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Echoes
"It was sometimes called the echo cave, and if you shouted your question loud enough in the right direction, you got an answer instead of an echo..."
Clare and David--divided as children by a rigid social code that branded her as shanty Irish and him as gentry...brought together as adults by a desire that knew no class, no barriers, only the urgent hunger of two people destined to love--and ready to defy a world determined to keep them apart.
Even at fifteen, David Power knew the echo would answer eleven-year-old Clare O'Brien's dearest wish, to win a school prize. But it was years before Dr. Power's cherished only son saw in the huckster's daughter the answer to his own heart's desire.
Here in Castlebay, perched precariously on the seaside cliffs, the lines between them were clearly drawn. Clare's only hope is to leave the town where time stopped, propelled by scholarships to Dublin, fueled by her own drive and brilliance, far from the insular, gossipy world of Castlebay and those in its thrall... Angela O'Hara, beautiful, isolated, a teacher trapped in the convent school, who risks everything to help Clare escape... Gerry Doyle, the town charmer who finds in Clare the woman he vows to have at any price... Caroline Nolan, the beautiful, rich outsider who comes to plunder...
For Clare, that was before the wild freedom of Dublin, and love. And David. Before fate drove them back to Castlebay, and the past...
Clare and David--divided as children by a rigid social code that branded her as shanty Irish and him as gentry...brought together as adults by a desire that knew no class, no barriers, only the urgent hunger of two people destined to love--and ready to defy a world determined to keep them apart.
Even at fifteen, David Power knew the echo would answer eleven-year-old Clare O'Brien's dearest wish, to win a school prize. But it was years before Dr. Power's cherished only son saw in the huckster's daughter the answer to his own heart's desire.
Here in Castlebay, perched precariously on the seaside cliffs, the lines between them were clearly drawn. Clare's only hope is to leave the town where time stopped, propelled by scholarships to Dublin, fueled by her own drive and brilliance, far from the insular, gossipy world of Castlebay and those in its thrall... Angela O'Hara, beautiful, isolated, a teacher trapped in the convent school, who risks everything to help Clare escape... Gerry Doyle, the town charmer who finds in Clare the woman he vows to have at any price... Caroline Nolan, the beautiful, rich outsider who comes to plunder...
For Clare, that was before the wild freedom of Dublin, and love. And David. Before fate drove them back to Castlebay, and the past...
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
1950 people are currently reading
4712 people want to read
About the author
Maeve Binchy
251 books4,934 followersAnne Maeve Binchy Snell was an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, columnist, and speaker. Her novels were characterised by a sympathetic and often humorous portrayal of small-town life in Ireland, and surprise endings. Her novels, which were translated into 37 languages, sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Her death at age 73, announced by Vincent Browne on Irish television late on 30 July 2012, was mourned as the death of one of Ireland's best-loved and most recognisable writers.
She appeared in the US market, featuring on The New York Times Best Seller list and in Oprah's Book Club. Recognised for her "total absence of malice" and generosity to other writers, she finished third in a 2000 poll for World Book Day, ahead of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King.
She appeared in the US market, featuring on The New York Times Best Seller list and in Oprah's Book Club. Recognised for her "total absence of malice" and generosity to other writers, she finished third in a 2000 poll for World Book Day, ahead of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 853 reviews
June 19, 2020
I read this a long time ago, shortly after it was first published, but as I started re-reading, it all started to slowly begin to feel familiar as aspects began to come back. Echoes by Maeve Binchy is a wonderful character driven piece of historical fiction that takes us back to the Ireland of the 1950s and 1960s. She paints a picture of small Irish town life of the period, evoked vibrantly by her rich descriptions and details, with a host of characters, many that are eminently unlikeable, with the gossip, class rigidity, prejudices, judgementalism, gender limitations faced by girls and women, the central place, strictness and importance of the Irish Roman Catholic Church within the community, capturing the social norms and attitudes, including the lack of understanding and dismissal of issues such as post-natal depression.
This is the story of working class Claire O'Brien, a shopkeeper's daughter, bright and ambitious, determined to escape her circumstances, helped by teacher, Angela O'Hara, gaining scholarships that take her to Dublin. Then there is David Power, the doctor's son, a David and Claire who break the expectations that they face, and Gerry Doyle, from a similar background as Claire, obsessed by her. Binchy tells the emotive story of lives that are intertwined through the years, the challenges, of love, class, hardships, infidelities, betrayal and tragedy, where the echoes of the past can be hard to shake off. This is a compelling and immersive Irish novel, of a bygone era, of its time and place, aspects of which makes me grateful that the world has moved on, yet retains echoes of a simpler, more straightforward time compared to the complexities and pressures of our contemporary world. This turned out to be an enjoyable re-read! Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for a copy of the book.
This is the story of working class Claire O'Brien, a shopkeeper's daughter, bright and ambitious, determined to escape her circumstances, helped by teacher, Angela O'Hara, gaining scholarships that take her to Dublin. Then there is David Power, the doctor's son, a David and Claire who break the expectations that they face, and Gerry Doyle, from a similar background as Claire, obsessed by her. Binchy tells the emotive story of lives that are intertwined through the years, the challenges, of love, class, hardships, infidelities, betrayal and tragedy, where the echoes of the past can be hard to shake off. This is a compelling and immersive Irish novel, of a bygone era, of its time and place, aspects of which makes me grateful that the world has moved on, yet retains echoes of a simpler, more straightforward time compared to the complexities and pressures of our contemporary world. This turned out to be an enjoyable re-read! Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for a copy of the book.
January 10, 2022
My first time reading Maeve Binchy and a companion read with my dear friend Karina, Echoes is a lovely introduction to this author. Karina and I have talked about it quite a bit through messages to each other and what came out of our talks is that the characters are complex and deep and you really care about them.
The setting also becomes another character and adds a profound feeling of isolation. The small, coastal, Irish town is one in which everyone is the same, same traditions, same staunch catholicism, same poverty of spirit and means. Also, the good people here really do care for each other and see beyond the exterior to what's underneath. They try to help. There is a decent, loving priest who we meet in the story later on who is what all ministers should be. He even has a sense of humor.
This takes place in the 1960s and you really feel like you have stepped back in time. The author knows her Irish history. One of the best story lines is that of Angela and her brother, Sean, the priest. Angela teaches at the local school and takes care of her crippled mother, but Angela's mother is most proud of Sean. When Sean reveals that he has left the priesthood and wants to come see his mother, Angela wrestles with him in letters and meetings to try and make him see that he would break his mother's heart and make a sham of her own sacrifice if he did that.
The setting also becomes another character and adds a profound feeling of isolation. The small, coastal, Irish town is one in which everyone is the same, same traditions, same staunch catholicism, same poverty of spirit and means. Also, the good people here really do care for each other and see beyond the exterior to what's underneath. They try to help. There is a decent, loving priest who we meet in the story later on who is what all ministers should be. He even has a sense of humor.
This takes place in the 1960s and you really feel like you have stepped back in time. The author knows her Irish history. One of the best story lines is that of Angela and her brother, Sean, the priest. Angela teaches at the local school and takes care of her crippled mother, but Angela's mother is most proud of Sean. When Sean reveals that he has left the priesthood and wants to come see his mother, Angela wrestles with him in letters and meetings to try and make him see that he would break his mother's heart and make a sham of her own sacrifice if he did that.
January 7, 2022
"Nobody was going to be forgiven for anything, like blighting David's young life, forcing him to marry a girl from the lower classes, a shotgun wedding and an early baby. But given all that, at least Molly liked her granddaughter. At least she wasn't going to reject the child. Things were looking up."
(PG. 390)
What can say about this Irish writer (RIP) that I have loved for more than 10 years when a friend recommended her? How lucky was I that someone mentioned her? Very....
This is a novel that spans over ten years into the characters' lives. We get to know Clare at ten years old and see what her life became in her 20s. Was it everything she hoped for or wanted? Like us, probably not what she envisioned but did she learn from it and grow? We hope so because as the reader we cheer her on and the villagers around her that we also come to meet.
The story leaves us with nostalgia. I have this nostalgia but I never grew up like Clare so, as Beverly said, that is what makes a great author. Binchy gives us a sense of wanting to be part of this community that looks out for one another and watches each other grow.
Binchy makes characters we love and hate but we want to know more about these people and what will become of them. I looked forward to reading this everyday I didn't finish it and was sad when I did. The ending was sad but just. I don't know what I would have done in Clare's situation at the end of it all but I wished her happiness.
Highly recommend any book this author wrote. Beautifully told. I want to be her when I grow up : )
(Thank you Beverly for this buddy read. I really enjoyed your thoughts!)
(PG. 390)
What can say about this Irish writer (RIP) that I have loved for more than 10 years when a friend recommended her? How lucky was I that someone mentioned her? Very....
This is a novel that spans over ten years into the characters' lives. We get to know Clare at ten years old and see what her life became in her 20s. Was it everything she hoped for or wanted? Like us, probably not what she envisioned but did she learn from it and grow? We hope so because as the reader we cheer her on and the villagers around her that we also come to meet.
The story leaves us with nostalgia. I have this nostalgia but I never grew up like Clare so, as Beverly said, that is what makes a great author. Binchy gives us a sense of wanting to be part of this community that looks out for one another and watches each other grow.
Binchy makes characters we love and hate but we want to know more about these people and what will become of them. I looked forward to reading this everyday I didn't finish it and was sad when I did. The ending was sad but just. I don't know what I would have done in Clare's situation at the end of it all but I wished her happiness.
Highly recommend any book this author wrote. Beautifully told. I want to be her when I grow up : )
(Thank you Beverly for this buddy read. I really enjoyed your thoughts!)
January 10, 2018
In Echoes Binchy proves that she truly is a master storyteller but blistering sentimentality and her penchant for verbosity turn some sections of the novel into a test of stamina.
The story revolves around Clare O'Brien and David Power, the offspring of two vastly different families in the seaside town of Castlebay in the 1950s. The O'Briens run the local shop, they're working class and Clare is only able to further her education by being gifted and winning scholarships. The Powers are 'to the manor born', David is off at boarding school for the early parts of the novel but eventually follows in his father's footsteps by studying medicine. You can already guess where this is going, yes, this is Maeve Binchy's Romeo and Juliet.
Of course the plot involving Clare and David is actually only one storyline in this vast 737-page novel which spans the entirety of the 50s and the early 60s in Castlebay. Binchy is at her absolute best when she is juggling several plots. Where many authors struggle to tie everything together, Binchy has an almost Dickensian talent of making everything connect and tie-up naturally. However, where in other novels Binchy is fully able to fill her usual 700+ page count with ease, in Echoes it seems that for every page of plot there was an accompanying page of filler.
It also does not help that I found this novel to be uncharacteristically sentimental for Binchy. She always writes stories of love and marriage but she usually balances that out with some genuinely moving and, sometimes, shocking content. Who can forget the abortion in Light A Penny Candle for example? Binchy teases us in the prologue of Echoes by telling us about the body of a dead man floating in the sea off the cliffs of Castlebay, but she does not return to this ghastly scene until the very end of the novel - 700 pages later. Meanwhile you've got to deal with the just-about-bareable Clare and the posh daddy's boy David.
I feel that I've talked about the length of this novel quite a lot in this review but honestly that is my biggest criticism. There is absolutely no need for this book to be as long as it is. Binchy writes big books, but this isn't a big story. I often found myself getting bored and realising that I had 400 or more pages left. It is unfortunate.
Echoes is a vast and well-written novel. There are many characters in here that would be considered 'classic Binchy' and it is often very funny. However, tweeness and boredom set in after the first couple hundred pages and never really leave. Overall, it's a fine novel that displays Binchy's wit but the editor should hang their head in shame.
The story revolves around Clare O'Brien and David Power, the offspring of two vastly different families in the seaside town of Castlebay in the 1950s. The O'Briens run the local shop, they're working class and Clare is only able to further her education by being gifted and winning scholarships. The Powers are 'to the manor born', David is off at boarding school for the early parts of the novel but eventually follows in his father's footsteps by studying medicine. You can already guess where this is going, yes, this is Maeve Binchy's Romeo and Juliet.
Of course the plot involving Clare and David is actually only one storyline in this vast 737-page novel which spans the entirety of the 50s and the early 60s in Castlebay. Binchy is at her absolute best when she is juggling several plots. Where many authors struggle to tie everything together, Binchy has an almost Dickensian talent of making everything connect and tie-up naturally. However, where in other novels Binchy is fully able to fill her usual 700+ page count with ease, in Echoes it seems that for every page of plot there was an accompanying page of filler.
It also does not help that I found this novel to be uncharacteristically sentimental for Binchy. She always writes stories of love and marriage but she usually balances that out with some genuinely moving and, sometimes, shocking content. Who can forget the abortion in Light A Penny Candle for example? Binchy teases us in the prologue of Echoes by telling us about the body of a dead man floating in the sea off the cliffs of Castlebay, but she does not return to this ghastly scene until the very end of the novel - 700 pages later. Meanwhile you've got to deal with the just-about-bareable Clare and the posh daddy's boy David.
I feel that I've talked about the length of this novel quite a lot in this review but honestly that is my biggest criticism. There is absolutely no need for this book to be as long as it is. Binchy writes big books, but this isn't a big story. I often found myself getting bored and realising that I had 400 or more pages left. It is unfortunate.
Echoes is a vast and well-written novel. There are many characters in here that would be considered 'classic Binchy' and it is often very funny. However, tweeness and boredom set in after the first couple hundred pages and never really leave. Overall, it's a fine novel that displays Binchy's wit but the editor should hang their head in shame.
April 4, 2012
For the first three-quarters of this story, I loved it. For most of the last quarter, I had my arm drawn back, ready to send the book flying against the far wall. Binchy held off anything resembling resolution for the main characters to the last two or three pages, and all I can say about that without spoiling it entirely is that though it was nowhere near a rainbows and unicorns ending, I didn’t throw the book across the room after all.
Binchy, despite her stylistic licentiousness regarding commas and her tendency to pose questions without using a question mark (one of my pet peeves), is a fantastic storyteller. Her people live and think and feel with the beautiful and awful, hilarious and poignant inconsistencies of reality. The situations she describes are relatively everyday—at least, the everyday of small-town Irish Catholic life circa 1960—but they hold the reader’s attention nonetheless.
The history, odd as it feels to use that term for something as recent as the Fifties and Sixties, was interesting. Set in the last years before Vatican II unleashed its mixed bag of major changes upon the Catholic Church, Echoes snaps a picture of the time within the place: firm country traditionalism, unexamined and unfair as it often is, and yet both beautiful and correct in its way; young people caught up in education and city anonymity, trying their strength against the boundaries of morality and stigma and scandal.
The one fault I found with this book was that in a couple of respects, it was Circle of Friends, second verse. In both novels, the boys did what they did for the same halfwitted reasons and justified themselves with the same witless excuses. I'd have appreciated it if one of them had at least pretended to understand that he was in the wrong. But in this case, it was worse; it seemed an unnecessary, even irresponsible inclusion—a method not of developing the primary characters, but of bringing the Gerry Doyle plot thread to its climax. It's not unimaginable that I've missed the point, however.
All that aside, I had little trouble understanding and loving most of the characters. Angela O’Hara might have been my favorite; brilliant and beautiful and single, desperate to do the right thing while avoiding scandal. She was absolutely sympathetic. Clare suffered so much that I could not do less than love her, though at one point—maybe two or three—she could have used a stiff talking-to, not that it would have worked. Mary Catherine and Valerie and Josie are humanly lovable friends with very believable weaknesses and strengths.
There were a handful of characters who were unsympathetic or difficult at some level, and in every case the author controlled this fabulously. Molly Power and Gerry Doyle and Sean O’Hara are too ordinary to seem like villains, but they come off all the more villainous because of their ordinariness. Shuya makes herself both problem and solution. Chrissie is a mess and a mystery.
I don’t know how I feel about David. I may never decide that. I don’t see him as loathsome as, say, Kristin Lavransdatter’s Erlend, but he’s not Taylor Caldwell’s Luke either.
Dick Dillon, however—there’s a man and a hero for you. Father Flynn, likewise.
Perhaps I should say one more thing about the ending. As noted before, it’s not rainbows and unicorns. It’s not entirely satisfactory, and everybody doesn’t get their perfect understanding of just how bad they were and how they ought to go on. It is, however, a step toward redemption. And I appreciated that.
Binchy, despite her stylistic licentiousness regarding commas and her tendency to pose questions without using a question mark (one of my pet peeves), is a fantastic storyteller. Her people live and think and feel with the beautiful and awful, hilarious and poignant inconsistencies of reality. The situations she describes are relatively everyday—at least, the everyday of small-town Irish Catholic life circa 1960—but they hold the reader’s attention nonetheless.
The history, odd as it feels to use that term for something as recent as the Fifties and Sixties, was interesting. Set in the last years before Vatican II unleashed its mixed bag of major changes upon the Catholic Church, Echoes snaps a picture of the time within the place: firm country traditionalism, unexamined and unfair as it often is, and yet both beautiful and correct in its way; young people caught up in education and city anonymity, trying their strength against the boundaries of morality and stigma and scandal.
The one fault I found with this book was that in a couple of respects, it was Circle of Friends, second verse. In both novels, the boys did what they did for the same halfwitted reasons and justified themselves with the same witless excuses. I'd have appreciated it if one of them had at least pretended to understand that he was in the wrong. But in this case, it was worse; it seemed an unnecessary, even irresponsible inclusion—a method not of developing the primary characters, but of bringing the Gerry Doyle plot thread to its climax. It's not unimaginable that I've missed the point, however.
All that aside, I had little trouble understanding and loving most of the characters. Angela O’Hara might have been my favorite; brilliant and beautiful and single, desperate to do the right thing while avoiding scandal. She was absolutely sympathetic. Clare suffered so much that I could not do less than love her, though at one point—maybe two or three—she could have used a stiff talking-to, not that it would have worked. Mary Catherine and Valerie and Josie are humanly lovable friends with very believable weaknesses and strengths.
There were a handful of characters who were unsympathetic or difficult at some level, and in every case the author controlled this fabulously. Molly Power and Gerry Doyle and Sean O’Hara are too ordinary to seem like villains, but they come off all the more villainous because of their ordinariness. Shuya makes herself both problem and solution. Chrissie is a mess and a mystery.
I don’t know how I feel about David. I may never decide that. I don’t see him as loathsome as, say, Kristin Lavransdatter’s Erlend, but he’s not Taylor Caldwell’s Luke either.
Dick Dillon, however—there’s a man and a hero for you. Father Flynn, likewise.
Perhaps I should say one more thing about the ending. As noted before, it’s not rainbows and unicorns. It’s not entirely satisfactory, and everybody doesn’t get their perfect understanding of just how bad they were and how they ought to go on. It is, however, a step toward redemption. And I appreciated that.
June 17, 2020
Maeve Binchy is one of my favourite authors and I was delighted to get a copy of this book.
This story is about the relationship between Clare and David who grew up in the small town of Castlebay in the 1950’s, the twists and turns of their relationship and the attitude of their parents and peers.
I enjoyed this book, there was some really good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and for Random House UK, Cornerstone my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about the relationship between Clare and David who grew up in the small town of Castlebay in the 1950’s, the twists and turns of their relationship and the attitude of their parents and peers.
I enjoyed this book, there was some really good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and for Random House UK, Cornerstone my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2019
Read this many moons ago I my early 20’s.
September 17, 2012
Imagine it's a rainy night, and you and your best friend are sitting in comfy chairs in front of a fire. Maybe you're drinking hot chocolate, laughing about something when she turns to you and says, "Did I ever tell you the story about David Power and Clare O'Brien from Catlebay?"
When you say no, you both settle back and she begins to tell you the story. That's what this book feels like, and it's wonderful.
Maeve Binchy is a first class story teller, and ECHOES is one of her best. If you pick it up, you will not be disappointed.
When you say no, you both settle back and she begins to tell you the story. That's what this book feels like, and it's wonderful.
Maeve Binchy is a first class story teller, and ECHOES is one of her best. If you pick it up, you will not be disappointed.
June 14, 2010
Anyone who knows me knows that I am in love with the world that Binchy so easily creates. So, they may be surprised that I am only giving "Echoes" a 3 out of 5.
While her setting, cast of characters and storytelling abilities are as top-notch as ever, this book left me strangely unsatisfied. My main issue seems to be one that is "echoed" forgive the pun, by many of my fellow reviewers. Mainly that the love story of Clare and David is not given enough time to develop in comparison with the rest of the book.
I'm all for falling in love fast, but their love just didn't seem real to me for most of their relationship. In my opinion, David, who was stifled by his overbearing parents was drawn to Clare because he knew his mother would disapprove. My suspicions of this are given weight by how easily cheats on her with Caroline, and how little regret he feels.
Clare, did eventually prove to me that she loved David, but only after she burned the pictures and was willing to forgive everything. She certainly is an amazing character with rarely paralleled strength.
However, all that being said, even though I know what the final scene of the two leaving Gerry's funeral together was meant to portray, I still can't shake the feeling that the only reason they were sticking it out is to prove to everyone that they weren't wrong.
I wasn't left with a feeling that love conquers all, but more that stubbornness conquers all. While I love the realism, I still am not as enthralled as I wanted to be.
While her setting, cast of characters and storytelling abilities are as top-notch as ever, this book left me strangely unsatisfied. My main issue seems to be one that is "echoed" forgive the pun, by many of my fellow reviewers. Mainly that the love story of Clare and David is not given enough time to develop in comparison with the rest of the book.
I'm all for falling in love fast, but their love just didn't seem real to me for most of their relationship. In my opinion, David, who was stifled by his overbearing parents was drawn to Clare because he knew his mother would disapprove. My suspicions of this are given weight by how easily cheats on her with Caroline, and how little regret he feels.
Clare, did eventually prove to me that she loved David, but only after she burned the pictures and was willing to forgive everything. She certainly is an amazing character with rarely paralleled strength.
However, all that being said, even though I know what the final scene of the two leaving Gerry's funeral together was meant to portray, I still can't shake the feeling that the only reason they were sticking it out is to prove to everyone that they weren't wrong.
I wasn't left with a feeling that love conquers all, but more that stubbornness conquers all. While I love the realism, I still am not as enthralled as I wanted to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
You know this really does read like "Circle of Friends" to me. This one feels a bit off to me since it seems a step back for Binchy. Most of the later works she published were tied together in some way. This one is a true standalone and I have read it many times over the years and always hit a point of dissatisfaction with the story. I think it's because the two main characters, Clare and David, hit a point when you just don't like either of them and then you just feel badly for Clare. You do wonder what would have become of Clare and David if they were not together in a time and place (1950s/60s) which meant that you were stuck with each other even when you know that the odds things were going to work out were slim.
"Echoes" follows Clare O'Brien and David Power who live in the seaside town of Castlebay in the 1950s. Clare is a daughter of a shopkeeper. David is the son of a doctor. The two of them don't make a lot of sense together. However, Binchy starts the first part of this really long book (it's over 700 pages) showing how smart Clare is and how she's not destined to just go off and be married. The local schoolteacher, Angela (sorry can't recall her last name) sees Clare's potential and pushes her through her studies. Clare has dreams of going to Dublin University, but needs to do well in order to be able to obtain a scholarship. We get to see Clare pushing away any thoughts of boys or anything that is going to keep her from her goal. David we get to see is pretty easy to like through the first part of the story. He seems like an affable young man and then you see him turning to follow in his father's footsteps to study medicine.
The book also shows us different people living in Castlebay, like Gerry Doyle who we find has an odd obsession with Clare. Clare's own mother, Molly is hesitant about her daughter getting above herself and the two find themselves at odds throughout this book. I have to say that I didn't really like David much towards the end of the book. I wonder at times if this is what would have become of Benny and Jack if they had gotten back together (see Circle of Friends).
The writing is typical Binchy. You get a lot of insight into what Ireland was like back in the 50s and 60s and how hard it was for a girl like Clare to try to do anything else than what she was "supposed" to do according to society.
The ending though I think just left too much unsaid. I think we readers can guess what comes next for David and Clare. However, I rather have it spelled out for me. This is probably one of the few Binchy books I have finished that I felt aggravated by when I finished it.
"Echoes" follows Clare O'Brien and David Power who live in the seaside town of Castlebay in the 1950s. Clare is a daughter of a shopkeeper. David is the son of a doctor. The two of them don't make a lot of sense together. However, Binchy starts the first part of this really long book (it's over 700 pages) showing how smart Clare is and how she's not destined to just go off and be married. The local schoolteacher, Angela (sorry can't recall her last name) sees Clare's potential and pushes her through her studies. Clare has dreams of going to Dublin University, but needs to do well in order to be able to obtain a scholarship. We get to see Clare pushing away any thoughts of boys or anything that is going to keep her from her goal. David we get to see is pretty easy to like through the first part of the story. He seems like an affable young man and then you see him turning to follow in his father's footsteps to study medicine.
The book also shows us different people living in Castlebay, like Gerry Doyle who we find has an odd obsession with Clare. Clare's own mother, Molly is hesitant about her daughter getting above herself and the two find themselves at odds throughout this book. I have to say that I didn't really like David much towards the end of the book. I wonder at times if this is what would have become of Benny and Jack if they had gotten back together (see Circle of Friends).
The writing is typical Binchy. You get a lot of insight into what Ireland was like back in the 50s and 60s and how hard it was for a girl like Clare to try to do anything else than what she was "supposed" to do according to society.
The ending though I think just left too much unsaid. I think we readers can guess what comes next for David and Clare. However, I rather have it spelled out for me. This is probably one of the few Binchy books I have finished that I felt aggravated by when I finished it.
avoid
January 17, 2023Avoid
Self notes.
H cheats.
He had an “affair.”
Coming of age story about a poor girl, and a rich man’s son.
They fall in love, get married ‘cause baby…
She had the baby and…
then he has an affair with ow.
He doesn’t grovel at all and still had feelings for the mistress at the end.
The closing scene is her forgiving him by holding his hand at someone’s funeral. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
No grovel.
Not even a confrontation about his cheating.
H still obsessed with ow.
Oh please…🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Who’s moved by their love?
Who believes he’ll remain faithful? 😂
Sounds like womens lit written for stay at home wife’s 50 yrs ago.🙄
Grit your teeth and bare the cheating hub like a good doormat,
Self notes.
H cheats.
He had an “affair.”
Coming of age story about a poor girl, and a rich man’s son.
They fall in love, get married ‘cause baby…
She had the baby and…
then he has an affair with ow.
He doesn’t grovel at all and still had feelings for the mistress at the end.
The closing scene is her forgiving him by holding his hand at someone’s funeral. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
No grovel.
Not even a confrontation about his cheating.
H still obsessed with ow.
Oh please…🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Who’s moved by their love?
Who believes he’ll remain faithful? 😂
Sounds like womens lit written for stay at home wife’s 50 yrs ago.🙄
Grit your teeth and bare the cheating hub like a good doormat,
September 29, 2020
Read this book a long time ago, and realized that I had enjoyed some parts of it, where most of it didnt really feel interesting. Set in the 1950 and 60s, this was about Claire and David from two different socioeconomic strata of society.
The story bespoke of Claire's journey to make something of her life. Lots of emotions and feelings made up the book. overall, it was good, but long, read
The story bespoke of Claire's journey to make something of her life. Lots of emotions and feelings made up the book. overall, it was good, but long, read
March 7, 2020
“Echoes”, 1985, is Maeve Binchy’s second full novel. I appreciated the breadth of watching the protagonist grow up, enough for four stars. Authors must never mislead readers with otherworldly themes. The legend of an echo cave was the premise that interested me, which amounted to nothing. However, readers will fall in love with the scholar, Clare. She rises above finances, a jealous sister, and a judgemental hometown: Castlebay. Her parents owned a grocery shop that was only afloat in tourist season. She befriended her schoolteacher, Angela, whose brother, Sean, was a priest revered by their Mother and catholic town.
Clare’s potential and drive to go to Dublin university and be a career woman, were clear in elementary school. Most of this novel is about watching Angela guide her on the route that she too, succeeded at. The only avenue was to win a high school and then a university scholarship and the process was gratifying to see. I loved Maeve’s trademark touch: Clare doing her part by encouraging her lazy friend, Josie, to educate herself above her own bitchy sisters. I love the possibility of people regarding us more highly through self-made successes. Maeve built humour around her hard-working ladies. At Josie’s family’s hotel, she and Clare became tennis pros by practicing every morning, to the disbelief of her whining sisters of leisure. Clare tricked her parents into insisting that she study for exams.
I wish Clare had remained single. Momentum went downhill after dating David. It was disappointing that Sean did not rid Angela of his secret in Castlebay but I understand that disapproval would not have ceased there, in the 1960s. The ending abruptly became a thriller about a stalker, which was unsuited to the story’s goal. Nonetheless, “Echoes” is a sympathetic, memorable viewpoint of fickle town life.
Clare’s potential and drive to go to Dublin university and be a career woman, were clear in elementary school. Most of this novel is about watching Angela guide her on the route that she too, succeeded at. The only avenue was to win a high school and then a university scholarship and the process was gratifying to see. I loved Maeve’s trademark touch: Clare doing her part by encouraging her lazy friend, Josie, to educate herself above her own bitchy sisters. I love the possibility of people regarding us more highly through self-made successes. Maeve built humour around her hard-working ladies. At Josie’s family’s hotel, she and Clare became tennis pros by practicing every morning, to the disbelief of her whining sisters of leisure. Clare tricked her parents into insisting that she study for exams.
I wish Clare had remained single. Momentum went downhill after dating David. It was disappointing that Sean did not rid Angela of his secret in Castlebay but I understand that disapproval would not have ceased there, in the 1960s. The ending abruptly became a thriller about a stalker, which was unsuited to the story’s goal. Nonetheless, “Echoes” is a sympathetic, memorable viewpoint of fickle town life.
March 18, 2013
I must have originally read this book about 25 years ago and it's one of my comfort books. Yes, I know most people have comfort food but I have comfort books! This book is the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket, settling yourself on an old but comfy couch and having a long gossip with a good friend.
It's heartwarming (but still gritty), the characters are multi dimensional with lots of flaws but remain engaging. Echoes gives a lovely snapshot of Ireland as it used to be in the 60's (No!, I wasn't around then! But according to my mother it's authentic). Not that it's rose tinted, there is a lot about social class divides and the ending is not a happily ever after one but it is realistic
It's heartwarming (but still gritty), the characters are multi dimensional with lots of flaws but remain engaging. Echoes gives a lovely snapshot of Ireland as it used to be in the 60's (No!, I wasn't around then! But according to my mother it's authentic). Not that it's rose tinted, there is a lot about social class divides and the ending is not a happily ever after one but it is realistic
December 25, 2015
A well written family drama set in Ireland - easy reading but good stuff!
March 19, 2010
This book exhausted me. I really don't like giving low ratings, but this book sucked the life out of me, that I couldn't even give it 3 stars.
Looking at the back, I would think it was all a love story and all about Clare and David, but in the first few pages, there were so many characters in it, I couldn't tell who from who. Probably blame it to me just reading at a moving vehicle, but still! First 300 pages were meant to emphasize how different Clare and David were. No romance or whatsoever. And a little pages meant for Angela O Hara's miserable life.
When it finally reached page 300, the characters just suddenly blurted out that they loved each other. Really frustrating for a book which I patiently read 300 pages for, plus the fact that the book had a really tiny font and letters looked stuck to each other.
Anyway, I willed myself to finish this book. Perseverance paid off, only to end up in more than a stack of disappointment. Clare had a really really bright future ahead of her. But she settled with David. She lost her career, and was stuck at home, taking care of her daughter and endlessly trying to please her mother in law.
But that's not the worst part. Despite her sacrifices, damn David Powers had to have an affair.
But the worst part isn't over. Maeve Binchy had to end the book with a cliffhanger.
This is actually the first Maeve Binchy book I read, and I'll probably pick not another of her works in the future.
Looking at the back, I would think it was all a love story and all about Clare and David, but in the first few pages, there were so many characters in it, I couldn't tell who from who. Probably blame it to me just reading at a moving vehicle, but still! First 300 pages were meant to emphasize how different Clare and David were. No romance or whatsoever. And a little pages meant for Angela O Hara's miserable life.
When it finally reached page 300, the characters just suddenly blurted out that they loved each other. Really frustrating for a book which I patiently read 300 pages for, plus the fact that the book had a really tiny font and letters looked stuck to each other.
Anyway, I willed myself to finish this book. Perseverance paid off, only to end up in more than a stack of disappointment. Clare had a really really bright future ahead of her. But she settled with David. She lost her career, and was stuck at home, taking care of her daughter and endlessly trying to please her mother in law.
But that's not the worst part. Despite her sacrifices, damn David Powers had to have an affair.
But the worst part isn't over. Maeve Binchy had to end the book with a cliffhanger.
This is actually the first Maeve Binchy book I read, and I'll probably pick not another of her works in the future.
February 16, 2021
WHAT IS THIS ENDING EVEN???
David is garbage, and before any even ambiguously positive ending there should have been loads of grovelling on his part, Clare's mental health and education and career should have been addressed etc. etc.
Also yes, Gerry got too intense, but he was also RIGHT and Claire should left David's garbage ass in the dust. Primarily for herself, not for Gerry, though it's difficult not to be Team Gerry in this, on account of him being right all along.
I know this was written over 35 years ago, and describes times over 20 years prior, but as much as I appreciate the scope and the beauty of this novel, I do not appreciate the ending of 'well you're married, I guess you'll stay together, despite your asshole of a man not even being apologetic, and still having feelings for the side chick' it delivers.
Angela is by far the best led character, whose storyline is at least satisfactory.
As for Clare, I can only hope after the credits of that unsatisfactory ending roll, she regains sanity, goes off to Dublin, and leaves David forever for her career, as the bullshit ending is at least open enough to wish for that, despite what the author is not so subtly suggesting.
Beautifully written. Massively effing annoying for a modern reader. (It's me. I'm the modern reader. Boy, am I livid at thus bullshit of an ending).
I am also dissapointed, because Maeve Binchy has been recommended as a beautiful, slice of life comfort of a read. This being the first book of hers I've read, I'm not effin impressed.
David is garbage, and before any even ambiguously positive ending there should have been loads of grovelling on his part, Clare's mental health and education and career should have been addressed etc. etc.
Also yes, Gerry got too intense, but he was also RIGHT and Claire should left David's garbage ass in the dust. Primarily for herself, not for Gerry, though it's difficult not to be Team Gerry in this, on account of him being right all along.
I know this was written over 35 years ago, and describes times over 20 years prior, but as much as I appreciate the scope and the beauty of this novel, I do not appreciate the ending of 'well you're married, I guess you'll stay together, despite your asshole of a man not even being apologetic, and still having feelings for the side chick' it delivers.
Angela is by far the best led character, whose storyline is at least satisfactory.
As for Clare, I can only hope after the credits of that unsatisfactory ending roll, she regains sanity, goes off to Dublin, and leaves David forever for her career, as the bullshit ending is at least open enough to wish for that, despite what the author is not so subtly suggesting.
Beautifully written. Massively effing annoying for a modern reader. (It's me. I'm the modern reader. Boy, am I livid at thus bullshit of an ending).
I am also dissapointed, because Maeve Binchy has been recommended as a beautiful, slice of life comfort of a read. This being the first book of hers I've read, I'm not effin impressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
I did not realise that this book was published a long while ago. I had not read it then though have read quite a lot of Maeve Binchy's other books. This is a long book, though the first part was perhaps a little too long, the descriptions of the town and the characters added to the understanding later in the book. A typical story about Irish life in the country and in Dublin in the 50's and 60's. Perhaps a little old fashioned in these times, because the influence of the Catholic church and attitudes in a small town have changed somewhat. In some ways that adds to the charm of the book.
It is not the best story I have read by this author, but the characters are well portrayed and descriptions of the town, the life of the inhabitants and the Irish way of life believable and make for interesting reading. A romantic read with a couple of twists in the tale...
Thankyou to Net Galley for the digital copy in exchange for a review
It is not the best story I have read by this author, but the characters are well portrayed and descriptions of the town, the life of the inhabitants and the Irish way of life believable and make for interesting reading. A romantic read with a couple of twists in the tale...
Thankyou to Net Galley for the digital copy in exchange for a review
June 21, 2020
I’m just going to repeat the commentary I made on Paromjit’s superb review.
I have read Echoes a number of times over the years. This poignant and beautifully written story pulled at my heart strings.
I was fond of David, the doctor’s son. I found his mother to be a right pretentious pill. Clare, poor studious and ambitious Clare, caught between two worlds. Not that we’ve ever admitted in Ireland that there’s a class system mind. Chrissie, Clare’s awful sister, was brilliantly portrayed. Angela had her work cut out for her with her mum who seemed obsessed only with her spoilt priest son, who was so incredibly self absorbed. I loved the burgeoning relationship between Angela and reformed alcoholic Dick.
I felt that poisonous James ( David’s boarding school snobby and sociopathic friend) and catty Caroline, his sister, could have justifiably been drowned in the bay together as teenagers!
The Doyles, especially Gerry, seemed destined for sadness and tragedy from the outset.
An excellent story with characters portrayed and developed wonderfully by Binchy
I have read Echoes a number of times over the years. This poignant and beautifully written story pulled at my heart strings.
I was fond of David, the doctor’s son. I found his mother to be a right pretentious pill. Clare, poor studious and ambitious Clare, caught between two worlds. Not that we’ve ever admitted in Ireland that there’s a class system mind. Chrissie, Clare’s awful sister, was brilliantly portrayed. Angela had her work cut out for her with her mum who seemed obsessed only with her spoilt priest son, who was so incredibly self absorbed. I loved the burgeoning relationship between Angela and reformed alcoholic Dick.
I felt that poisonous James ( David’s boarding school snobby and sociopathic friend) and catty Caroline, his sister, could have justifiably been drowned in the bay together as teenagers!
The Doyles, especially Gerry, seemed destined for sadness and tragedy from the outset.
An excellent story with characters portrayed and developed wonderfully by Binchy
January 20, 2011
The village of Castlebay is a tiny little place atop some cliffs on the coast of Ireland. In the summer visitors flock to the little caravan park and the houses for rent, but in the winter the place is deathly quiet. In the late fifties three restless children grow up together in Castlebay: Clare, the daughter of the shopkeeper, who works and works to earn a scholarship to college; David, the son of the doctor, destined to follow in his father's footsteps but dreaming of much more; and Gerry, dark and gypsy-like, and a total heart-breaker. Echoes follows their stories as they intertwine over the next decade - they all manage to break free of the paths set by their parents, but will they ever escape the echo of their past?
I read Maeve Binchy for the comfort - the falling into a different pace of life, where villagers gossip to each other, and often marrying right is the only ambition a girl might have. At the same time as being slightly frustrated at the backwards attitudes on show, I like to reflect on how such a short time ago abortions were completely taboo, women didn't study and classes mattered so much more than they do these days.
Echoes is a different breed of Binchy - rather than the usually uplifting and ultimately hopeful tale she tells, this is a dark and disturbed tale in the most part. The ending is truly tragic and few of the characters are very likable.
I struggled to read to the end - it felt akin to watching Eastenders or Coronation Street (unnecessarily bleak and gloomy). When your escapist go-to comfort read is a little too much like real life, it becomes less escapism and more realism.
Having said that, I enjoyed Binchy's portrayal of life in what seems to be a foreign land. The idea of a village who couldn't accept a priest who had decided to marry; the fact that gay people were referred to in horrified terms; the way that post-natal depression is laughed away (how can any woman be depressed when she has achieved what God intended her to do?) It is almost a form of historical research, since Binchy shows easily the fishbowl view of living in a village.
This particular quote emphasises the attitudes of the time: "Don't boast of it, you little tramp. Don't stand there like a slut in my kitchen and tell me what you were eager for and what you weren't. You've ruined us all in this family. We'll be the laughing stock of the place - marrying into the Powers no less. Do you think that Mrs Power is going to let the likes of you cross her doorstep? Do you think that woman is going to let her son, with the fine education he has, marry a girl from a shop in Castlebay?"
As I said, there are very few truly likable characters - even the best of them have moments where you wish you could throw the book across the room because of their manners, or beliefs, or actions. I never like adultery in a book, and the occurrence of it in Echoes is particularly heart-breaking, which made it very hard to endure.
I wasn't a fan of the story. I enjoyed the writing and enjoyed the historical relevance of the novel, but the actual plot and characters let Echoes down in a big way. If you're going for a Maeve Binchy novel for the comfort, I would suggest either Circle of Friends or Firefly Summer. If you do happen to like dark and bleak sagas with a heavy dose of tragedy, then this should prove very satisfactory.
I read Maeve Binchy for the comfort - the falling into a different pace of life, where villagers gossip to each other, and often marrying right is the only ambition a girl might have. At the same time as being slightly frustrated at the backwards attitudes on show, I like to reflect on how such a short time ago abortions were completely taboo, women didn't study and classes mattered so much more than they do these days.
Echoes is a different breed of Binchy - rather than the usually uplifting and ultimately hopeful tale she tells, this is a dark and disturbed tale in the most part. The ending is truly tragic and few of the characters are very likable.
I struggled to read to the end - it felt akin to watching Eastenders or Coronation Street (unnecessarily bleak and gloomy). When your escapist go-to comfort read is a little too much like real life, it becomes less escapism and more realism.
Having said that, I enjoyed Binchy's portrayal of life in what seems to be a foreign land. The idea of a village who couldn't accept a priest who had decided to marry; the fact that gay people were referred to in horrified terms; the way that post-natal depression is laughed away (how can any woman be depressed when she has achieved what God intended her to do?) It is almost a form of historical research, since Binchy shows easily the fishbowl view of living in a village.
This particular quote emphasises the attitudes of the time: "Don't boast of it, you little tramp. Don't stand there like a slut in my kitchen and tell me what you were eager for and what you weren't. You've ruined us all in this family. We'll be the laughing stock of the place - marrying into the Powers no less. Do you think that Mrs Power is going to let the likes of you cross her doorstep? Do you think that woman is going to let her son, with the fine education he has, marry a girl from a shop in Castlebay?"
As I said, there are very few truly likable characters - even the best of them have moments where you wish you could throw the book across the room because of their manners, or beliefs, or actions. I never like adultery in a book, and the occurrence of it in Echoes is particularly heart-breaking, which made it very hard to endure.
I wasn't a fan of the story. I enjoyed the writing and enjoyed the historical relevance of the novel, but the actual plot and characters let Echoes down in a big way. If you're going for a Maeve Binchy novel for the comfort, I would suggest either Circle of Friends or Firefly Summer. If you do happen to like dark and bleak sagas with a heavy dose of tragedy, then this should prove very satisfactory.
April 15, 2020
Review to follow
January 15, 2022
Light a Penny Candle
lulled me into a false sense of security before
Echoes
came along to pull the rug out from under me.
I was so excited after reading Light a Penny Candle . I gushed about a book published in the '80s about the '40s that didn't age poorly. This is not the case with Echoes ; it was impossible to get used to the rampant sexism. And it wasn't just the expected 'this book takes place in the '50s so men have jobs (and affairs) and women are housewives' sexism. It was deep, dark, disturbing, and no one was safe. One of the most progressive women in this narrative had this lovely thought when she learned her brother had left the church to start a family with a woman:
"poor, poor Sean, how desperate, with only one life to lead, and finding it empty. Led on and seduced by this Japanese woman with no religion and no morals. To her, a priest was the same as anyone else; she would have no idea what a sin it was, and what a terrible decision Sean had to make."
I did a literal doubletake after reading these sentences. It's bad enough that this thought exists in the world, let alone to stumble upon it in a book when it's not expected. It was only 14% of the way through Echoes , and it was like it opened the dam, and the narrative continued to pile on for the rest of the book, never getting any better. Unfortunately, it was impossible to separate the story from this toxic mindset.
Angela's perspective should have been the only one in this story. Aside from that one quote above, she really was a much needed progressive voice in this narrative. Unapologetically herself at all times, Angela was unfailingly kind and generous but refreshingly genuine. Not always perfect, she often responds with a harsh or thoughtless comment. However, when she realises her misstep, she's never reluctant to apologise or make things right.
Unfortunately, Angela is not the only perspective we get. David is weak and much more like the mother he despises than the father he respects. Clare was a promising young, intelligent voice until she gave up under the weight of societal and familial expectations. Gerry is shallow, shortsighted, and predictable. They come together to paint a picture of this small town in Ireland in the '50s that is far from idyllic.
So far in my (re)-exploration of Binchy's work, Echoes is my least favourite, and I sincerely hope I don't have to slog through another tome that's worse. It's okay to write a stinker once in a while, but let's keep them to like 300 pages, not 750.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
I was so excited after reading Light a Penny Candle . I gushed about a book published in the '80s about the '40s that didn't age poorly. This is not the case with Echoes ; it was impossible to get used to the rampant sexism. And it wasn't just the expected 'this book takes place in the '50s so men have jobs (and affairs) and women are housewives' sexism. It was deep, dark, disturbing, and no one was safe. One of the most progressive women in this narrative had this lovely thought when she learned her brother had left the church to start a family with a woman:
"poor, poor Sean, how desperate, with only one life to lead, and finding it empty. Led on and seduced by this Japanese woman with no religion and no morals. To her, a priest was the same as anyone else; she would have no idea what a sin it was, and what a terrible decision Sean had to make."
I did a literal doubletake after reading these sentences. It's bad enough that this thought exists in the world, let alone to stumble upon it in a book when it's not expected. It was only 14% of the way through Echoes , and it was like it opened the dam, and the narrative continued to pile on for the rest of the book, never getting any better. Unfortunately, it was impossible to separate the story from this toxic mindset.
Angela's perspective should have been the only one in this story. Aside from that one quote above, she really was a much needed progressive voice in this narrative. Unapologetically herself at all times, Angela was unfailingly kind and generous but refreshingly genuine. Not always perfect, she often responds with a harsh or thoughtless comment. However, when she realises her misstep, she's never reluctant to apologise or make things right.
Unfortunately, Angela is not the only perspective we get. David is weak and much more like the mother he despises than the father he respects. Clare was a promising young, intelligent voice until she gave up under the weight of societal and familial expectations. Gerry is shallow, shortsighted, and predictable. They come together to paint a picture of this small town in Ireland in the '50s that is far from idyllic.
So far in my (re)-exploration of Binchy's work, Echoes is my least favourite, and I sincerely hope I don't have to slog through another tome that's worse. It's okay to write a stinker once in a while, but let's keep them to like 300 pages, not 750.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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March 14, 2017
I adore Maeve Binchy's books, but this one just didn't register with me. I didn't care for, or really believe the 'grand romance' between Clare and David. She deserved so much better than a man who cheated on her when things got rough. I hated that she lost her career and passion and wasted all her education. I loved Angela and Dick and would have enjoyed more of their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2010
Excellent read about different types of people, but somewhat sad ending.
I normally prefer romance novels, but this was nice for a change. It's a story about many different people in a small town on the coast of Ireland. Some set goals and work hard for them, others do not. One fellow had movie star good looks, was very smart, but never committed to anyone or anything. Girls loved him. It was fascinating watching what happened to these people over the course of many years. Some people I loved, others I disliked. The only negative for me was the ending. It was ok but sad.
DATA:
Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: 1950 to 1962 small coastal town in Ireland. Copyright: 1985. Genre: relationships fiction.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
It was sad because a guy cheated on his wife. She suspected it all along but never wanted to admit it to herself. When a friend proved it to her, her husband was sorry but couldn't say so and he couldn't make any promises for the future. Yet, she forgave him and I assume stayed with him. That was too sad for me. I wished there was more explaining why he did it, or reasons to trust that he wouldn't do it again. I'm writing this a day later, and I'm still sad thinking about it. I wish the author would have given us a happier feeling at the end. Although, I am glad I read the book,and I will continue to think about some of the characters in the future.
I normally prefer romance novels, but this was nice for a change. It's a story about many different people in a small town on the coast of Ireland. Some set goals and work hard for them, others do not. One fellow had movie star good looks, was very smart, but never committed to anyone or anything. Girls loved him. It was fascinating watching what happened to these people over the course of many years. Some people I loved, others I disliked. The only negative for me was the ending. It was ok but sad.
DATA:
Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: 1950 to 1962 small coastal town in Ireland. Copyright: 1985. Genre: relationships fiction.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
It was sad because a guy cheated on his wife. She suspected it all along but never wanted to admit it to herself. When a friend proved it to her, her husband was sorry but couldn't say so and he couldn't make any promises for the future. Yet, she forgave him and I assume stayed with him. That was too sad for me. I wished there was more explaining why he did it, or reasons to trust that he wouldn't do it again. I'm writing this a day later, and I'm still sad thinking about it. I wish the author would have given us a happier feeling at the end. Although, I am glad I read the book,and I will continue to think about some of the characters in the future.
March 17, 2010
I've been disappointed by some Binchys in the past, but this one, I loved.
There are for sure frustrating things about it, but I think they only add to the realism of the whole feel of this story. This is 1950s/1960s Ireland, and I think the ending is in perfect alignment with the mentality of the time and place. The fact that Clare's first reaction to the news of Gerry's death is 'thank God' just says so much about how all consumingly-devastating it would have been to her if those pictures got out, if the problems in her marriage would have been made public, etc.
Just as frustrating to the modern mind, I felt, was Angela's despair over everything to do with her brother Sean. But it's mostly frustrating that she was more than likely dead on in her anticipation of the town's reaction to the news.
I loved the stretch of time this book covered. Despite its absurdities, I love stories from that period in Ireland, and I feel like these characters so perfectly illustrated it over the course of their lives. The hardship, the severity of the class system and the strictness of their religion, but also the innocence and simplicity of the time. Great stuff, great characters, great town.
There are for sure frustrating things about it, but I think they only add to the realism of the whole feel of this story. This is 1950s/1960s Ireland, and I think the ending is in perfect alignment with the mentality of the time and place. The fact that Clare's first reaction to the news of Gerry's death is 'thank God' just says so much about how all consumingly-devastating it would have been to her if those pictures got out, if the problems in her marriage would have been made public, etc.
Just as frustrating to the modern mind, I felt, was Angela's despair over everything to do with her brother Sean. But it's mostly frustrating that she was more than likely dead on in her anticipation of the town's reaction to the news.
I loved the stretch of time this book covered. Despite its absurdities, I love stories from that period in Ireland, and I feel like these characters so perfectly illustrated it over the course of their lives. The hardship, the severity of the class system and the strictness of their religion, but also the innocence and simplicity of the time. Great stuff, great characters, great town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2012
Little by little I want to read all of Maeve Binchy's work and Echoes was the second novel she published. Such a beautiful work where we're introduced to some recurring characters like St. Anne and Father Flynn. This story revolves around the lives of people in a small town called Castlebay. There is love, betrayal, family dramas, friendships and the town itself.
Reading Binchy's work is always so restful and I can just imagine it in an Irish accent. It also makes me want to visit and live a life in a small town....though the whole thing about everyone knowing about your business I could probably live without.
I learned about Maeve Binchy's demise as I was reading this book, I was very sad, but at the same time very grateful to have her works live on. We'll miss you!
Reading Binchy's work is always so restful and I can just imagine it in an Irish accent. It also makes me want to visit and live a life in a small town....though the whole thing about everyone knowing about your business I could probably live without.
I learned about Maeve Binchy's demise as I was reading this book, I was very sad, but at the same time very grateful to have her works live on. We'll miss you!
December 10, 2017
Wat gaat dit ontzettend traag vooruit. Ik had mezelf voorgenomen dit jaar af te wijken van mijn lievelingsgenre, maar makkelijk is het niet. Het boek op zich is niet eens slecht te noemen en ik wil ook wel weten hoe het eindigt, maar toch .... Ik kijk uit naar het einde!
April 17, 2010
This book has incredible characters that you really come to care about. They have what seem to be real relationships and ambitions. The first 3/4 of the book is slow, but you want to find out what happens to these characters. And then, two of the characters you've been following fall in love. That seemed a bit unrealistic, but it was okay. I was willing to let it become a love story. And then the insect of a boy has an affair with someone else. And from there these characters that you've spent a couple hundred pages invested in all self destruct. It was horrible. One of them finally goes crazy--sort of--and we aren't sure if it was an accident or suicide. Then at his funeral, the cheating husband and his wife hold hands. That is the end of the book.
February 11, 2021
I read this when it first came out and I was obsessed with everything Irish. I bought it for my kindle and have spent every spare second of the last few days rereading it. It’s the best of Binchy’s books. She really captured the sexism, repression, and oppression of the Church in 1950s/60s Ireland.
August 14, 2023
Tatsächlich hab ich das Buch schon zum dritten Mal gelesen, die ersten beiden Male als Teenager. Überraschend viel war mir noch im Gedächtnis, das hatte ich gar nicht erwartet. Jedenfalls hat es mir nach wie vor sehr gut gefallen, ich fand das Leben im Irland der 50er und 60er Jahre sehr anschaulich beschrieben. Die meisten Figuren wurden sehr menschlich gezeichnet, soll heißen sie hatten ihre Stärken, aber eben auch ihre Schwächen, niemand wurde überhöht oder auf ein Podest gestellt, es gab keine Insta Love und auch kein dummes love triangle. Von mir eine ganz klare Leseempfehlung :D
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