I find it hard to objectively review or even rate any of Maeve Binchy's books. I don't pick up any of her novels with the intent of exploring some deep philosophical or cultural questions. Instead, I approach each of her novels as an imaginary journey, a very long movie that plays out through words. The characters she creates in all of her novels are both realistic and engaging and Light a Penny Candle is no exception. Once again, I found myself breezing through the pages, so desperate to find out what happened next to Elizabeth, Aisling and the rest (yes, even Johnny Stone...) only to find myself equally as reluctant to turn that last page and see their stories end. But that's the thing, their stories don't really end. It felt almost as if Binchy had recognized that she needed to end the novel at some point or else she could have gone on forever, following all of the remaining characters throughout the rest of their lives. And I think it is this impulse, the idea that I truly can imagine a whole new set of encounters and exchanges between these characters, that draws me to Binchy as an author. No, Light a Penny Candle does not provide much in the way of heavy discussion, but as far as pure entertainment, I think Binchy is miles ahead of most others. My rating (5 out of 5) may be biased, and possibly influenced by her recent passing, but I think this novel holds its own in her collection against some of my favorites (Circle of Friends, Echoes and Tara Road). If you're looking for some quality escapist literature, I highly recommend this book.

Dreadful characters! Elizabeth is the WORST.

Evacuated from Blitz-battered London, shy and genteel Elizabeth is sent to stay with the boisterous O'Connors in Kilgarret, Ireland. It is the beginning of an unshakable bond between Elizabeth and Aisling. This book tells the a story of the lives and loves of two women, bound together in a friendship nothing could break.

This book was a pure joy to read. I love how the author handles many characters without ever losing you. It reminded me of my relationship with my friend Sinead. A very good book.

I generally really like Maeve Binchey's book, but I really didn't like this book much while I was reading it, but I kept hoping things would get better. They didn't. The ending made me give the book one star. Depressing, horrible book. I hated it.

This book was so comforting and engrossing and lovely. I'd love to read more of Maeve Binchy's work.

(Also super-thrilled that I finally had time to read a 600+ page novel FOR FUN.)

I read book that I knew a few decades ago I must someday read. The blurb clinched the deal.
“Light a penny candle”, Maeve Binchy’s first novel, is about two ten-year-old girls ~ one English, the other Irish ~ whose mothers knew each other when they were young girls and were best friends in school.

The Blitz was starting to go full force in London during World War 2, so Elizabeth White was sent to live with the O’Connors in a tiny town near Dublin where she meets Aisling (pronounced Ashleen). They become best friends over the next five years until the war’s end finds Elizabeth headed home.

The story follows both their lives into their 30s, weaving together a story of strong friendship, their trials and tribulations shared mostly through letters.

Goodreads reviews showed mostly accolades for the book by Binchy fans except for the ending which most people said went too quickly and saw Aisling forsake her deep Irish Catholic roots. I read the reviews before the book which did not spoil anything for me.

I did see what other readers saw with the ending, but felt that maybe Binchy’s writing was showing how quickly life moves as we get older; finding the 30+ year old women being swept up and into chaotic situations that end with them being together again, still fast friends, nearly alone, ready to face the new days ahead of them.

Engaging melodrama

The only Maeve Binchy I ever read. I read it shortly after I moved to Ithaca, NY. I remember nothing about the book at this point other than I liked it at the time.