编辑推荐ReviewMaeve Binchy claimed that Scarlet Feather would be her last novel - but her millions of fans will be delighted that she has relented. This new novel is vintage Binchy, complete with engaging character-driven plot and lively evocation of 20th-century Irish life. Quentins is a Dublin restaurant of the very best kind. We see it founded, grow and become a legend in the city and beyond; meet the customers and staff, and learn about their backgrounds, family lives, loves and losses, triumphs and tragedies. When young film-maker Ella Brady decides to make a documentary about the restaurant and the people who eat in it, she discovers that there are many secrets in its past - some of which are best left well alone. Binchy draws her characters with a loving hand, bringing back several from earlier books to add to the satisfying mix. Let us hope that there are many stories still to come from her rich imagination. (Kirkus UK) With some familiar characters amid the new, Binchy offers a sweetly affirming-with just enough redemptive vinegar-read in the story of Quentins, a hot Dublin restaurant. Ella Brady first dined at Quentins when she was a poised six-year-old and only child of Tim, who worked for an investment broker, and Barbara, a legal secretary, but in her 20s she met Don Richardson, a handsome financier, noted philanthropist, and married him. Ella wasn't worried about it, as she was badly smitten. But Don was no good-he embezzled his clients' money as well as that of Tim Brady, who'd been impressed with him-then fled to Spain with his family. Determined to pay her parents back what they'd lost, Ella quits her job as a poorly paid teacher and starts tutoring the memorable twins introduced in Scarlet Feather (2001) as well as working at Quentins, and helping filmmaker friends Nick and Sandy. When Ella comes up with an idea that's accepted by the prestigious King Foundation in the US-to illustrate the changes in Ireland by telling the story of Quentins-the story detours into key moments in the restaurant's history: its founding by Quentin Barry, a restaurant employee with big dreams who was helped by an unexpected gift; the hiring as manager and chef of childless couple Brenda and Patrick Brennan; Mon Harris, an Australian waitress, falling in love and marrying a customer; and Nora-the Signora from Evening Class (1997), back from Italy-having her new love celebrated in best Quentins style. Meanwhile, Ella, in New York, meets Derry King, head of the King Foundation, who accompanies her home when she learns that Don has apparently committed suicide-leaving her with his computer, which contains incriminating documents. Ella is soon in danger as Don's henchman stalks her, but handsome Derry helps, as do all the crew at Quentins. A leisurely paced treat, filled with holiday goodwill. (Kirkus Reviews) You Magazine MAIL ON SUNDAY - 2,000 word extract & off-the-page offer torun 18 August. SUNDAY EXPRESS Magazine - New short story by Maeve to run early September. WOMAN'S WEEKLY - New short story by Maeve & off-the-page promo offer to run in issue on sale 6 August (shelf-life 6 weeks). WOMAN'S OWN - New short story by Maeve with giveaway to be serialised over 2 issues: 2 Sept on sale 27 Aug & 9 Sept on sale 3 Sept. With TV advertising.. SAINSBURY'S Magazine - Feature by Maeve on changing face of Dublin through restaurants for September issue , on sale 23 August. FAMILY CIRCLE, WOMAN & HOME - Reviews in September issue. THAT'S LIFE - New short story for Christmas issueTHE EXPRESS - My Therapy slot to run week of 19 August INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAYHow we Met with Douglas Kennedy REVIEWS: 'Absorbing and delightful...In pinning down the humdrum and the ordinary - debts, the drama of a busy kitchen, awedding, the ache of childlessness - Binchy makes the point that the profound shift in emotion or spirit can take place while peeling potatoes or waitressing in a restaurant. Her multitude of eaders stuck doing much the same instinctively feel this'Elizabeth Buchan, SUNDAY TIMES 'All the warmth, humour andinsights you expect from Maeve Binchy's writing are here' CHOICE 'Full of cha |
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