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Tara Road

By: Maeve Binchy
Narrated by: Katherine Borowitz
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Publisher's summary

Ria lived on Tara Road in Dublin with her dashing husband, Danny, and their two children. She fully believed she was happily married, right up until the day Danny told her he was leaving her to be with his young, pregnant girlfriend. By a chance phone call, Ria meets Marilyn, a woman from New England unable to come to terms with her only son's death and now separated from her husband. The two women exchange houses for the summer with extraordinary consequences, each learning that the other has a deep secret that can never be revealed.

Drawn into lifestyles vastly differing from their own, at first each resents the news of how well the other is getting on. Ria seems to have become quite a hostess, entertaining half the neighborhood, which at first irritates the reserved and withdrawn Marilyn, a woman who has always guarded her privacy. Marilyn seems to have become bosom friends with Ria's children, as well as with Colm, a handsome restaurateur, whom Ria has begun to miss terribly. At the end of the summer, the women at last meet face-to-face. Having learned a great deal, about themselves and about each other, they find that they have become, firmly and forever, good friends.

A moving story rendered with the deft touch of a master artisan, Tara Road is Maeve Binchy at her very best - utterly beautiful, hauntingly unforgettable, entirely original, and wholly enjoyable.

©1999 Maeve Binchy (P)1999 Random House, Inc., Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Her best work yet... Tara Road is like a total immersion in a colorful new world, where the last page comes too soon.” (Seattle Times)

“An irresistible tale.” (Elle)

“Engrossing.” (Wall Street Journal)

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What listeners say about Tara Road

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intriging

I kept coming back to it. entertaining & relaxing. listened while at the gym & didn't find it distracting at all. the performance was clear and well done. great story.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb!

What made the experience of listening to Tara Road the most enjoyable?

The narrator. I had read Tara Road many years ago, but listening to Katherine Borowitz tell the story brought the characters to life even more. I do wish that she had been engaged to read more of Ms. Binchy's books.

Any additional comments?

I wanted it to go on and on....

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Tara Road unabridged

Love Love Love this book. You feel for each of the characters, it was often I would find myself crying or saying no, no, no he doesn't mean that. I so agree with Beth and Frances other reviewers. Enjoy the book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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20 years later… still love

My whole family read This book back when it came out & we all loved it. The book
& story have always stayed with me. Then 20+ years later I wanted some nice & comforting to read & it Held up. Now I’m 40 & a mother & wife. I think I see some things different or have a different perspective sitting where I am now. So it was a perfect re-read!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Tara Road

Love the Author, Love the Book. Others have complained in their reviews of the poor quality of this one but I did not find that at all. I do much prefer Kate Binchy's narrations but Katherine Bowowitz does a fine job.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Tara Road

Great story that one could easily relate to. I would recommend it highly.
excellent read

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved It

Engaging and a real "trip" through Dublin. Maeve is a master storyteller. Well worth your time!

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful!

One of the most beautiful books I've ever "read". Totally human and real, the author makes us see the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the human condition. The Narator has a beautiful voice and she was very easy to listen to. A wonderful way to spend quiet time. Get this book!

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What Makes a Home ?

Where does Tara Road rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would put Tara Road in the top 10.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tara Road?

When Ria can see herself living a good life without Danny.

Have you listened to any of Katherine Borowitz’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to her performance on another of Maeve Binchy's books, and really fell in love with her voice. Her Irish lilt is spot on and she subtly gives each character their own voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Whose life are you living?

Any additional comments?

Maeve Binchy's Dublin is a place I could visit over and over again.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Writer!

I download books to listen to while I walk on the treamill every morning... this book took me away to another country every day and I found myself thinking in an irish accent during the day!!

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