everybody has always loved eating in Ireland
and the family always gathered around the table
which was also where all the stories were told.
~Maeve Binchy
)I love a good book.
The true litmus test of a great book are the characters. Some authors introduce too many background characters who could be cut out and not missed. When a writer builds characters as three dimensional people I relate to them and miss them when I've finished reading.
The storyline is key but it's the characters who bring the book to life.
The characters have to be relatable. I need to know them.
As in life, I want to understand their strengths, vulnerabilities and personalities. I need to know their core beliefs, their fears and insecurities, and even their style of fashion and general interests. For some reason, that's all important to me.
Maeve Binchy, an author, exemplifies character building with her writing. Her stories are set in Ireland — small rural communities with occasional visits to larger cities. She intertwines many characters from her other novels into her stories. She invites you in the character's lives. You get to know them intimately. They are your neighbours, grocer, doctor, hardware store owner, or local restauranteur. Many of her characters recur in her other books. Fortunately, you don't need to read them in any order.
Her stories are definitely not quick paced —they are rather sleepy, calm, and observational tales.
I often thought of Maeve's stories as something I would hear over a cup of tea, listening to her talk about her life.
After her death in 2012, she was regarded as a serious writer in the class of James Joyce or Oscar Wilde. I was seriously saddened to hear of her death. She was the friend who brought me into her world with stories of family, friends, neighbourhoods, and life. Although I have enjoyed reading most of her books over the years, The Glass Lake, Quentins, Tara Road were some of my favorites.
Maeve definitely met my litmus test for character development and story telling. I miss the characters and think of them often and fondly.
If you are interested in synopsis of her books, Goodreads provides a good list and summary of most of her books.
I have never read any of her books but you talking about great characters and character development got me checking out goodreads. Characters are what make the story. When you get to know them and understand the decisions they are making, you feel for them, may it be awe, sympathy, remorse, or a simple friendship/bond. I know that feeling when you close a book and all you really want to do is cotinue the journey with the character.
Good observations. Thanks for reading my post and I hope you find a good story from one of her books if they interested you.
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The art of creating fully rounded characters is truly what makes a novel great. Think of the classics - Tess, Gatsby, Henchard in the Mayor of Casterbridge - all fully developed characters who are fully fleshed out like real people.
Yes, true and like Darcy and Jane in Pride and Prejudice. My Favorite classic.
I'll read it ...having a hard time with Austen :)