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Firefly Summer
It was a summer of warmth.... Kate Ryan and her husband, John, have a rollicking pub in the Irish village of Mountfern... lovely twelve-year-old twins... and such wonderful dreams.... It was a summer of innocence... but all that is about to change this fateful summer of 1962 when American millionaire Patrick O'Neill comes to town with his irresistible charm and a pocketful of money... when love and hate vie for a town's quiet heart and old traditions begin to crumble away.... It was a summer of love that would never come again.... A time that has been captured forever in Maeve Binchy's compelling family drama... a novel you will never forget.
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
674 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1987
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4602 people want to read
About the author
Maeve Binchy
257 books5,006 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 585 reviews
June 22, 2016
I seem to be having issues with really getting into Maeve Binchy's earliest works. This one, "Firefly Summer" went on forever. There were way too many characters to keep track of, lack of character development though some characters reach epiphanies, an overall plot, and several side plots, and an abrupt ending to the whole thing.
Starting in 1962, the main focus of "Firefly Summer" is the Ryan family living in the Irish village of Mountfern. Parents John and Kate have five children (Twins Dara and Michael, Eddie and Declan) and are doing their best running their family owned pub. Things change for the family and village when American Patrick O'Neil decides to build a hotel in Mountfern. Due to the hotel being built, it is going to directly impact a lot of businesses, especially the Ryan pub which is going to have to deal with a loss of customers. Patrick has two children named Grace and Kerry who also end up impacting the Ryan family in a lot of ways as well.
There are so many other primary (Patrick O'Neil's hidden mistress/girlfriend Rachel Fine) and secondary characters (the Ryan's live in help Carrie) I would be here all day listing them out. Honestly I wish that the book had just stuck with the Ryan family and their POV throughout the book. Instead we get everyone's POV in this book and the whole thing feels so jumbled. I also kept getting people mixed up here and there, but just went with it because I wasn't in the mood to go back and re-read where they first got introduced.
I will say that my favorite characters in this would be Kate Ryan and Rachel Fine. I loved their friendship and thought it was interesting that Ms. Binchy would include a Jewish character in her book in order to showcase how America in the 1960s was prejudiced against those of a different religious background than Catholic.
Kate Ryan was definitely the heart of this story for me. She loves her family and wants to do everything she can to see them all safe and happy. When an accident happens that impacts her family you get to see how the village pulls together to take care of one of their own.
Rachel Fine I found to be a complex character who I really wanted to tell her to just be done with Patrick O'Neil. Rachel has put up with not being able to really be with Patrick like she wants because she has to deal with knowing her religion keeps Patrick from being officially "seen" with her as anything but her boss. Towards the end of the book we get Rachel finally seeing Patrick as he is and she realizes that she needs to move on. Of course it took like another 100 pages before she did.
I have to say the characters I found the most frustrating were the Ryan twins. I thought they were both beyond self absorbed and obsessed with Grace and Kerry O'Neil respectively. It just got beyond boring for me to keep reading about teenage love when there were so many other side plots going on. Anytime we switched to Dara and her obsessing over Kerry the book dragged. Same issue with Michael and Grace.
The writing is not typical Binchy to me. This whole book felt very long-winded. I like her later novels and short stories when she can tell you so much in just a few short words. Everything in this book felt over explained and described.
The flow was terrible. An event would be brought up and we would get six people's POV on it. The whole book just lumbered until we got almost to the end.
The setting of Mountfern didn't really come alive for me in this book like in previous Binchy novels. I would be able to tell you about all of the people, places in her other books and this one I am still confused on the layout of the town and other people's homes.
The ending was abrupt and the whole book comes to just a stop. I wish there had been an epilogue or something. After trudging through 600 plus pages I felt cheated that we really don't get an idea of what happened to characters. I can guess, but it be nice to have it confirmed.
Starting in 1962, the main focus of "Firefly Summer" is the Ryan family living in the Irish village of Mountfern. Parents John and Kate have five children (Twins Dara and Michael, Eddie and Declan) and are doing their best running their family owned pub. Things change for the family and village when American Patrick O'Neil decides to build a hotel in Mountfern. Due to the hotel being built, it is going to directly impact a lot of businesses, especially the Ryan pub which is going to have to deal with a loss of customers. Patrick has two children named Grace and Kerry who also end up impacting the Ryan family in a lot of ways as well.
There are so many other primary (Patrick O'Neil's hidden mistress/girlfriend Rachel Fine) and secondary characters (the Ryan's live in help Carrie) I would be here all day listing them out. Honestly I wish that the book had just stuck with the Ryan family and their POV throughout the book. Instead we get everyone's POV in this book and the whole thing feels so jumbled. I also kept getting people mixed up here and there, but just went with it because I wasn't in the mood to go back and re-read where they first got introduced.
I will say that my favorite characters in this would be Kate Ryan and Rachel Fine. I loved their friendship and thought it was interesting that Ms. Binchy would include a Jewish character in her book in order to showcase how America in the 1960s was prejudiced against those of a different religious background than Catholic.
Kate Ryan was definitely the heart of this story for me. She loves her family and wants to do everything she can to see them all safe and happy. When an accident happens that impacts her family you get to see how the village pulls together to take care of one of their own.
Rachel Fine I found to be a complex character who I really wanted to tell her to just be done with Patrick O'Neil. Rachel has put up with not being able to really be with Patrick like she wants because she has to deal with knowing her religion keeps Patrick from being officially "seen" with her as anything but her boss. Towards the end of the book we get Rachel finally seeing Patrick as he is and she realizes that she needs to move on. Of course it took like another 100 pages before she did.
I have to say the characters I found the most frustrating were the Ryan twins. I thought they were both beyond self absorbed and obsessed with Grace and Kerry O'Neil respectively. It just got beyond boring for me to keep reading about teenage love when there were so many other side plots going on. Anytime we switched to Dara and her obsessing over Kerry the book dragged. Same issue with Michael and Grace.
The writing is not typical Binchy to me. This whole book felt very long-winded. I like her later novels and short stories when she can tell you so much in just a few short words. Everything in this book felt over explained and described.
The flow was terrible. An event would be brought up and we would get six people's POV on it. The whole book just lumbered until we got almost to the end.
The setting of Mountfern didn't really come alive for me in this book like in previous Binchy novels. I would be able to tell you about all of the people, places in her other books and this one I am still confused on the layout of the town and other people's homes.
The ending was abrupt and the whole book comes to just a stop. I wish there had been an epilogue or something. After trudging through 600 plus pages I felt cheated that we really don't get an idea of what happened to characters. I can guess, but it be nice to have it confirmed.
June 12, 2023
I must re read this book as the blurb and reviews have piqued my interest. LOVE Maeve.
Addendum, 12/06/23: I read (listened) to a version of this today via audio, it was an adaptaed BBC recording. I love these full ensemble cast performances. So many characters to love, all portrayed lovingly by a good quality reading, flowing like a play. This is now a book I will re read in full.
She just captures everything. Family. Community. Betrayal. Greed. Parenting. Home.
Addendum, 12/06/23: I read (listened) to a version of this today via audio, it was an adaptaed BBC recording. I love these full ensemble cast performances. So many characters to love, all portrayed lovingly by a good quality reading, flowing like a play. This is now a book I will re read in full.
She just captures everything. Family. Community. Betrayal. Greed. Parenting. Home.
July 22, 2009
This book was excruciatingly slow in the beginning, quite interesting and fun in the middle, and then quite abrupt and melodramatic at the end. It's as if she didn't know how to end the book so she just had a huge catastrophe happen and then bang, it was over. Definitely my least favorite Maeve Binchy so far.
May 26, 2020
Ends with no resolution.
February 13, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in the lives of the people of a small village-Mountfern- in Ireland. The novel spans about 4 years starting from the time Patrick O'Neill from the U.S. comes to Mountfern in search of a connection with his heritage as he rebuilds a ruined castle/manor as a luxury hotel. The wealthy Patrick & his children impact nearly all the villagers and their livelihoods in
some way. I could so see myself conversing & enjoying friendship with many of the characters especially the wonderful Rachel.
some way. I could so see myself conversing & enjoying friendship with many of the characters especially the wonderful Rachel.
September 17, 2018
I’ve ready about 10 of Binchy’s 15 novels and this is among my favorites (along with “Scarlet Feather,” “Light a Penny Candle” and “Circle of Friends”). Most of her novels, including this one, are set in Ireland in the mid-20th century and have a slew of well developed characters.
“Firefly Summer” spans four years in the 1960s and focuses on what happens to a small town when an American millionaire (with his two teen children and former mistress in tow) comes in to build a huge hotel. It culminates with the hotel’s grand opening, which ends in a very unexpected way.
Along the way there is teen romance, blackmail, two tragic accidents that change the residents’ lives dramatically, an unexpected but touching friendship, loyalty challenges and much more. There is a whole town full of characters, yet you get to know each one and have no trouble keeping them straight, which I often find challenging in novels with so many people.
I will admit I lost several hours of much-needed sleep toward the end of this book. The ending was not at all what I expected yet after reading it, I could imagine no other ending.
“Firefly Summer” spans four years in the 1960s and focuses on what happens to a small town when an American millionaire (with his two teen children and former mistress in tow) comes in to build a huge hotel. It culminates with the hotel’s grand opening, which ends in a very unexpected way.
Along the way there is teen romance, blackmail, two tragic accidents that change the residents’ lives dramatically, an unexpected but touching friendship, loyalty challenges and much more. There is a whole town full of characters, yet you get to know each one and have no trouble keeping them straight, which I often find challenging in novels with so many people.
I will admit I lost several hours of much-needed sleep toward the end of this book. The ending was not at all what I expected yet after reading it, I could imagine no other ending.
August 24, 2012
Classic Binchy and a great slice of Irish small town life.
Reading a Maeve Binchy book is like sitting down with an old friend over a cup of tea and I was saddened to hear of her recent passing. Although I had read this book previously, it was long enough ago that I forgot most of it.
Like the best of her books, this one is thick and yet goes down as easily as pie, the length is what makes it good, and you never want it to end. The UK version is over 900 pages and I've seen reviews saying it needs a sequel.
I don't think it does, the book ends at an appropriate point. Binchy is possibly the best storyteller of all time, she can weave a complex story like she's knitting a scarf and I was so caught up in the story I was racing at the end, not wanting the book to be over but not able to wait any longer to find out what happens, I wouldn't have stopped for the world ending.
This is what good fiction does, gives you a story, draws you in, and won't let go and Binchy is at the height of her powers with this novel.
Reading a Maeve Binchy book is like sitting down with an old friend over a cup of tea and I was saddened to hear of her recent passing. Although I had read this book previously, it was long enough ago that I forgot most of it.
Like the best of her books, this one is thick and yet goes down as easily as pie, the length is what makes it good, and you never want it to end. The UK version is over 900 pages and I've seen reviews saying it needs a sequel.
I don't think it does, the book ends at an appropriate point. Binchy is possibly the best storyteller of all time, she can weave a complex story like she's knitting a scarf and I was so caught up in the story I was racing at the end, not wanting the book to be over but not able to wait any longer to find out what happens, I wouldn't have stopped for the world ending.
This is what good fiction does, gives you a story, draws you in, and won't let go and Binchy is at the height of her powers with this novel.
January 23, 2022
3.5 stars
While some of these storylines were enjoyable, there were too many characters, and not enough happened to warrant over 900 pages.
I really enjoyed Kate and Rachel's friendship. I don't know that I particularly liked either character on their own, but they understood and brought out the best in each other, despite how different their lives were. That may be the root of my problem with Firefly Summer - none of the characters were likeable, exactly. Some had a few good moments, but they were generally uninspiring. The twins, Michael and Dara, were self-centred and blind to anything and anyone besides the O'Neills. Grace and Kerry were two sides of the same coin - Grace only able to be optimistic and good, Kerry only capable of dark and conniving. They both have their father's trick of saying the right thing to the right people, but, unlike Patrick, they seem to care less about the people around them. However, while Patrick cares about the people around him, he's in his own delusional world most of the time and misses how his actions will affect others. John isn't as smooth as Patrick, but he's much more aware of others and his surroundings, especially as the narrative continues. I felt bad for Eddie, though. He's excluded from activities due to his age, and then he gets into trouble because he's bored and alone, which gets him a reputation and then he's excluded further. He seems sweet, lonely, and misunderstood. Finally, several expected small-town characters round out the cast to add levity and insanity as needed.
With such a large cast, the length of Firefly Summer makes sense, but it doesn't make it easier to get through. Some serious editing could have improved this story immensely. The story covers a lot of highs and lows and is incredibly surprising at times, but it all ends in the usual Binchy way: a small town coming together to witness a tragedy, leaving the story quite open-ended.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
While some of these storylines were enjoyable, there were too many characters, and not enough happened to warrant over 900 pages.
I really enjoyed Kate and Rachel's friendship. I don't know that I particularly liked either character on their own, but they understood and brought out the best in each other, despite how different their lives were. That may be the root of my problem with Firefly Summer - none of the characters were likeable, exactly. Some had a few good moments, but they were generally uninspiring. The twins, Michael and Dara, were self-centred and blind to anything and anyone besides the O'Neills. Grace and Kerry were two sides of the same coin - Grace only able to be optimistic and good, Kerry only capable of dark and conniving. They both have their father's trick of saying the right thing to the right people, but, unlike Patrick, they seem to care less about the people around them. However, while Patrick cares about the people around him, he's in his own delusional world most of the time and misses how his actions will affect others. John isn't as smooth as Patrick, but he's much more aware of others and his surroundings, especially as the narrative continues. I felt bad for Eddie, though. He's excluded from activities due to his age, and then he gets into trouble because he's bored and alone, which gets him a reputation and then he's excluded further. He seems sweet, lonely, and misunderstood. Finally, several expected small-town characters round out the cast to add levity and insanity as needed.
With such a large cast, the length of Firefly Summer makes sense, but it doesn't make it easier to get through. Some serious editing could have improved this story immensely. The story covers a lot of highs and lows and is incredibly surprising at times, but it all ends in the usual Binchy way: a small town coming together to witness a tragedy, leaving the story quite open-ended.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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July 18, 2024
Firefly Summer tells the story of the sleepy town of Mountfern, as an American, Patrick O'Brian, comes home to find his roots and build a huge hotel on the ruined location of the old house. It explores the changing relationships of the townsfolk as a tragic accident divides Mountfern. There is not masses of plot in the book; rather, it builds a picture of Irish village life in the 1950s as we spend a few years with the family of Ryans who own the public house.
Maeve Binchy's books are incredibly easy reading - a little old-fashioned and incredibly gossipy. We drift into the village of Mountfern, and are gradually introduced to the various people who live in the village. Binchy has such a deft touch in showing each of the characters through random encounters and conversations, so that we are able to discover them without any resort to the dreaded info-dump. It genuinely feels as though a friend is having a coffee with you and telling you about mutual friends' lives.
I like the fact that Binchy doesn't flinch away from presenting the horrors of a mundane life - those issues that anyone could be afflicted by, such as adultery, alcoholism and disability. It gives the novel a sense of realism.
Binchy's true strength is dialogue and human relationships - she has a unique understanding of women and their friendships.
In fact, the only element of the book that I found slightly dissatisfying was the fact that Binchy doesn't show men in the best light. Most of them are having affairs, or beating their wives, or running off to other counties. There are some decent men, but it is extremely noticeable that there are more bad men than good.
Binchy is the forerunner of such authors as Sheila O'Flanagan, Patricia Scanlan and Marian Keyes - showcasing Irish life with gentle humour and understanding. I love her books and they are ideal for those times when you require something easy and undemanding. I would recommend these on a winter's afternoon, when you're tucked next to a roaring fire with a hot chocolate - the feel of the novel is exactly right for those moments. Enjoyable.
Maeve Binchy's books are incredibly easy reading - a little old-fashioned and incredibly gossipy. We drift into the village of Mountfern, and are gradually introduced to the various people who live in the village. Binchy has such a deft touch in showing each of the characters through random encounters and conversations, so that we are able to discover them without any resort to the dreaded info-dump. It genuinely feels as though a friend is having a coffee with you and telling you about mutual friends' lives.
I like the fact that Binchy doesn't flinch away from presenting the horrors of a mundane life - those issues that anyone could be afflicted by, such as adultery, alcoholism and disability. It gives the novel a sense of realism.
Binchy's true strength is dialogue and human relationships - she has a unique understanding of women and their friendships.
In fact, the only element of the book that I found slightly dissatisfying was the fact that Binchy doesn't show men in the best light. Most of them are having affairs, or beating their wives, or running off to other counties. There are some decent men, but it is extremely noticeable that there are more bad men than good.
Binchy is the forerunner of such authors as Sheila O'Flanagan, Patricia Scanlan and Marian Keyes - showcasing Irish life with gentle humour and understanding. I love her books and they are ideal for those times when you require something easy and undemanding. I would recommend these on a winter's afternoon, when you're tucked next to a roaring fire with a hot chocolate - the feel of the novel is exactly right for those moments. Enjoyable.
August 23, 2025
This is slow paced, details, and many characters. If you like a tail written in detail and well described then this is for you. It kinda felt like an old western movie playing out in words.
My mind drifted almost immediately. the level of detail painted a sleepy scene, characters personality, and their looks. when skipping ahead, the pace and level of detail were the same. The ending chapter didn't encourage me to finish this book.
My mind drifted almost immediately. the level of detail painted a sleepy scene, characters personality, and their looks. when skipping ahead, the pace and level of detail were the same. The ending chapter didn't encourage me to finish this book.
July 31, 2012
I read this book many years ago and remember loving it and also sobbing in parts! I just read on USA Today's site that Maeve Binchy passed just today from a brief illness. We have lost such a wonderful story teller, but are blessed for having known her books--she will be missed!
July 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this - lots of characters and stories which intertwined. I liked the setting too. There were some unexpected turns as well. I think it was a bit long though which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of higher 😊
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July 18, 2021Not usually possible for me to read a 900-page in one day but when the day includes 5 hours in an A&E waiting room things do conspire. Somehow I'd not read this novel before and I'd forgotten how long Binchy's early ones are, but honestly you couldn't ask for better, more gentle or more compelling company.
April 16, 2025
A wealthy American man, of Irish descent, decides to move his family to Ireland after the death of his wife. Patrick O'Neill feels like he is coming home, although he's never stepped foot in Ireland before. Set in the early 1960s, Patrick's plan is to build a luxury resort on the site of ruins in a small town. There are mixed reactions to this venture as local family businesses will be impacted.
Picked up a copy of Firefly Summer at a used book sale as I've enjoyed many Maeve Binchy novels in the past. As always, she has an extraordinary ability to bring realistic characters and communities to life. Her books have always been comfort reads for me. In my opinion, this novel was unnecessarily long, over 750 pages. And then it ended without a resolution to recent events. Even though it would have added to the page count, an epilogue was needed.
Mixed feelings on this one, but still love Binchy's storytelling.
Picked up a copy of Firefly Summer at a used book sale as I've enjoyed many Maeve Binchy novels in the past. As always, she has an extraordinary ability to bring realistic characters and communities to life. Her books have always been comfort reads for me. In my opinion, this novel was unnecessarily long, over 750 pages. And then it ended without a resolution to recent events. Even though it would have added to the page count, an epilogue was needed.
Mixed feelings on this one, but still love Binchy's storytelling.
August 21, 2007
I wanted to read a Maeve Binchy book and picked this one off the library shelf because it had the neatest title. : ) I almost quit reading after the first chapter because Binchy's punctuation is random at best, but I kept reading and ended up enjoying the book pretty well. Binchy creates a huge cast of amazingly real and quirky characters who populate a small Irish town and then shows all the effects that ripple through their lives and relationships when a rich American comes to build a hotel there. A good vacation read.
July 26, 2018
Maeve Binchy never disappoints. I loved this book.
December 11, 2020
Over the past four or so years I've read 8 novels and 1 book of short stories by Maeve Binchy (her website lists her full bibliography as consisting of 17 novels, 9 books of short stories, and 3 non-fiction titles). Firefly Summer, Circle of Friends, and The Glass Lake are my favorites (so far).
If you've never read Binchy, I'd recommend starting with Circle of Friends. It's a classic, possibly her most well-known novel, and a beautiful story with intriguing characters and lots of twists and turns. It's also a manageable length.
The most common complaint I've noticed about Firefly Summer is that it's too long, my hardback edition coming in at just over 600 pages. It took me a month to get through the first half of the book, and then over the past few days I zipped through the last 300 pages. I can understand readers' frustrations, especially if they haven't read much Binchy. She approaches her characters slowly, cluing the reader in on the overall plot in an understated way that eventually builds to a fantastic climax. I absolutely love this about her and her stories, but for a reader who enjoys a lot of action throughout their novels and doesn't care to know every thought every character is having, getting through Firefly Summer may seem an impossible task. And that's okay. We're not all going to like the same books.
If you can stick with it, though, the unexpected developments in the last half or so are well worth the time and effort. Kate and Dara's relationship is of particular interest to me as it doesn't feel that long ago that I would have deeply identified with Dara's coming-of-age struggles. Now I am solidly in Kate's camp and empathize with her confusion in the disconnect between how she sees and tries to present herself and how others see and, therefore, treat her. Are our thirties some kind of second adolescence? Or does it feel that way because that's where she and I are at right now? Through this varied cast of characters Binchy makes the reader consider the possibility that humans spend quite a lot of time pitying themselves and that anyone, regardless of time of life, can feel like they're between stages or have maybe missed some of life's essential experiences.
My only criticisms are as follows:
1. I don't fully understand Grace's evolution. It's as if one day she is a genuinely sweet tween/teen and the next she is, as Kate puts it, "a little madam." By the end of the book she is practically unrecognizable, but the gradual changes in her personality and preferences seem to happen off-stage. This was a little frustrating.
2. I don't think Eddie was approached in quite the right way. I could believe that he enjoys being a wee hooligan, but Dara and Michael treat him horribly (this pissed me off because they're never corrected; if I EVER hear my children, especially the older ones, talk to a younger one the way Dara and Michael talk to Eddie, I'll figuratively snap their heads off like a Praying Mantis and eat them), Kate and John alternately ignore and punish him, and they simply can't figure out why he's a troublemaker all the time?? PLEASE. It's also inconsistent with the rest of Kate's character: a busy but very loving mother who wouldn't pretty much just *forget* 1 of her 4 children.
Given the scope of the book and its large cast of characters (something else I like about it and Binchy's writing in general), these are fairly minor criticisms and will definitely not stop me from rereading and enjoying this beautiful, delectable (just let me have my Anne Shirley moment, please) novel. Happy Sigh.
If you've never read Binchy, I'd recommend starting with Circle of Friends. It's a classic, possibly her most well-known novel, and a beautiful story with intriguing characters and lots of twists and turns. It's also a manageable length.
The most common complaint I've noticed about Firefly Summer is that it's too long, my hardback edition coming in at just over 600 pages. It took me a month to get through the first half of the book, and then over the past few days I zipped through the last 300 pages. I can understand readers' frustrations, especially if they haven't read much Binchy. She approaches her characters slowly, cluing the reader in on the overall plot in an understated way that eventually builds to a fantastic climax. I absolutely love this about her and her stories, but for a reader who enjoys a lot of action throughout their novels and doesn't care to know every thought every character is having, getting through Firefly Summer may seem an impossible task. And that's okay. We're not all going to like the same books.
If you can stick with it, though, the unexpected developments in the last half or so are well worth the time and effort. Kate and Dara's relationship is of particular interest to me as it doesn't feel that long ago that I would have deeply identified with Dara's coming-of-age struggles. Now I am solidly in Kate's camp and empathize with her confusion in the disconnect between how she sees and tries to present herself and how others see and, therefore, treat her. Are our thirties some kind of second adolescence? Or does it feel that way because that's where she and I are at right now? Through this varied cast of characters Binchy makes the reader consider the possibility that humans spend quite a lot of time pitying themselves and that anyone, regardless of time of life, can feel like they're between stages or have maybe missed some of life's essential experiences.
My only criticisms are as follows:
1. I don't fully understand Grace's evolution. It's as if one day she is a genuinely sweet tween/teen and the next she is, as Kate puts it, "a little madam." By the end of the book she is practically unrecognizable, but the gradual changes in her personality and preferences seem to happen off-stage. This was a little frustrating.
2. I don't think Eddie was approached in quite the right way. I could believe that he enjoys being a wee hooligan, but Dara and Michael treat him horribly (this pissed me off because they're never corrected; if I EVER hear my children, especially the older ones, talk to a younger one the way Dara and Michael talk to Eddie, I'll figuratively snap their heads off like a Praying Mantis and eat them), Kate and John alternately ignore and punish him, and they simply can't figure out why he's a troublemaker all the time?? PLEASE. It's also inconsistent with the rest of Kate's character: a busy but very loving mother who wouldn't pretty much just *forget* 1 of her 4 children.
Given the scope of the book and its large cast of characters (something else I like about it and Binchy's writing in general), these are fairly minor criticisms and will definitely not stop me from rereading and enjoying this beautiful, delectable (just let me have my Anne Shirley moment, please) novel. Happy Sigh.
March 14, 2019
A more tightly focused novel from Maeve Binchy, similar to Circle of Friends in that sense. Transporting readers to the mid-century Irish village of Mountfern, Binchy's book spins a web about the uncertainties of living, family, growing up, love, and finding a home. Concentrated with Binchy's trademark combination of humor and sadness, Firefly Summer keeps readers engaged with the quotidian but never dull lives of Irish village life.
July 22, 2014
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
In Binchy's 1987 novel, an American moves his family to the rural Irish town of Mountfern
In Binchy's 1987 novel, an American moves his family to the rural Irish town of Mountfern
August 19, 2025
I enjoyed the writing, I felt like Maeve Binchy really capture how the characters looked and I could see the settings in my head.
I just found it hard to read. As is similar with the other low reviews, I had the same problems. The book seemed to go on forever, and then it ended in a couple of pages. I'm not even really sure that there was a ending.
I kept getting lost with who was who, there are lot of characters. At the end of it, it only actually ended up being about a couple of them.
This was just to hard for me to read. I didn't finish it feeling like I knew what happened, which is very different for me.
I just found it hard to read. As is similar with the other low reviews, I had the same problems. The book seemed to go on forever, and then it ended in a couple of pages. I'm not even really sure that there was a ending.
I kept getting lost with who was who, there are lot of characters. At the end of it, it only actually ended up being about a couple of them.
This was just to hard for me to read. I didn't finish it feeling like I knew what happened, which is very different for me.
May 16, 2022
Ik heb het boek 3 sterren gegeven, omdat 3,5 niet kan. Ik vind het een interessant boek, maar ik vind de sfeer ietwat teneergeslagen. Ik ben van Maeve Binchy iets vrolijkere boeken gewend. Nu is dit ook al een wat ouder boek. Wat ik leuk vind is dat het over een wat langere tijd speelt en iets teruggaat in de tijd. Het speelt zich af rond de jaren ‘50/‘60. Men dacht toen nog anders dan nu. Ook hadden mensen veel dingen nog niet, zoals mobiele telefoons en internet. Dat maakt het leuk om te lezen. Er zitten wel veel personages in het verhaal en soms zijn die wat lastig uit elkaar te houden. Vooral als ik weinig tijd had om te lezen, had ik daar moeite mee. Ook de setting, een klein plattelandsdorpje is leuk. Het einde vind ik goed gevonden en is ook erg onverwacht. Het was echt een einde dat ik niet zag aankomen, maar het past wel bij het verhaal.
September 19, 2023
One day I will visit Ireland and it will feel like I am visiting an old friend because of Maeve Binchy’s wonderful work. This one was a little slow to start for me but still a fun read.
September 28, 2020
There’s something very satisfying about letting yourself sink into a story and it unfolding around you. Ireland , a rural village in the 1960s , with all its many characters is brought to life and , although there are no revelations , the fortitude of Kate Ryan , the love of her husband and the determination to live her life carries the story along. It was a reminder to me of what is important in life , your friends and family but also that we can’t always protect those we love from life.
A good old fashioned read - and as I’ve suffered with interior designers in some modern books lately it was good to meet one who didn’t make me want to brain her with a large piece of Franck glassware.
A good old fashioned read - and as I’ve suffered with interior designers in some modern books lately it was good to meet one who didn’t make me want to brain her with a large piece of Franck glassware.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
This is the first Maeve Bincy book I’ve tried. I listened on audible and read along at the same time, as the accent would have been hard to understand without the book companion. I absolutely loved it. Apparently this book is realistic fiction, which I had never heard of before. I loved all the people, the community in Ireland in the 1960’s. My favourite character was Kate Ryan and I loved her family. Will definitely be trying more of her books.
January 9, 2022
If you read over 600 pages of Maeve Binchy be prepared to be immersed in a quiet village life of Ireland in the early 1960’s. Afterwards you will understand the delights and the tragedies, the melodrama and the hopes and dreams of nearly every person in this idyllic village of Mountfern. The story centers around the fact that a Patrick O’Neal, an American from New Jersey, wishes to revise his family’s legacy. His grandfather was essentially chased away to America by the rich land owners of Fernscourt, which has remained in ruins for over fifty years.Reportedly some of the villagers had torched it to the ground back then so hard feelings must have always existed between the rich land owners and everyone else in the village. Patrick’s dream is to return as a triumphant savior to rebuild Fernscourt into a hotel and by doing so invigorate the town and its economy. He means to stay.
O’Neal made his money in taverns and bars and while in some ways building this hotel could help many it could also be the financial ruin of the pub owners, especially the John Ryan family. Most of this story centers on the O’Neal and Ryan clan.
I have to say my favorite character of all is little Eddy Ryan. Stuck in the middle and always being left out by his older twin siblings his penchant for mischief is unending. Bless him. He and the dog Leopold helped me suffer through the slower parts of the book. I had a roommate, who spent a year in Ireland. She said the best part was spending time in pubs. She said that Irish are amazing story tellers.
Thank you Maeve for all your yarns .
O’Neal made his money in taverns and bars and while in some ways building this hotel could help many it could also be the financial ruin of the pub owners, especially the John Ryan family. Most of this story centers on the O’Neal and Ryan clan.
I have to say my favorite character of all is little Eddy Ryan. Stuck in the middle and always being left out by his older twin siblings his penchant for mischief is unending. Bless him. He and the dog Leopold helped me suffer through the slower parts of the book. I had a roommate, who spent a year in Ireland. She said the best part was spending time in pubs. She said that Irish are amazing story tellers.
Thank you Maeve for all your yarns .
August 1, 2022
I have read only a few of Maeve Binchy's novels, but I believe I have liked them all. This one is long and a bit rambling, but is an interesting story of how one person with money can change life in a small village in Ireland. There are a lot of characters and story lines and some shocking accidents so it's not exactly a "feel good" small town story, but it is engrossing the farther along you go. The basic premise is that an American businessman who has Irish ancestors comes back to a small town in Ireland (where he believes his ancestors came from) to become Irish and show off how much he can do with the money he made in America. At times he seems absolutely charming and well meaning, but at others you can see how power has made him him callous about the affect he is having on other people's lives.
July 21, 2021
I’ve not read this before, although Maeve Binchy is one of my fave authors. It’s a huge block of a book, but well worth the effort in reading it. The pace for me varied throughout and some sections were more compelling than others.
The overall understanding of human frailties and relationships is exquisitely explored.
This is a must read for anyone looking for insight into others, although I understand and agree with other reviews that suggest the pacing isn’t quite right.
The overall understanding of human frailties and relationships is exquisitely explored.
This is a must read for anyone looking for insight into others, although I understand and agree with other reviews that suggest the pacing isn’t quite right.
August 8, 2022
This is certainly a big book and I agree with the readers who have said the beginning drags and has a lot more detail on insignificant situations than what feels necessary.
Despite that, some situations were interesting and I kind of like the author's style. I think there was a lot of emphasis on things I didn't care for and not enough on what I think were the best parts of the story... still, some situations grabbed my attention and I wish the end was a little less ambiguous.
Despite that, some situations were interesting and I kind of like the author's style. I think there was a lot of emphasis on things I didn't care for and not enough on what I think were the best parts of the story... still, some situations grabbed my attention and I wish the end was a little less ambiguous.
February 20, 2013
Although it's a tough choice, I think this is my favorite Binchy book, and I've read most of them. Her unique gift to juggle many points of view in a novel is particularly impressive in this book. Date I finished this book is impossible to say, as I've read it so many times. (I've never read a Binchy book just once.)
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