The Copper Beech

by Maeve Binchy

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - "The Copper Beech is as soothing as a cup of tea."--People In the little Irish town of Shancarrig, the young people carve their initials--and those of their loves--into the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385307756
• ISBN13: 9780385307758
• Release Date: October 1992
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 345 Pages
• Weight: 1.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

One of her best

Like all of Maeve's work 'the copper beech' is filled with stories about friends, family and good neighbors. Maeve was always good for a great folk story, actually I think she is the best storyteller of all of them. I did get to read her last book, before she died a few yrs. back. I ordered this one to replace one I lost that my daughter gave me as a gift. If you like to enjoy the characters in a book, then you will like this one, when the book ends you will miss them

Wonderful author!

Maeve Binchy can write a story with the best of them. Her characters come to life and the reader really cares about them, since she writes about their hope and dreams, as well as their activities. In The Copper Beech, Binchy details the lives of different people in a small Irish town. Most of the characters are local children who have carved their names in the copper beech tree outside of their school. She describes the class distinctions in the town, which sometimes separate those who have been schoolmates, after they leave their school days. The final chapter ties the characters together and lets the reader in on what has happened to the people that have been described throughout the book. This is a wonderful read!

Oh, to be Irish!

The Copper Beech isn't a book for those looking for alot of fast paced action. Instead it's the kind of book that is slow paced and one you don't want to have end. Maeve Binchy has once again written a book that takes the reader to Ireland and introduces you to a town called Shancarrig, and the huge copper beech tree which watches over the town's school. Each character is explored, many from the time they were born, until they reach adulthood. The children at the school are often poor, such as Maura, who has grown up with an alcoholic father, but manages to make a good life for herself and her son, Michael, who is born with Down's Syndrome. And Maddie Ross, the school teacher, who has a secret love with the town's young priest. I listened to this on Recorded Books audio and the narrator had a beautiful Irish accent which just enhanced the story. I enjoyed every minute of it, as I have all of Maeve Binchy's other stories. A must for anyone.

A Colorful Read

I'm not a Maeve Binchy fan or anything but this book was good enough to keep me up late at nite reading it. I love all her characters in the book. They're all so colorful. You have to read it.

A Wonderful Book About Friendship

I can't say enough good things about The Copper Beech. I loved the characters, and most of their stories left me filled with joy. Reading this book should remind us all what it was like growing up, and for some, bring back some nice memories. Maeve Binchy has once again captured the true spirit of those she writes about. I highly recommend this feel-good novel.

A beautiful, intricate picture of Irish village life.

Maeve Binchy, as usual, is a brilliant observer of small-town Irish life. The Copper Beech is actually more intricately wrought than her previous books which, while excellent, tend to stray into the genre of airport-purchased romance. Her humor and spot-on descriptions of characters saves those books, and it elevates this book.