The Glass Lake

The reason I thoroughly enjoyed this book was plain and simple: it was a very good story. Along with very good characters and background. May not sound eloquent, but it's the truth. With Binchy I have had a bit of a love/hate with her. The first book I read of hers, Tara Road, I had a hard time with. The reading was a bit tedius to me, and Binchy's voice was not what I was used to. However, since then I've read several other of her books- Light a Penny Candle, Silver Wedding- and while beginning them I need to give myself a push because honestly, they are quite long- keeping at it I am always pleased in the end. The Glass Lake is no different, at approx. 750 pages, you have to dedicate yourself to the reading. However, this story flowed well, was full of anticipation for the reader...the pages started to fly by. I think out of the several books I've read of hers this is my favorite so far. Mainly because the characters and story is one that will stay with me- how could it not? I won't give anything away, but it was certainly very unique and it was interesting to see how it was handled and ended.

This is my favorite of Binchy's novels, and I've read most of them. I had the pleasure of asking the author about this novel while I was at a book signing for "Scarlet Feather" a few winters ago. "The Glass Lake" was so sad, that I asked her if it made her sad to write it. She said that her intention when writing this book was to show the lengths to which people would go to have a loved one buried in hallowed ground. With that information, you can tell that this will not be an upbeat novel. If you are looking for a light read, I'd suggest "Evening Class" by the same author.If you are looking for a book that makes you feel as if you know the people and the landscape of somewhere that you've never been, read this book. Binchy takes her time in weaving a story, and lets her characters develop and change in the course of a novel. These characters will draw you in. These are characters that you'll remember long after you've read the final chapter.

The Glass Lake, as all of Maeve Binchy's stories, is about a small Irish town and the interwoven lives of the people who live there. It is difficult to explain the plot without giving away too much information, but basically it deals with betrayal, good intentions and lack of discernment when choosing friends and spouses. It is a wonderful book, full of unforgettable characters and sad thoughts of "what might have been". It tells of love which remains steadfast and love that flees in the face of temptation. It is one of Maeve Binchy's best, which is high praise when the whole body of her work is considered. This is highly recommended reading!

This was the third Binchy novel I have read. I devoured it with the hunger of a wild animal, so excited to see what she could possibly have in store given the amazing stories I enjoyed in Tara Road and Echoes. This book will not disappoint you. Though a large amount of pages, you will be amazed at how fast you get through this novel about family, love, and lust. By far, this is one of the most engaging, irresistable, what will happen next, kind of books. Read it, devour it, enjoy it to the fullest, I did!

After Tara Road, I decided to tackle all the Binchy I can get my hands on! Her ability to enter so many characters into a story, keep you interested in all of them and watch as they develop and work into each other's lives amazes me more with every book of her's I read. I loved Kit's character... her strength and ability to weigh all her options in relationships with her mother, father, brother, men and friends. I just love Ms. Binchy's writing style, her ability to take me to Ireland and see into her characters' lives. Don't be fooled by the thickness of any of Binchy's books... you'll finish them in three days and wish there were a dozen more chapters!