In 'Light a Penny Candle,' Maeve Binchy weaves a touching tale of friendship and love that spans decades. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Ireland, two girls, Elizabeth and Aisling, form an unbreakable bond despite their contrasting backgrounds. As they navigate life's trials—from family secrets to heart-wrenching loss—they discover the transformative power of compassion and resilience. The novel beautifully explores how the choices we make define our paths and relationships. Will their friendship withstand the test of time, or will life's circumstances tear them apart?
By Maeve Binchy
Published: 2003
"Friendship is the heart's home, where we find shelter from life's storms."
Beloved author Maeve Binchy's first published novel, an engrossing coming of age tale about the incredible bond of friendship. To escape the chaos of London during World War II, young Elizabeth White is sent to live a safer life in the small Irish town of Kilgarret. It is there, in the crowded, chaotic O’Connor household, that she meet Aisling—a girl who soon becomes her very best friend, sharing her pet kitten and secretly teaching her the intricacies of Catholicism. Aisling’s boldness brings Elizabeth out of her proper shell; later, her support carries Elizabeth through the painful end of her parents’ chilly marriage. In return, Elizabeth’s friendship helps Aisling endure her own unsatisfying marriage to a raging alcoholic. Through the years, they come to believe they can overcome any conflict, conquer any hardship—as long as they have each other. Now they’re about to find out if they're right... “A sumptuous saga.”—Harper’s “Wonderful…a novel that could be mistaken for life.”—New York Daily News
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“Friendship is the heart's home, where we find shelter from life's storms.”
Light a Penny Candle
By Maeve Binchy
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Maeve Binchy (1940-2012) was an acclaimed Irish author known for her engaging storytelling and deeply drawn characters. Her notable works include bestsellers such as 'Circle of Friends', 'Tara Road', and 'Quentins', which often explore themes of friendship, love, and the intricacies of human relationships set against the backdrop of contemporary Irish life. Binchy's writing style is characterized by her warm, empathetic tone and her ability to weave humor with poignant observations, making her stories relatable and enduring.
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