Book Review, Heart And Soul By Maeve Binchy. . Whoever has read Maeve Binchy books will know that alot of her books centre around an eating place, called, Quentins. This book is no different. I'm only going to touch very briefly on characters within this book, due to Maeve Binchys style, she has alot of characters in her books, so much so, that it's amazing how she managed to keep a track on which characters were doing what, she must have had a good memory, that, or, very well organised in her writing. . A good part of this book is about developing a new heart clinic on a new developmental building site. Frank Ennis the brains behind the operation of it all, employs Dr Clara Casey, as a Senior Consultant. Dr Clara Casey has a whole lot of complicated issues of her own, one of which is, Alan, her so called ex. We also meet, Declan, who is added to the team at the hospital as a GP, who rides to work on his bicycle. Then we have Fiona, a cardiology nurse. Declan has eyes for Fiona and plucked enough courage to take Fiona on a date at Quentins, serious as their friendship goes, as time goes by, Declan introduces Fiona to his side of the family. These two go on some very interesting adventures, some, of which, are to do with the hospital, some just plain, personal, one which ends Declan in hospital..... However they do tie the knot, with a beautiful opal ring as an engagement ring, but then a catastrophe happens and Ania (the Polish girl) is thinking, for “heavens sake” (p472). We have the two twins, now bless their souls, a familiarity from other books, their flippant nature and saying the wrong things … A laugh and a half!!!! Then of course there is Father Brian Flynn, who has to guard himself against a stalker, one of his church “ladies” , who has become slightly mad and thinks she is married to him. . I adore Maeve Binchys style of writing, it is … Light, easy reading, hilarious in places due to the authors Irish humour which does shine through like a ray of sunshine in this book. The only criticism I have, is her chapters are so damn long!!!! Some are like, over 22 pages, ok, they do have breaks in the chapters, but there is nothing worse than not being able to read a whole chapter without getting up and doing stuff!!! . I whole heartily recommend this book to anyone who likes a good old light hearted read, who likes the Irish humour and who likes a continuation of a theme running through a book collection.
