What I'm reading!

Circle Of Friends- Maeve Binchy

The novel I am reading at the moment is Circle Of Friends, this novel was written by the Irish author Maeve Binchy. This novel has also had a movie based on it although I have heard the movie does not do it justice. 

I began reading this novel a few weeks ago when my English teacher suggested writing a review and posting it to our blog. I chose this novel not only as it is often on the leaving certificate reading list, but because I wanted to read a novel based in Ireland and written by an Irish Author as well known as Maeve Binchy.

The novel is set in Ireland in the year 1949. It explores the lives of several Irish students going to University College, Dublin. In particular two girls from the small country village of Knockglen, Benny Hogan and Eve Malone. These two girl have grown up together constantly in awe of the thoughts of living free from Knockglen. Along the way they meet new people and make a wider Circle Of Friends. 

Mother Francis is a character that I found interesting as she took in Eve when noone else in Knockglen would despite what others said. (Eve is left as an orphan after her parents tragically passed away and her other family refuse to take her in). I admire Mother Francis as she raised Eve as well as she could and never pressured her into joining the convent. It is also clear that she cares very much for Eve.

I would definitely recommend this book to others, The novel displays a world of knowledge on Irish students attending college and although it is based in the 1950's it is very relevant to Irish people nowadays.