Light a Penny Candle

In literary circles Maeve Binchy was the ‘Queen of Words’ and her passing was sad loss for family, friends and her millions of fans around the world. She was a prodigious writer and her books, which were translated into 37 languages, sold more than 40 million copies. She is best known for her stories of small-town life in Ireland, and her well-drawn characters, interesting plots and sensitive writing  brought her many admires from far and wide. In a poll for World Book Day in 2000 Maeve Binchy finished ahead of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Stephen King, proving her broad appeal. With such success it was not surprising that some of her books were adapted for film with A Circle Of Fiends and Tara Road among them. Similarly, some her short stories were taken up by television with The Lilac Bus being a particular favourite. Apart from her immense output Maeve was always supportive of young writers and many have attested to her help and gentle advice. She was, indeed is, a national treasure and we miss you.