Nights of Rain and Stars
by Maeve Binchy
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Book Reviews of Nights of Rain and Stars
Book Review: Not at all impressed
Summary: 2 Stars
This is my first Binchy book and had I not read rave reviews about some of her other books, this would have to be my last. The setting was wonderful, but the story line weak and frankly not too realistic. In my opinion the dialogue between the characters was stilted and didn't "flow" and they (the characters) were never fleshed out...no depth at all; also the book kept jumping back and forth to what was happening in each of their lives so much that it was almost like watching a slide show. The lessons learned by each of the characters was noteworthy and I'll probably try to read one of Ms. Binchy's older books that I've heard good things about, but this one truly wasn't worth it and I finished it only because I don't like leaving things undone. This must have been published only because it was a "Binchy" because otherwise I can't imagine an editor/publisher bothering with it.Book Review: Away from Home You Have Home in Your Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
Maeve Binchy did it again for me. I always take her books on holidays and I end up reading her on the beach. This time I read her instead of sightseeing in Manchester - I could not wait until the summer.
This book takes you to Greece, a small town by the sea which is suddenly wrecked by a tragedy. A group of people from various countries witness the boat go up in flames at sea from a distance. The tragic view triggers memories and new decisions - some will return home, some will try to mend severed family ties, there will be a lot of tears and some smiles in the end. After the nights of rain and stars the new day will break and nothing will be as it used to before.
Obligatory reading for anyone who likes Maeve Binchy and a perfect introduction to all those unhappy souls who have never heard of her before!
Book Review: Disappointing...
Summary: 2 Stars
I've read a lot of Maeve Binchy's novels in the past (Scarlet Feather, Circle of Friends, Light a Penny Candle, Echoes, Firefly Summer, The Glass Lake, Evening Class, Tara Road). Her books are typically the kind of book that you fall into and can't put down. I keep reading one last chapter before bed, until I realize that it is 2 a.m. So I picked up a copy of Nights of Rain And Stars. What a disappointment! The characters are flat, I had little interest in what happened to them, the outcomes were wrapped up too easily for some characters, and the writing was not very good. I had to force myself to keep picking it up and finish it, which took several weeks, because it simply was not that enjoyable or interesting. If you are looking to read some Maeve Binchy, don't start here. Try Evening Class or Tara Road.Book Review: Below Binchy's Best
Summary: 2 Stars
I eagerly looked forward to this book - I'm a true Binchy fan - and I was disappointed. While the setting is intriguing and her warmth is there, the characters are boring and one-dimensional, and the story is so plodding and predictable it is unbelievable - I kept reading it, expecting one of the famous Binchy twists, but it never came. I kept wondering where her startling insights into characters had gone - these were stock characters, with none of the unique and human foibles that make most of her characters so memorable and alive.
If you are not a Binchy fan, please don't judge her books by this one - read London Transports, Next Year It Will Be Different, Circle of Friends, Dublin Tales, etc. Those are all wonderful, and show why she is so beloved by readers.
Book Review: Pretty Good and very easy read
Summary: 3 Stars
I was a little intimidated by the size of this book, as I only had 7 days to read it (7 day rental from the library), but I found that it was such a fast and easy read. I really liked all the characters even if I found some of them a bit annoying and their problems are so easily solved, but I am not in their shoes...so...who am I to talk.
The only thing that I'd like to criticize Ms. Binchy for is....how the American talks. She clearly didn't do her research because Americans don't talk like the character in her book does. The American still talked like a Brit or Irishman. It would have been a bit more convincing if Ms. Binchy did a more thorough research.
All in all, I liked the book, and the ending was quite pleasant if not predictable.