Minding Frankie

By: Maeve Binchy

Narrated by: Sile Bermingham

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Maeve Binchy is back with a tale of joy, heartbreak and hope, about a motherless girl collectively raised by a close-knit Dublin community.

When Noel learns that his terminally ill former flame is pregnant with his child, he agrees to take guardianship of the baby girl once she's born. But as a single father battling demons of his own, Noel can't do it alone.

Fortunately, he has a competent, caring network of friends, family and neighbors: Lisa, his unlucky-in-love classmate, who moves in with him to help him care for little Frankie around the clock; his American cousin, Emily, always there with a pep talk; the newly retired Dr. Hat, with more time on his hands than he knows what to do with; Dr. Declan and Fiona and their baby son, Frankie's first friend; and many eager babysitters, including old friends Signora and Aidan and Frankie's doting grandparents, Josie and Charles.

But not everyone is pleased with the unconventional arrangement, especially a nosy social worker, Moira, who is convinced that Frankie would be better off in a foster home. Now it's up to Noel to persuade her that everyone in town has something special to offer when it comes to minding Frankie.

©2011 Maeve Binchy (P)2011 Random House

Critic reviews

“Binchy is a national treasure in her homeland of Ireland, and her latest novel is a perfect illustration of why.…Your heart will have no trouble recognizing the landscape [of this] touching saga.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Reading a Maeve Binchy novel is like settling in for a cozy visit with an old friend. In vintage Binchy style, a cast of colorfully eccentric characters living in a snug Dublin neighborhood seamlessly weave in and out of each other’s lives, united by family, faith, friendship and community....Readers will need a box of tissues handy as the good-hearted residents of St. Jarlath’s Crescent prove that it does indeed take a ‘village to raise a child.’” (Margaret Flanagan, Booklist)

Heartwarming!

The writing is so artfully done and the reader is fabulous. She brings you into the story! I love this!

LIke going home to a small town

The story wanders a little, but it is another entertaining story from Ms. Binchy. She is a wonderful storyteller!

Minding Frankie

Loved it. Great story of a family who rediscovers itself. Try it. Irish voices add to the story.

Beautiful story

I really enjoyed this book and how it picked up from Scarlett Feather. The narrator was wonderful and brought each character to life.

Big Fan

I love the books by Maeve Binchy and look forward to her new selections. I liked the way the characters in this story all were able to act in the best interest of each other. It was uplifting to read and is a goal we can all apply to our relationships in life. The importance of support of community and the trust of others is a central theme that makes "listening" an enjoyable experience.

Another great one

Great book. Could not stop reading. I love Maeve BBinchy book. Easy to lose your troubles in.

Loved

Not as riviting as most of Mauve Binchy novels but a good read. Always love the Dublin settings.

Minding Frankie

In this crazy world, these books are a joy to read, she always touches heart!

Reread after 10 years

I reread this after 10 years because I visited Ireland. Still not disappointed!! Maeve Binchy can take make a treasure out of ordinary existence! Just a lovely group of characters!

A Beautiful Story

At the beginning I was restless, waiting for the author to get to the meat of the story. She goes to great lengths to describe the backgrounds of each character. But then I decided to relax and let the book unfold as it was written...then, I began to love it. When I wasn't listening, I would feel like I was missing something like my keys, glasses, something important...but no, I was missing my friends from Chestnut Court and Dublin, Ireland. This to me is the sign of a great book. It had pulled me so far into the lives of these characters, I did not see myself as separate from them.

The narrator is excellent. The Irish accent makes things that much better.
If you love stories about tragedies bringing people together, mixed with humor and small town charm, where everyone seems to know eachother....this book is for you!