Maeve's Times

In Her Own Words

By: Maeve Binchy

Narrated by: Kate Binchy

Five decades of selected writings from the Irish Times by the beloved and best-selling author, filled with her hallmark humor, candor, and wisdom-a timeless gift to her legion of fans.

Maeve Binchy once confessed: "As someone who fell off a chair not long ago trying to hear what they were saying at the next table in a restaurant, I suppose I am obsessively interested in what some might consider the trivia of other people's lives." She was an accidental journalist, yet from the beginning, her writings reflected the warmth, wit, and keen human interest that readers would come to love in her fiction. From the royal wedding to boring airplane companions, Samuel Beckett to Margaret Thatcher, "senior moments" to life as a waitress, Maeve's Times gives us wonderful insight into a changing Ireland as it celebrates the work of one of our best-loved writers in all its diversity-revealing her characteristic directness, laugh-out-loud humor, and unswerving gaze into the true heart of a matter.

Critic reviews

“A brilliant anthology [and] a real godsend to those of us inspired by good reporting and increasingly frustrated by the rarity of it these days. . . . Whether she was writing descriptively, critically, forensically, amiably, sadly, optimistically, cynically (or in any other state of mind), Maeve Binchy the journalist always had something meaningful to say, just as much so in 1964 as in 2011. . . . If you’re among the few people on this planet who have never read a Maeve Binchy book, start with Maeve’s Times. Then you’ll truly understand how the outstanding reporter formed the iconic novelist.” —Pauline Finch, Bookreporter.com

“Maeve’s fresh voice and spirit are captured in these pieces [with] wonderfully clear, caring and humorous prose.” —Michael D. Langan, Buffalo News

“Binchy’s trademark warmth, humor, and humanity characterize this volume. . . Wit, sarcasm, and big-heartedness emerge as hallmarks of [her] ‘direct and uncluttered style.’ . . . While the collection makes an enjoyable read on the merit of humor alone, editor Ingle’s selections capture Binchy’s journalistic apprenticeship, record an intelligent woman’s perspective on a changing world, and offer entertaining glimpses of a biography that Binchy fans will adore.” —Publishers Weekly

“Spanning five decades, this collection of Binchy’s trademark columns celebrates her unabashed delight in the human condition, yes; but it also uncovers a much sharper wit and a more trenchant observer with a more cynical attitude than she ever divulged in her fiction. For the legions of fans who mourned her passing, this revelatory collection of essays brings a little of their cherished Maeve back, and then some.” —Carol Haggas, Booklist

“Delightful. . . This warm, down-to-earth collection…works wonderfully. Fans of the author’s novels will enjoy learning more about her early life and about an earlier Ireland.” —Henrietta Verma, Library Journal

“This selection of her work represents Binchy's eclectic interests, infectious sense of humor and wry take on social change. . . . A blithe, entertaining collection that will surely delight [her] many fans.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Maeve's Times is funny and clever and kind, which are excellent qualities in both books and people. . . what this wonderful collection of her work for this paper makes abundantly clear is that she was a superb journalist.” —Anna Carey, The Irish Times

“Brimming with Binchy's intelligence, incisive wit, straightforwardness and incomparable charm.” —Pam Norfolk, Burnley Express

“Like the best journalism, Maeve's newspaper pieces stand the test of time.” —John Spain, Irish Independent

A glimpse into an interesting life

Loved listening to Maeve's stories. Felt like having coffee with an old friend. Left me wanting more.

Getting to know Maive

Thanks for the opportunity to get to know Mauve . I throughly enjoyed the narration from her cousin. It felt like listening to Mauve herself. I loved her books and now I feel I have insight to her lovely and talented self.

A glimpse into the writer's memory.....

How wonderful it would be if all of our favorite authors took the time to share with us their favorite memories of their careers. It was delightful to listen to this trip back through the archives of MB's career highs and lows and points in between.

A GLIMPSE THROUGH MAEVE'S LOOKING GLASS

Would you listen to Maeve's Times again? Why?

Definitely! Each chapter is a perfectly balanced vignette....a rich embroidery of witty, self-effacing comments about the subject matter.

What did you like best about this story?

Maeve's ability to see the real side of characters and situations without being judgmental.

Which scene was your favorite?

No particular one......They're all delightful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no. I wanted to savor the book like a bottle of fine wine, one glass at a time......So, I spaced the enjoyment of listening to it, one chapter every night during my 'me' time after the family had gone to bed.

Any additional comments?

Maeve is one writer whose works I will probably reread. This is something I seldom do, but in her case must. She lends a warm, down-to-earth sanity to life's every day situations which I find comforting.

Fans of Maeve Rejoice

If you’re a Maeve Binchy fan, you’ll love hearing these assorted stories from her lifelong writings.