Circle of Friends

by Maeve Binchy
Circle of Friends cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9217
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780440211266
  • Publisher: Dell
  • Published: 1991-10-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Circle of Friends invites readers into the lives of Benny Hogan and Eve Malone, two inseparable friends growing up in the village of Knockglen. Benny, an only child yearning for independence, and Eve, an orphan raised by nuns, share a deep connection and know the secrets behind every villager's lace curtains—except their own. Their world expands at Dublin University, where they meet the beautiful Nan Mahlon and Jack Foley, a doctor's handsome son. However, heartbreak and betrayal threaten to shatter their close-knit circle, revealing long-hidden lies that test the meaning of love and the strength of their bonds. Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends is a heartwarming and engaging exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities of human relationships. With richly drawn characters and a compelling narrative, this novel offers a rare pleasure and a terrific tale told by a master storyteller.

Reviews
Sue's Book Reviews · 2024-05-28
warm 4.50

The novel is warm and encouraging, ending on a positive note. It offers an interesting perspective on Irish social history.

The reviewer found the novel to be heartwarming and uplifting, with a satisfying conclusion. They appreciated the book's exploration of Irish social history, noting that the author's insights into the period were particularly engaging. The story's focus on friendship and personal growth resonated with them, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The novel is warm, and encouraging, and ends in a positive way.

    It's interesting from an Irish social history point of view.

    The author was, I think, very good at capturing the essence of the time.

Thoughts from the Mountaintop · 2021-01-06
insightful 4.00

The book is suitable for teens and emphasizes the power and importance of friendships. It delivers a strong message about the value of relationships.

The reviewer believes this book is particularly good for readers in their mid to late teens, as it effectively conveys the significance of friendships. They found the story to be both poignant and insightful, highlighting how the characters' relationships drive the narrative. The book's themes of loyalty and personal growth are presented in a way that is both relatable and impactful.

Quick quotes

    I think it's good for those in their mid to late teens as it does give a good message on the power and importance of friendships.

    It's a story that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

    The characters are beautifully crafted, making their journeys feel real and compelling.

Los Angeles Times · 1991-01-14
subversive 4.50

The book is daring and subversive, exploring themes of commerce, freedom, happiness, friendship, and love. It offers a unique perspective on how things work.

The reviewer praised the book for its bold and subversive approach to storytelling. They appreciated how the narrative delves into complex themes such as commerce, freedom, and love, presenting them in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The reviewer found the characters to be well-developed and the plot to be compelling, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Circle of Friends is about commerce and freedom and happiness and friendship and love, and most of all, about how things work.

    It's daring, subversive, and deeply insightful.

    The characters are beautifully crafted, making their journeys feel real and compelling.

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