Evening Class

Rating:
Summary: Fun to Read, but you need a score card for all the names.
Review: I am a fan, so I can honestly say, this is not the best book the author has written. However, it is an interesting one, and after a few chapters you have made friends with her new cast of characters. The only problem is keeping track of them - since they all seem to have 2 names, their Irish name and their Italian one. Gets a little confusing at times, especially if you can't read the book straight through. It lived up to any expectations you might have for the author's books and certainly was entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: A carousel of characters
Review: I loved the way we would continue through the story taking one step back -- to become acquainted with the current character -- and two steps forward into the plot. The intertwining of their lives, knowingly and unknowingly by the characters, made it a delightful read.

Rating:
Summary: I want to take an evening class!
Review: As usual, Maeve Binchy's story is simple, the plot without incredible imagination, and yet one becomes such a part of her characters and of their lives. A class in Italian, 2 evenings a week, brings together some of the most unlikely people. Each has his own reason for being there, and Binchy somehow manages to connect the students in the most obscure and yet natural way. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, charming, well-written piece!
Review: A delight! A treat! As wonderful as Italian ices on a hot, summer day! Binchy has written a magical tale for grown-ups! Enjoy! I know I did

Rating:
Summary: This book reminded me of a bad soap opera
Review: What a piece of drivel! Maeve Binchy is such a good storyteller; what would possess her to write something as contrived and predictable as this? The characters, the plot, the dialogue, and the setting were so "calculated", it seems as if the entire book was written for the Hollywood screen. The only thing this book had going for it, was that it moved at a quick pace, and didn't drag on. I couldn't put the book down, but all I kept thinking was 'when is this going to end'

Rating:
Summary: Don't enroll in classes based on the text of this book!
Review: I am one who eagrely purchases every Maeve Binchy novel before the ink is dry. This novel proves my past experiences - that Maeve's books are either excellent or boring.
If one bases any desire for new experiences on what one reads in books, I would say that the idea of travelling to Italy definitely will be a wonderful experience. But, having myself sat through the endless drudgery of night classes, I think Maeve's depiction of this situation is about as believable as meeting a Martian on the front porch.

Rating:
Summary: Good story and characters; a bit overwritten
Review: It's a good story with interesting characters. However, it could have been 50 pages shorter with some good editing (it is too repetitious in places). Excellent light reading. Made me want to take Italian lessons

Rating:
Summary: Maeve Binchy does it again!
Review: Have you ever been to Italy? No? Neither have many of the students in Signora's evening class. Most of them lead pretty ordinary lives in Dublin, Ireland. However, not only do they learn the language and visit Italy, but they grow along the way. A novel full of everyday life made special as only Maeve Binchy can do

Rating:
Summary: Addicting!
Review: I love this book! The characters are fun, and I really enjoyed reading about their lives. I recommend this book, I think that it is Binchy's best! Ok, it is until the next one comes out! Read it

Rating:
Summary: Captivating! Maeve Binchy's BEST book ever!!!
Review: I was first introduced to Maeve Binchy by my army officer, and have been captivated and have read ALL her stories ever since reading The Copper Beech.All the characters in Evening Class are all well fleshed out, and you really develop feelings for each and every one of them.The individual stories will make you sad, angry and move you all at the same time. The best thing about reading a Maeve Binchy's book is the inter-human relationships; how vastly different lives can somehow be entwined through some twist of fate. It makes very interesting reading as you read through the lives of Signora (my fave character! Hers is one of the most touching and moving stories of all in the book), Aidan and his family etc.. This book is just so interesting that I simply cannot put it down! I finished the book in 1 and 1/2 days, at one go!!! For those of you who are still hesitating, GO AND BUY IT NOW!!! This book is even better than her other recent release "This Year It Will Be Different: And Other Stories".