The shrine to St. Ann in the Whitethorn Woods is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. When the county threatens to pave over the site, all sorts of problems arise.
In this 14th novel from Irish storyteller, Maeve Binchy, the small Irish town of Rossmore becomes outraged when there is talk of dismantling the local shrine to St. Ann in order to put in a highway. The shrine, which honors Ann, the mother of the Virgin Mary, is believed to help women who seek husbands, babies, and help with their domestic life. So popular is the site, that people come from all over Ireland, England, and aboard to present their case to St. Ann.
Father Flynn
Father Flynn, the young red-haired parish priest is the conduit that ties this collection of interwoven stories together. In true Binchy style, the novel is filled with likeable and empathetic characters. We meet Father Flynn's sister, Judy, an unmarried children's book illustrator who is visiting from London. She has come to appeal to St. Ann for a husband before it's too late.
We also are introduced to Eddie Flynn, the priest's brother and Eddie's ex-wife, Kitty. Eddie has left Kitty for the nineteen-year-old Naomi and caused a myriad of problems. There's also Neddy Nolan, a good-hearted, but slow-witted soul who just might have the answer to all of the town's problems and O'Neill, the successful American businessman who has come to Ireland to find his roots (and find love?)
Throughout the novel, Father Flynn struggles to stay impartial in the controversy surrounding the shrine. He knows that her personal views that the shrine is a nuisance and vaguely sacrilegious are unpopular and he doesn't want to alienate his declining group of loyal parishioners. Still the situation disturbs him. Is there a solution that will satisfy all parties?
Like a Cup of Chamomile
Maeve Binchy's magic is in her thoroughly likeable and believable characters -- all two dozen or so of them -- and her underlying theme of hope. Not all of the stories have happy endings, but they always have -- or regain -- hope. Like a satisfying cup of Chamomile tea, Binchy's books are cozy and comforting.
About Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy is a contemporary Irish writer, the author of 14 novels, most of which are set in Ireland. Her work includes the 1990 novel, Circle of Friends, which was made into a movie with Chris O'Donnell and Minnie Driver. Ms. Binchy is married to fellow writer, Gordon Snell. They divide their time between their homes in London and Ireland.
