Tara Road

by Maeve Binchy
Tara Road cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 9216
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781409106081
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-12-23
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ria Lynch and Marilyn Vine are two women leading vastly different lives on opposite sides of the world. Ria, living in a bustling Victorian house in Dublin, is surrounded by family and friends, while Marilyn, residing in a quiet modern house in New England, has withdrawn from the world after a devastating loss. When they decide to swap houses for the summer, they expect a peaceful escape, but they soon find themselves entangled in the lives of new neighbors and friends, leading to unexpected friendships and personal growth. /n/n Though initially skeptical, Ria and Marilyn realize that their house exchange might just be the catalyst for the changes they both desperately need. This heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery is a testament to the power of human connection.

Reviews
Sue's Book Reviews · Sue · 2024-11-22
engaging 4.00

Despite its length, the book is highly engaging and captivating. The story is well-written and the characters are compelling, making it a quick read.

The reviewer was initially concerned about the book's length, but found it to be a highly engaging and captivating read. The story is well-written, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and inspiring. The reviewer found themselves caught up in the story, finishing it in just a few days despite its length. The book's engaging nature and well-written narrative make it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    It's a long book - over 600 pages - but I finished it in just a few days.

    It's a very engaging story and I found myself caught up with the characters.

    The story is well-written, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked.

Opinions of a Wolf · 2016-09-28
thought-provoking 4.50

The house swap premise is unique, focusing on personal growth rather than romance. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on dealing with personal issues.

The reviewer appreciated the unique twist on the house swap trope, which focuses on personal growth and dealing with personal issues rather than romance. This fresh perspective makes the story engaging and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and inspiring. The narrative is compelling, offering a deep look into the characters' lives and the challenges they face. The story is not just about the physical swap of houses but also about the emotional and psychological swap that occurs within the characters.

Quick quotes

    It's a house swap story that stays unique with the house swap not being about romance but rather about dealing with personal issues and where you want your life to go.

    The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on dealing with personal issues.

    The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and inspiring.

Bookwanderer - WordPress.com · 2010-02-11
heartwarming 4.00

The story explores a diverse range of women, each with unique strengths and struggles. The narrative is both heartwarming and poignant, highlighting the complexities of female experiences.

This book is a rich tapestry of women's lives, each character brought to life with depth and authenticity. The reviewer found the exploration of different types of women—kind, cruel, homemakers, and career-minded—particularly compelling. The story is not just about the characters but also about the bonds they form and the challenges they face. The narrative is both heartwarming and poignant, offering a deep dive into the complexities of female experiences.

Quick quotes

    Tara Road, by Maeve Binchy, is primarily a story about women.

    The narrative is both heartwarming and poignant, highlighting the complexities of female experiences.

    The story is not just about the characters but also about the bonds they form and the challenges they face.

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