We are introduced to a whole wealth of characters in this book, which is wonderful because Binchy does characters very well. She also manages to successfully cover over 2 decades in the space of this novel, which is no mean feat. The only downside of this is perhaps that we know our Irish characters much better than our American ones. While this adds a sense of mystery and tension in the story, it doesn't allow us to empathise with the Americans as much as we maybe should.
Starting with the hopes of a newly married couple who manage to buy a large beautiful house on the cheap (I wish I had their luck!) and build up their life before it suddenly falls to pieces. I was disappointed by Binchy's writing of the main male character Danny, who seems to become a "bad man" merely to serve the needs of the plot. However, the female characters more than make up for this as does the naive wit of youngest son Brian.
The relationship between parents and children and separation is interestingly expressed and is very realistic, an excellent addition to Binchy's repertoire of relationships. Some of the other situations explored - domestic violence, drug/alcohol use, loneliness, death were challenging yet still gentle enough to remain good Binchy.
I felt America was perhaps the weakness in this novel. The relationship between the two women, who decide to house swap on the basis of a phone call and dire emotional circumstances slowly develops and is wonderful. I felt that the description of the American town and life was a bit... superficial, not quite right somehow.
A small complaint though, because this big fat gossipy novel has enough twists and lovely characters to make it a worthwhile read.
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Amazon.com Oprah Book Club(r) Selection, September 1999: Against all odds, two newlyweds ... more
manage to buy the house of their dreams. In 1982, property speculation is beginning to be a big, big thing in Dublin--and their street is very much in an up-and-co...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Amazon.com Oprah Book Club(r) Selection, September 1999: Against all odds, two newlyweds ... more
manage to buy the house of their dreams. In 1982, property speculation is beginning to be a big, big thing in Dublin--and their street is very much in an up-and-co...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Amazon.com Oprah Book Club(r) Selection, September 1999: Against all odds, two newlyweds ... more
manage to buy the house of their dreams. In 1982, property speculation is beginning to be a big, big thing in Dublin--and their street is very much in an up-and-co...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Amazon.com Oprah Book Club(r) Selection, September 1999: Against all odds, two newlyweds ... more
manage to buy the house of their dreams. In 1982, property speculation is beginning to be a big, big thing in Dublin--and their street is very much in an up-and-co...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Amazon.com Oprah Book Club(r) Selection, September 1999: Against all odds, two newlyweds ... more
manage to buy the house of their dreams. In 1982, property speculation is beginning to be a big, big thing in Dublin--and their street is very much in an up-and-co...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Pleasant light reading, some great characters, satisfactory ending Disadvantages: Rather convoluted plot, too many minor characters, some a bit flat
Kukana 28.10.2003 (28.10.2003)
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