WHITETHORN WOODS by Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy has made her reputation as a novelist on stories that explore the human emotions and create an atmosphere of warmth and understanding. Most of these stories have a connection to her native Ireland and always contain an assortment of loveable and likeable characters. She is best known for novels such as CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, TARA ROAD and QUENTIN'S. Now she has written WHITETHORN WOODS which concerns a community in Ireland.
WHITETHORN WOODS is a collection of short stories inter-related by their setting. All of the characters in the stories have some relation to the town of Rossmore. Rossmore is adjacent to Whitethorn Woods in which St Ann's Well is located. This is a shrine of sorts where the villagers come to ask for special miracles to occur in their lives. Some ask for an end to illness; some ask for happiness for their children; some ask for the birth of a child; and some ask to find the right person with whom to share their lives.
Father Brian Flynn is the curate of Augustine's in Rossmore. He knows how revered the Well is but he doesn't know if it is as special as people tend to think. Still he doesn't dispute that it gives people hope. He also knows if the new road being planned goes in it will destroy the Well. That will upset a large number of people. But there will also be a lot of people who will be made very wealthy by the new road coming in.
Binchy's book of stories concerns a variety of relationships and most of them are romantic. One of the most enjoyable is that of Neddy Nolan, a man who is so simple and open that many think he is mentally challenged. Neddy takes care of his brothers and of his father. Eventually he marries and takes care of his wife. She works outside the home and he takes care of their house. It is a relationship they both appreciate. Eventually Neddy will be called upon to take care of the town in his special way.
Taking care of people seems to be a theme of this book. We see teachers, administrators, priests and others dedicating their lives to the care of those who are less fortunate than they are. In many cases it is a life of sacrifice but in all cases it also a life of enrichment.
Binchy writes in a very simple style and the joy of her book sneaks in while you are reading her stories. There are no car chases, murders, or other dangerous acts to spice up her stories. There are just tales of people whose lives are enriched by finding their purpose and their soulmates.
WHITETHORN WOODS is not the best book Binchy has ever written. The ones with a more cohesive plot are more enjoyable. Still this book has a rhythm and a beauty that will appeal to most readers.
WHITETHORN WOODS is published by Knopf Publishing Group. It contains 339 pages and sells for $25.95.