This was my first book I brought in Ireland, so it makes the story more interesting to know the places she was in.
A great story of friendship over twenty turbulent years. I have missed Aisling and Elizabeth since I finished the book.
"Compassionate, and delightful, this is the magnificent story of twenty turbulent years in the lives of two women. One is English, the other is Irish. Their friendship is sealed when they are children: it is warm, devoted, unshakeable and, against all odds, it survives...
A thoroughly enjoyable and readable book" The Times
From Library Journal:
The chaos of World War II London sends preteen Elizabeth White to the safety of Ireland and into the lives of the much larger and emotional O'Connor family. The enduring friendship she finds with her counterpart, Aisling, forms the framework of this novel, offering clear contrasts between the two families and countries. The early chapters of Binchy's 1982 debut novel are engagingly humorous, filled with solid characterizations of these two very different but compatible adolescents. The girls sustain their friendship and distinct personalities through regular letters, but unfortunately they must grow up and the novel may strain under the conventionality of the genre and some inconsistency, perhaps due to Binchy's inexperience as an author at the time she wrote the original story. Her cousin Kate Binchy reads the book well, capturing the innocence, yearning, and growth of the girls. Recommended for larger fiction collections.
-Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
As a child, Elizabeth White was sent from her war-torn London home to a safer life in the small Irish town of Kilgarret. It was there, in the crowded, chaotic O'Connor household, that she met Aisling--who would become her very best friend, sharing her pet kitten and secretly teaching her the intricacies of Catholicism. Aisling's boldness brought Elizabeth out of her proper shell; later, her support carried Elizabeth through the painful end her parents' chilly marriage. In return, Elizabeth's friendship helped Aisling endure her own unsatisfying marriage to a raging alcoholic. Through the years, they always believed they could overcome any conflict, conquer any hardship. They believed they could survive anaything, as long as they had each other. Now they're about to find out if they were right...
As a child, Elizabeth White was sent from her war-torn home in England to the Irish countryside and the town of Kilgarret. There she met the charming Aisling O'Connor and Aisling's bustling and rather large family. The two girls struck up a firm and fast friendship - one which carried them each through the darkest times of their lives.
Elizabeth had to deal with the breakup of her parents chilly marriage and Elizabeth was there for Aisling all through her marriage to a raging alcoholic. They always believe that they can overcome anything as long as their friendship lasts. They are about to test that theory.
I really enjoyed this book and it is not only a 5 but a 5,000! I give it an A+!
Product Description
As a child, Elizabeth White was sent from her war-torn London home to a safer life in the small Irish town of Kilgarret. It was there, in the crowded, chaotic O'Connor household, that she met Aisling-who would become her very best friend, sharing her pet kitten and secretly teaching her the intricacies of Catholicism. Aisling's boldness brought Elizabeth out of her proper shell; later, her support carried Elizabeth through the painful end of her parents' chilly marriage. In return, Elizabeth's friendship helped Aisling endure her own unsatisfying marriage to a raging alcoholic. Through the years, they always believed they could overcome any conflict, conquer any hardship. They believed they could survive anything, as long as they had each other. Now they're about to find out if they were right.
This is a wonderful Maeve Binchy Book, I couldnt put it down. I cried several times while reading it. This is probably one of my favorite books.
Like all of Maeve's books, I did not want to see this one end! I wanted to know more about Aisling and Elizabeth and everything that will happen to them as they move on into the next chapter of their lives. You can't help but feel like you know everyone in Binchy's books, and her characters are just wonderful.
Maeve Binchy brings her characters to life like no other before her. This story is very well structured with unexpected twists that keep you attentive as well as wanting to read more of her warm writing style.
My mother loved Ms. Binchy's books, and I am starting to read them. This is the first, and is about two girls thrown together when one is evacuated from London to Ireland during WWII. Good family novel.
This was the first book by this author that I ever read and I enjoyed it very much. The characters were well developed, the plot was fantastic and it was a fast easy read. I will always pick up one of her books when I have a chance.
Abridged/2 Cassetts/Approx 3 Hours.
the magic of bestselling author Maeve Binchy's unforgettable debut novel, LIGHT A PENNY CANDLE! The chaotic events of World War II find a shy young English girl in Ireland under the care of the wild and boisterous O'Connor family. It is through them that she meets the young lady destined to become her best friend...and together they will endure years of change, joy, sorrow, soaring dreams, bitter betrayals, and an unbreakable bond that nothing could tear asunder.
I always like Maeve Binchy's books. This one covers a lengthy period of time for two young women, starting in their childhood during WWII. You get to see the contrast between a very much alive (and lively) Irish family and the rather sad existence of a couple with no real sense of "family". The young women share their ups and downs as they cope with growing up, parents, lovers, and marriage - with some unusual twists along the way. The ending was completely unexpected - you'll have to read it!
Writing with her usual warmth, wit and great compassion, Maeve Binchy tells a magnificent story of the lives and loves of two women, bound together in friendship.
The marvellous first novel of Maeve Binchy about the lives and loves of two women, bound together in friendship.
