Scarlet Feather

Maeve Binchy is one of those authors who seems to have a looking glass into the souls of many people. Her characters can become your friends as you cry and laugh along with their dreams, hopes, and struggles!

Nobody can capture the dynamics of life in a small town (or where ever!) like MB! Her books are incredible. It's sounds so cliche but, you really do miss the characters when the book is over! Check out this book and you won't be disappointed!

This is the first book that I have read of Maeve Binchy. I enjoyed it so much that I hated to put it down, I am now reading my second novel of hers and have three others waiting on the book shelf to be read.

I had never read anything by Maeve Binchy. Everyone that I know simply raves about her novels and so after having Scarlet Feather recommended to me, I thought that I was in for a treat. I found the story line to be weak, the characters were too "fictional" - there was nothing real about them, and the plot moved along slowly and predictably.

Scarlet Feather was definately a can't put down read. It was by far my favourite Binchy book. The characters come to life and you find yourself right there in Dublin with them. Take this book to the beach but don't forget the sunscreen - you'll be there for hours.

I thought that this book was quite interesting. It was good, great storyline but it was definitly too predictable! I think it would have been better if it had of ended sooner, there would have been more suspense. Still, it's a good read and I enjoyed it!

I have read nearly all of Maeve Binchy's novels, but I was very disappointed in Scarlet Feather. I took an instant dislike to the main character Cathy Scarlett, whom I found to be annoying and self-centred. Anyone who has 9 year olds would find the twins Maud and Simon to be completely unrealistic. Everything just comes together too well in the end. A man that doesn't work and bets all his money on horse races is made to look like some sort of hero. Maeve Binchy needs to get back to her earlier styles.

One of my favourite characteristics of a Binchy novel is the fact that she focuses so much on character development. This story intertwines the lives of so many people and the dynamics explored keep you turning the pages. Thrown into the world of catering, modeling, and family affairs, you seem destined to become a part of the story, because you just can't help loving and/or loathing these people. A great read! I highly recommend it.

Another beautiful story by Maeve Binchy. As with all her books this one too pulls you in the story and makes you part of it. You are so engrossed in the lives of the characters that it is easy for a time to forget your own problems. A book to be savoured and enjoyed and not one where you can skip any descriptions. I know so much about Ireland through her books that it makes me want to visit there. A simple and beautifully written story with a surprising ending.

To me, this is one of Binchy's best. I began reading her books last year, and have yet to be disappointed. Scarlet Feather is one that I really didn't want to end. The characters were all equally endearing and charming. I most certainly will read this one again, and will enjoy it just as much. Do not hesitate to purchase this book

Maeve Binch has written an exquisite,spell-binding novel which you'll stay up all night to read.You absolutely fall in love with her characters,and feel like they could be your best friends,not just characters in a story.Ms. Binchy has brought these figmants of her imagination alive on paper and her charming novel wraps around you like an old friend.This is an enchantingly real story,and a must read for all Maeve Binchy fans.

I couldn't believe I was reading about this book when I read the above reviews. This is nowhere near Binchy's best work. Her early books were much better written and more believable. I have read everything she has written, and I certainly rate this and Tara Road as the worst. Time to retire, Ms Binchy!!!

Trust Ms. Binchy to come up with a winner once again. Her characters are so warm and real and funny. Her story is entirely believable. I am a true fan!

I love Maeve Binchy's books and as usual I just couldn't put this one down. Her characters feel like your friends and you can't help but wonder what's going to happen to them next. It's like waiting for an important phone call. The anticipation drives you mad.

all i can say is wow!! really i baught 30 copies for my gr 9 class

This was such a good book!! Even better than Tara Road. I wanted a book that will take me away and this one surely did! All the way to Dublin too! Great storyline, characters. you really get involved in their lives and become a part of the story. I recommend it highly to everyone!

As everyone before me has said, this was an excellent book. Maeve has a way of weaving her stories and developing her characters. By the end of the book, you feel like you are part of the story and experience every up and down right along with the characters. Your heart aches for Simon and Maud; you feel for Cathy and Tom when their relationships begin to unravel and your heart races as Muttie's horses win - one by one. Once you close the book, your mind races to develop a multitude of endings. Maeve's books always leave you feeling good and wanting more. I too hope that this is not the end:(

Like all of Maeve Binchy's books this one is full of the laughs and the tears of life.

The character development is amazing.

There are people you want to hate and can't. There are some you want to shake and say wake up, smell the coffee and others that your heart breaks for them. All "real" people.

It is excatly like the book jacket says, when you finish reading it your looking to find these people in your life.

Unlike a lot of books, it is not one of those sugary books, with happily ever after endings, its so true to life, with human follies and mistakes and regrets and victories.

I stayed up way passed my bedtime telling myself just one more page then I'll sleep, I just had to find out what would happen to my "friends" next.

After reading it I just had to run out and find some more of her books.
If you want to read just one great book this year, this is the one to read.

I loved this book. The 11.5 hour plane ride from Canada to Korea seemed like nothing. I lost myself in the book and in the characters that seemed so real. I will read it agian.

My first introduction to Maeve Binchy in print.... (I didn't immediately make the connection to Circle of Friends) what a great experience. Multiple stories, great characters and interesting locations. I understand this is her last book; too bad, but I did buy Tara Road and it's next on the list. It's contemporary and somehow sentimental at the same time. Definitely a good choice.