Maeve Binchy, bestselling Irish writer, dies aged 72

[corksean]

Source: Guardian (UK)

Maeve Binchy, one of Ireland's best-loved writers, has died after a short illness, aged 72.

The books of Binchy, a former journalist, sold 40 million copies and were translated into 30 languages. Her novels included Circle of Friends, which was adapted into a 1995 film starring Chris O'Donnell and Minnie Driver.

Her novels and short stories focused on the details of Irish life and the friction between tradition and modernity.

She spoke last month at the Dalkey Book Festival in the suburb of Dublin, where she lived with her husband, Gordon Snell. She read from her most recent short story, which she told the audience would probably be her last.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jul/31/maeve-binchy-irish-writer-dies

[Rhiannon12866]

1. No!

She was my mother's favorite author and I loved her books, too. We have an Irish friend who turned my mother on to her books, since she was our friend's teacher and they remained close. I believe she was wheelchair bound. Her stories were about the WWII generation, growing up in Ireland, memorable characters and a real feel for the times and the place. She'll certainly be missed. Godspeed, Ms. Binchy...

[patricia92243]

2. So sad. One of my favorite authors. n/t

[JustAnotherGen]

3. One of my favorites

And Circle of Friends could have been written about a group of female friends anywhere in the 20th century. I related to it as college student in the early 1990's in the US. Much better ending in the book than in the movie.

[proReality]

4. Her books were somehow calming

I'm going to miss her work.

[AngryAmish]

5. I loved "Angela's Ashes"

[obamanut2012]

6. That was a memoir written by Irish-American Frank McCourt

[AngryAmish]

7. I meant the film based on her book "The Field"

[nolabear]

8. Oh how very sad. She was a warm, wonderful author. Godspeed, Maeve.