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Firefly Summer

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Firefly Summer

By: Maeve Binchy
Narrated by: Kate Binchy
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About this listen

 "Firefly Summer is warm, humorous, sad and happy. Reading it is a joy" ( Irish Independent )

In the summer of 1962, an American millionaire arrives in a small, sleepy Irish town with far-reaching consequences.

For the children of the Ryan family, the long hot summers are usually spent playing in the ruins of a large, abandoned house. But when the American, Patrick O'Neill, buys the ruins, dreams are made and broken and secrets which should never be revealed are betrayed.

Firefly Summer tells interlocking stories of love lost and won during four fateful years in the life of a close-knit Irish community.

©1987 Maeve Binchy (P)2010 Audible Ltd Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Summer Ireland Witty

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Critic reviews

"Totally engrossing....Unforgettable....An absolutely grand story....A lyrical and compelling family drama....Mountfern and its residents come vibrantly alive." ( The Plain Dealer)
"The secrets hidden behind lace curtains, a young girl's first kiss, children's summer games, unexpected pregnancies, sudden deaths. She makes us feel as if we also know the place and the people....One of those good, old-fashioned stories that are as comfortable and comforting as home itself." ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)
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I’ve read many of Maeve Binchys books, this is the first one I’ve listened to…. It really comes alive and such an amazing story …. A wonderful picture of a community in 1960s Ireland

Wonderful

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I loved listening to this audio book, it was well read with lots of feeling.

A great listen

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how people's lives twist and mix together enjoyed all of it thanks audible for recommending it.

always a winner

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Great story!
Loved listening to the narrator. Could listen to Kate Binchy all day and all night!

Great story! Narrator, loved her!

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I read this book many years ago and I like Maeve Binchy’s way of telling a story. The characters are all of interest and she develops the story and the plot well, so it weaves around you and steals into your every fibre.
However, by the time I’d listened to the first 10 chapters I was getting really sick of the narrator’s Irish accent. No offence intended as I love an Irish accent but it was too, too much. I started thinking in an Irish accent. The whole thought of the next 15hrs and 46minutes is too overwhelming. I’ll need to return to Firefly Summer another day.

Great story but…

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As always, great characters and very good narration. Unfortunately the end is so abrupt that you wonder if the book was cut short. There are some small parts that are repeated throughout the book, and need editing.

Lovely story

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This is my first Maeve Binchy but certainlyI not my last!
The narrative is simply wonderful, beautifully read and expressed.
I laughed and cried and had that feeling that I wish it could have gone on forever.
I highly recommend...just lovely.

wow.

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Would you listen to Firefly Summer again? Why?

Yes I would. It was charming, interesting how the characters were revealed and I thoroughly enjoyed the narration.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Those scenes in the Ryan household.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely

Any additional comments?

It was just a real treat and nostalgic for past times.

Loved it

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Not read a Maeve Binchy novel for years but thought I’d give this audiobook a go. Really enjoyed the story - a lot of characters to get used to and remember but once I did the story really came together. I thought the narrator did an excellent job and i will certainly read another one by them both.

Great story with very good narration

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Typically great range of characters and story twists. Engaging and almost undatable. Cosy and familiar. Just what you want from her books.

One of my Binchy favourites

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