It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Circle Of Friends

Circle Of Friends

From the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle

Summary

An enchanting novel of fierce loyalty and love in changing times, from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle.

'Full of warmth and pure delight' Woman & Home
'Binchy's novels are never less than entertaining' Sunday Times
'What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy?' HELLO! Magazine
____________

Trouble is brewing for this circle of friends.

Generous-hearted Benny Hogan and the elfin Eve Malone have been best friends for years, growing up in sleepy Knockglen. Their one thought is to get to Dublin, to university and to freedom...

On their first day at University College, the inseparable pair are thrown together with fellow students: beautiful but selfish Nan Mahon and the handsome Jack Foley.

But trouble is brewing for Benny and Eve's new circle of friends and, before long, they find passion, tragedy - and the independence they yearned for.
____________

'I absolutely adore Circle of Friends - my 'fave Maeve' - and I have returned to read it time and time again' Lorraine Kelly

'If any author can help you survive lockdown, it's Binchy... Sheer bliss from every page' Irish Daily Mail

'I find myself yearning for the rain-soaked watercolour writing of Maeve Binchy [...] Circle of Friends is a good place to start' Guardian Best Comfort Reads

'A beloved classic [...] This nostalgic, coming-of-age tale is always worth another read' Image Reads, 5 Brilliant Novels to Devour Again
____________

Readers love Circle of Friends ...

***** 'I loved this book!! It's so well written and the character development is amazing.'
***** 'This book is the ultimate comfort read for me. A heart-warming, emotionally gratifying & rewarding experience.'
***** 'Highly recommended to all who like character driven books, books with a strong sense of place with a heart warming and uplifting vibe.'
***** 'Still one of my favourite books. Best written book ever.'
***** 'Never before an author managed to keep me awake all night and hours beyond sun rise to finish their novel.'

Reviews

  • It's an absolute classic and belongs in the annals of Irish literature with all the greats.
    VIP Magazine

About the author

Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy was born in Dublin, and went to school at the Holy Child Convent in Killiney. She took a history degree at UCD and taught in various girls' schools, writing travel articles in the long summer holidays. In 1969 she joined the Irish Times and for many years she was based in London writing humorous columns from all over the world. She is the author of five collections of short stories as well as twelve novels including Circle of Friends, The Copper Beech, Tara Road, Evening Class and The Glass Lake. Maeve Binchy died on 30 July 2012. She is survived by her husband, the writer Gordon Snell.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more