Firefly Summer

By: Maeve Binchy

Narrated by: Kate Binchy

"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

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)

Outstanding

Would you consider the audio edition of Firefly Summer to be better than the print version?

Had not read print version

What other book might you compare Firefly Summer to and why?

Any Maeve story or Cathy Kelly or Erica James

Which character – as performed by Kate Binchy – was your favorite?

Eddy such a loveable character

Who was the most memorable character of Firefly Summer and why?

So many to choose from. They were all very intricate and each character had a great story to tell.

Any additional comments?

Loved the long story and feel very sad I've finished. I shall miss the whole of The Irish country town.

Kate Binchy Is A Natural

Firefly Summer is one of those books that just takes me away. I am a huge Maeve Binchy Fan because I always feel like I am one of the gang. Kate Binchy's narration is nothing short of wonderful. I felt like closing my eyes and riding the wave.

Okay but not memorable

A good solid 'read' with well developed characters that transported me into a time of enormous change around the world. I did look forward to turning it on, but then when it was all done, I didn't regret that there was no more.

Loved it when I read it, enjoyed it again now.

Loved it when I read it, enjoyed it again listening to here. Worth a go.

Love the book, HATE the American accents

I’ve listened to several of Maeve Binchy’s books and love Kate Binchy’s narration, but her American accents in this book are painful to listen to. Especially Rachel Fine, the refined Brooklyn Jewish designer who instead is given the voice and accent of central Missouri trailer trash. She’s done passable American accents in other books, so I’m not sure what happened here.

Inviting

Maeve Binchy pulled me right in from the opening paragraph. I couldn't help but feel that the characters were my own neighbours and friends. It was a delightful story and one which I would highly recommend.

Not up to her standards

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story wasn't exciting and there were too many characters

Would you be willing to try another book from Maeve Binchy? Why or why not?

I have listened to most of her books, but this one was disappointing.

What about Kate Binchy’s performance did you like?

She does a good job in changing her voice for the various characters.

Do you think Firefly Summer needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No please.

Annoying

I found the narrator's voice very annoying. Especially when she talks in the childs voice. I actually turned the story off as I couldn't understand half of what she was saying. Personally I felt this download was a waste of money and I should read the book instead.

very poor quality audio--read far to fast

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator spoke far too quickly, mumbled, used irritating voices especially for the children. I couldn't listen at all.