AWC Library | Author of the Month: Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy was born on 28 May 1940 in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, and the eldest child of four. Her parents were very positive and provided her with a happy childhood. Although she described herself as an overweight child, her parents' attitude gave her the confidence to accept herself for who she was. She studied at University College Dublin and was a teacher for a while. She also loved traveling, and this was how she found her niche as a writer. She liked going to different places, such as a Kibbutz in Israel, and she worked in a camp in the United States. While she was away, she sent letters home to her parents. They were so impressed with these chatty letters from all over the world that they decided to send them to a newspaper. After these letters were published, Maeve left teaching and became a journalist. Maeve married Gordon Snell, writer and editor of children's books. When they were struggling financially, Light a Penny Candle was published, which made her an overnight success. Many of her books, such as Echoes, are set in the past in Ireland. Some of her later novels, such as Evening Class, take place in more modern times. Her books often deal with people who are young, fall in love, have families, and deal with relationship or family problems. The main characters are people whom readers can empathize with. She passed away on 30 July 2012, at the age of 72.

Her cousin Dan Binchy is also a published writer, as is her nephew Chris Binchy.

Source: www.goodreads.com

List of available books by Maeve Binchy at Al Waha Club Library

• Circle of Friends
• Dublin 4
• Echoes
• Evening Class
• Firefly Summer
• Full House
• Heart and Soul
• Ladies' Night at Finbar's Hotel
• Light a Penny Candle
• Nights of Rain and Stars
• Scarlet Feather
• Silver Wedding
• Tara Road
• The Copper Beech
• The Glass Lake
• The Lilac Bus
• The Return Journey and Other Stories
• This Year It Will Be Different
• Victoria Line, Central Line
• Whitethorn Woods