Many years ago on holiday I found a book by an Irish author in the cottage's bookcase. I must have been in my mid teens at the time. Little did I know that this writer would fast become one of my favourite authors. Ever. Her words enraptured me, comforted me and I longed to visit places such as Dún Laoghaire or go to university in Dublin. The characters within the book were real. I fell into their lives and truly cared.
So whenever a new book by Maeve Binchy is published I am extremely excited. Yet at the same time, a little nervous just in case the same magic is not there.
Minding Frankie is Maeve’s latest release.
The story centres around a chap called Noel. He appears to be a bit of a waster. He doesn’t take much interest in life, prefers the pub to spending time with his family and has no prospects whatsoever. Then Emily, a cousin from America comes to visit. And she’s a bit like a fairy godmother. Very quickly Noel's life begins to change. And others who live near him or know him are also swept along in the changes.
What delights me in a Maeve Binchy novel is when characters you’ve come across before appear. They might now be fringe characters or we might find out how their story continues from another book. Cathy from Scarlett Feather appears on the edges, but not in such a way it would stop you reading Scarlet Feather if you hadn’t already. Then there is Clara Casey from Heart and Soul. We find out how her story continues. Quentins, the restaurant, is also there as a constant and a place where the characters come together. It might be a cliché but it is just like catching up with old friends.
So, the question is, does Maeve’s magic continue in Minding Frankie? Well, do you really have to ask? I adored it. And now I’m off to re-read Quentins.
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