Circle of Friends
An enchanting novel of fierce loyalty and love in changing times.
Big, soft-featured Benny, an adored only daughter, and Eve, the little bird-like orphan brought up by the nuns, are best friends in the small Irish town of Knockglen. On their first day at University College, Dublin, an accident brings the pair together with fellow students Nan Malone and Jack Foley, and new friendships are quickly struck. But beneath their carefree student existence, trouble is brewing for the circle of friends.
Benny, the good-natured clown of the group, always seems to draw the short straw in life, while Nan, selfish and very attractive, takes what she wants without expecting to pay for it. And Eve, intensely loyal to Benny, and resentful of Nan’s careless optimism, becomes obsessed with the need to avenge Benny’s disappointments.
Reviews of Circle of Friends
“Full of warmth and pure delight.” — Woman & Home
“As gripping as a blockbuster, but infinitely gentler and wiser.” — Cosmopolitan
“[An] irresistible invitation to share the lives of people who believe in enduring values.” — Detroit Free Press
Published in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand by Orion. Published in the USA by Knopf.
MORE ABOUT CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
- Circle of Friends
Stage AdaptationAn enchanting tale of first love, fierce loyalty and friendship set in 1950s Ireland. Elaine Murphy’s wonderful adaptation perfectly captures the warmth of Maeve’s trademark compassion and humour.
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Maeve Binchy’s novels and short stories have been adapted for film. TV and radio, including Echoes, The Lilac Bus, Tara Road and Circle of Friends.
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