call, "traditionally built."In reading the bio, I learned what a penny candle is (Light a Penny Candle), and also that not every author makes for an interesting biography. Ms. Binchy traveled a lot, partied a lot, and drank a lot. She lost her faith but, nevertheless, was buried with Catholic rites. More of her books were made into movies than were shown here, at least in the Puget Sound area--more's the pity. But here's the cool thing: she lives on in uTube and was a delightful speaker. It's easy to spend half-an-hour or so listening to a charming Irish brogue tell stories. Goodbye and God bless, Maeve Binchy, thanks for the many hours of good reading.
I've been an avid reader of Maeve Binchy since I was a small child. My mother loved her books, and always passed them onto me when she'd read them.
ReplyDeleteI will look out for her biography, but as you say, some biographies simpy aren't interesting.
I have loved everything she wrote Karla, and have copies of all of them in my bookcase. They are always worth re-reading.
ReplyDeleteI've read several of her books. Thanks for sharing these interesting facts about her.
ReplyDeleteI loved Maeve Binchy's books so much. Her short stories were good too, especially The Blue Dress.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this yesterday. Love Irish brogues and when I spent nearly two weeks in Ireland I became just a listener to the lovely liquid language.
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