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The Copper Beech
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
30 posts | 23 read | 3 to read
In the Irish town of Schancarrig, the young people carve their initials--and those of their loves-into the copper beech tree in front of the schoolhouse. But not even Father Gunn, the parish priest, who knows most of what goes on behind Shancarrig's closed doors, or Dr. Jims, the village doctor, who knows all the rest, realizes that not everything in the placid village is what it seems. From the Hardcover edition.
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EadieB
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Another great Binchy read. Takes place in Schancarrig, a small Irish town. Binchy‘s characters are unique and well-developed. Lots of secrets are revealed. Themes are family, friendship and relationships. At the end of Maeve‘s books, you always want more about her characters but she just lets you write your own endings! Looking forward to the next book from our beloved Binchy. If you haven‘t read any of her books, you need to read them now!

Scochrane26 Scarlet feather & quentins have always been my favorites of her books. I still need to read a few more. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Nessa and Richard Chapters.

Question 5 of 5

EadieB As I just mentioned, I do feel like Richard is selfish. I think he met his match with Gloria and finally saw that the way he treated his girlfriends was very hurtful. I think Gloria was just a type of person who needed a lot of attention and was not getting all she needed from her husband. She said she loved her husband but I don't think she realizes how hurt he would be if he found out about her affair with Richard. 5y
rubyslippersreads I think he started out as very selfish (he reminded me a lot of Kerry in Firefly Summer), but the affair with Gloria changed him. Even though he still wanted her to run away with him, he also felt guilty about her family, and even realized how shabbily he had treated Judy. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Nessa and Richard Chapters.

Question 4 of 5

EadieB It wasn't right for Judy to lie to Richard about being pregnant but she did find out how he felt about her and that he was not one to accept responsibility if she really did get pregnant. It also showed that Richard was a selfish person and he lost his job because of this. I could only hope that he was taught a good lesson. 5y
Tove_Reads Is this the Richard all the Richards got their nickname from? 🤣🤫 5y
rubyslippersreads It served him right, especially after the way he treated Olive. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Nessa and Richard Chapters.

Question 3 of 5

Tove_Reads She seems to write about strong or mousy women a lot. Some are strong and independent, others gray and controlled by another person. 5y
EadieB Yes I do see a pattern of strong females in Maeve Binchy's books. This book had a theme of men walking out on their relationships. 5y
rubyslippersreads I see the pattern of strong women as well, often paired with weak men who seem to need that. 5y
7 likes3 comments
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Nessa and Richard Chapters.

Question 2 of 5

EadieB Nessa's father was the laid back person in the relationship with his wife. He knew not to get in her way and that she always would be in charge or their relationship would not work. 5y
rubyslippersreads I think Nessa and Niall will end up with a very similar marriage and be happy with it. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Nessa and Richard Chapters.

Question 1 of 5

EadieB The fact that Nessa and her mom were so much alike was the root of their difficult relationship. Neither was to blame. They just need to learn how to better communicate without making judgements upon each other. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

I will shortly post the discussion questions for the Nessa and Richard Chapters.

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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Dr Jims and Nora Kelly Chapters

Question 4 of 4

rubyslippersreads I thought he made the best choice for everyone concerned, and I was glad to see such a happy ending. 5y
EadieB I thought it was a good choice too for everyone. He is now able to start a new family and Maria is happy in Ireland. 5y
cobwebmoth I was glad that he didn't try to rip her away from the place and people that had become her home. 5y
Andrew65 Good that he didn‘t try to rip her away from what she knew, but still felt like he was making a decision that was right for him (not really considering what was right or wrong for her). Felt a very selfish move, as if he didn‘t want the complications she could provide! But then felt he made a selfish decision when his wife died! @cobwebmoth @EadieB @rubyslippersreads 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Dr Jims and Nora Kelly Chapters

Question 3 of 4

rubyslippersreads I thought he was coming to take Maria back to America, but I‘m not sure their attempt to buy him off was a good idea. 5y
EadieB I thought they needed to prepare themselves and Nora for Marie‘s father to take her back to America. 5y
cobwebmoth I wasn't sure there was anything they could do, but I was worried that he would try to take Maria back. 5y
Andrew65 I never felt like he was going to take her back, never shown any interest in her. Amazed he didn‘t come after his wife‘s death! There was very little they could do if he did want to take her back ... it was his daughter after all. Not sure how wise their strategy was. @EadieB @rubyslippersreads @cobwebmoth 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Dr Jims and Nora Kelly Chapters

Question 2 of 4

rubyslippersreads Yes, although the baby would have had a more loving upbringing with the Kellys. But I think it would have caused too much talk in such a small town. 5y
EadieB He made the right decision to keep the child but should have been more involved in caring for him than he was. 5y
cobwebmoth Yes, but I wish he had tried to be more involved in his son's life. 5y
Andrew65 He did make the right decision because if he rejected him it could have done more lasting damage to his son. However he needed to be more emotionally invested in him. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Dr Jims and Nora Kelly Chapters

Question 1 of 4

rubyslippersreads I found it very sad (and not at all what his wife would have wanted). 5y
EadieB I think a father/son relationship is one of give and take both ways. You can‘t expect someone to feel comfortable with you when you have never given of yourself to them. Dr. Jims should have had more time for his son from the beginning and then his son would have shared more with him. (edited) 5y
cobwebmoth Agreed. Such a sad situation all around. 5y
Andrew65 Agree with all of you not what his wife would have hoped for or wanted in the circumstances. He needed to work at the relationship and give him more time than he did. He said he never blamed his son for the death but it kind of felt like he did. @cobwebmoth @EadieB @rubyslippersreads 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Will shortly post the questions for the discussion of the Dr Jim‘s and Nora Kelly Chapters. Apologies these are late, been a busy few days! Will catch up over next couple of days.
#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Maura and Eddie Chapters

Question 5 of 5

EadieB I think Chris and Eddie could have a good future. Chris held back information that she had one leg shorter than the other but I thought that Eddie was very kind to her about her leg so I think even though they weren‘t honest in the beginning they showed that they were willing to forgive and forget all that had transpired. 5y
cobwebmoth I think that they can be happy together. Chris seems to be a good match for Eddie. 5y
Tove_Reads I guess they are both quirky in a way that they match each other. They are so young that it‘s impossible to know how they will grow - together or apart. 5y
rubyslippersreads I think Chris is one of those “take charge” women featured in most of Binchy‘s books. She and Eddie are a good match, and Eddie‘s mother is happy too. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Maura and Eddie Chapters

Question 4 of 5

EadieB Eddie seemed a bit of a dreamer. He daydreamed of his father writing him letters and even wrote letters to his father but never mailed them. He had a pen pal in Scotland and led her to believe that he was a girl. In the end, she told him that she knew he was a boy all along. They soon fell in love and ended up engaged. 5y
cobwebmoth I like Eddie. He's definitely a dreamer, but he seems to have a good heart. 5y
Tove_Reads He‘s sweet, but somehow he seems a bit younger than his actual age. He seems to be a bit more innocent than kids his age. 5y
rubyslippersreads Like @cobwebmoth I also like Eddie, and I loved the happy ending his story got. (edited) 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Maura and Eddie Chapters

Question 3 of 5

EadieB I think Gloria and her husband lied about the jewels being stolen in order to collect the insurance money to pay their debts. Maura should have given the jewels to the police as soon as she found them. Maura‘s plan to sell the jewels could have gotten her arrested and was a very bad idea as everyone is wondering where Maura got the money to buy the cottage. 5y
cobwebmoth I agree. I think the whole situation with the jewels seemed very risky. 5y
rubyslippersreads I was surprised that Maura handled this the way she did. Although it may have been unethical, I kind of have to admire her for finding a way to get the house she always wanted. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Maura and Eddie Chapters

Question 2 of 5

EadieB I think it was awful the way Gerry treated Maura. He totally took advantage of her from the very beginning. As soon as he found out there was a problem with the baby, he left for England never to return. Maura should never have gotten involved with Gerry in the first place. 5y
cobwebmoth I thought that Gerry's reaction to the news about the baby was drastic and very sad. I think Maura's life is pretty full with her son in it. 5y
Andrew65 Another bad example of manhood in these books. Totally used Maura and should be ashamed of his actions. 5y
rubyslippersreads Gerry was weak; the only “good” thing he did was to marry Maura (her life as an unwed mother would have been even more difficult in that day and age than as an abandoned wife). 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Maura and Eddie Chapters

Question 1 of 5

EadieB If Maura was slow in her school work and wanted to be a cleaner or maid then I think Father Gunn should have encouraged her in her decision. 5y
cobwebmoth I think it's fine as long as she's content with her decision. 5y
Andrew65 Society wouldn‘t get by if we didn‘t have people in all the different to.es. If she enjoyed it he should be left to her own dreams. 5y
rubyslippersreads I think Maura knows herself very well. 5y
6 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Will shortly post the discussion questions for the Maura and Eddie Chapters in the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead of #TheCopperBeech. Will put them under a spoiler alert so as not to spoil anyone‘s reading.

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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Shancarrig School and Maddy Chapters.

Question 5 of 5

EadieB I don‘t think Father Barry should have explicitly sought out Maddy in order to tell her he was getting married and leaving the priesthood as I feel that was very hurtful to Maddy especially since Father Barry knew her feelings for him. (edited) 5y
cobwebmoth Yes! How could he be so oblivious as to think that she wouldn't be hurt by his decision?! 5y
Andrew65 This was plain cruel and totally selfish. How could he do this when she had previously declared her loved for him and he said he loved her. Words fail me about his actions! 😡 @cobwebmoth @EadieB Felt so sorry for Maddie, she deserved to be treated better. (edited) 5y
rubyslippersreads I never liked Father Barry, but this behavior really makes me think he‘s a selfish rat. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Shancarrig School and Maddy Chapters.

Question 4 of 5

EadieB I think Father Barry is a bit weak in his actions with Maddy and if he is completely serious about the priesthood then he needs to stay away from Maddy. 5y
cobwebmoth Badly. I found his attitude rather selfish. 5y
Andrew65 Very badly! Eventually did the right thing bit not before he had taken things too far! A very weak man by the look of it. Agree @cobwebmoth very selfish! @EadieB 5y
rubyslippersreads Agree with all three of you. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Shancarrig School and Maddy Chapters.

Question 3 of 5

EadieB I think Maddy and Father Barry became infatuated with each other. I think Father Barry gave Maddy mixed signals and she became confused and asked him to leave the priesthood. I think Father Barry did the right thing by telling Maddy that once a priest, always a priest. I think Father Barry needs to stay stronger in his commitment to the priesthood by staying away from Maddy and not send her mixed messages. 5y
cobwebmoth I think it was natural for her to be drawn to him since she had no other friends. I think he used her even though he knew he wasn't going to let things go further. He should have distanced himself from her before things got so intense. 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB Definitely totally infatuated with each other and very mixed signals being given out. A Father stroking / caressing her breast! REALLY! 😳 😱 😡Father Barry eventually did the right thing but seemed to be leading her on prior to this. Maddy certainly tried to tempt him, including suggesting stealing money to go with her to Peru! @cobwebmoth (edited) 5y
rubyslippersreads I think they are both so intense, they let things get out of hand. Infatuation is exactly the right word. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Shancarrig School and Maddy Chapters.

Question 2 of 5

EadieB I think the children felt left out and that‘s why they destroyed the cakes. They should have been punished somehow but I think things would have went better if they made the children feel included. 5y
cobwebmoth I agree. If they had been included then they wouldn't have felt the need to take matters into their own hands. Things still worked out, so I think making them clean up was fitting. 5y
Andrew65 Certainly needed to look at including the children more, strange how they instantly knew who had done it! Punishment seemed fairly appropriate. @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
rubyslippersreads They ate the cake in a way they thought might not be noticed. The fact that some kids were immediately identified as the culprits made me think they figured they‘d always be blamed for things and might at least get some cake out of the deal. 5y
6 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheCopperBeech

Discussion of Shancarrig School and Maddy Chapters.

Question 1 of 5

EadieB Shancarrig seemed like a peaceful community with a church and school where the children were prepared to go out into the world. 5y
cobwebmoth It seems like a small community, where everyone knows what's going on with everyone. 5y
Andrew65 I agree feels a nice quiet village in Ireland, very typical of Maeve Binchy Books. @EadieB @cobwebmoth 5y
rubyslippersreads A nice but perhaps shabby little village (at least in the eyes of the Bishop). 5y
7 likes4 comments
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Will shortly be posting the discussion prompts for the first two chapters of #TheCopperBeech under spoiler alerts so as not to spoil anyone‘s reading.

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead

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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Okay starting this for #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead, thought I owned a copy. But unless it is hiding (and my books are mischievous like this 😂) I don‘t, so just bought the audiobook.

catebutler I just borrowed the audiobook from the library. It‘s been so fun to listen today. 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler Is yours read by Kate Binchy? 5y
catebutler @Andrew65 Yes! I was going to look up to see if she was a daughter. I really like how she narrates this, her accent is perfect for an Irish book. 5y
catebutler @Andrew65 Apparently she‘s a cousin, how interesting! 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler Yes, I had initially assumed it was her daughter too. I‘ve heard her narrate a previous Maeve Binchy book and she did a great job. 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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This is the schedule for the May #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead of #TheCopperBeech which starts today.

All welcome to join. 😊

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Tove_Reads
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Never read a large print book before. Feels a bit weird, but I‘m sure I‘ll get used to it!

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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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On Sunday the May #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead will start. This month we are reading #TheCopperBeech which is another of her big books.

All welcome to join us! 😊👍

The schedule will be posted over the weekend.

catebutler Definitely going to try to read this, I fell behind with the last two, but want to keep reading. 😬 5y
Andrew65 @catebutler Great to have you with us. 😊 5y
EadieB @Andrew65 I‘m on the train coming home from New Orleans so I‘m starting the book. Do you have the schedule made up for 5y
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Andrew65 @EadieB Stupidly away from home and left the book at home! 😱 Friday was a stressful afternoon!Downloaded the free sample from Kindle and it has 10 named chapters. Is that correct? If so I suggest reading two chapters at a time and posting the questions, and posting the first questions tomorrow. That way allows us and others to read other books alongside it. 5y
EadieB @Andrew65 Ok Sounds good. I actually split the book myself into sections and two chapters for each section was what I chose too! Great minds.....! 5y
Andrew65 @EadieB Lol! 👍😊 5y
75 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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LitsyHappenings
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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Repost for @Andrew65 :
The next two #MaeveBinchyBuddyReads will be :

May : The Copper Beech - starting 19th May

June : Evening Class - Starting 19th June

Andrew65 Thanks for reposting. 👍😍💕 5y
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Andrew65
The Copper Beech | Maeve Binchy
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The next two #MaeveBinchyBuddyReads will be :

May : The Copper Beech - starting 19th May

June : Evening Class - Starting 19th June

MrBook 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I need to start binge-reading the massively awesome Binchy. 👍🏻👍🏻 5y
Andrew65 @MrBook You do 😊, they are excellent reads. 5y
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