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Light a Penny Candle
592 pages, 2003
Maeve Binchy's novel about two women who become best friends is a real page-turner. In Blitz-battered London, shy and genteel Elizabeth White is sent to stay with the boisterous O Connors in Kilarrow, Ireland. It is the beginning of an unshakeable bond between Elizabeth and Aisling O'Connor, a friendship that will endure through twenty turbulent years of change and chaos, joy and sorrow, soaring dreams and searing betrayals...
In Light a Penny Candle, Maeve Binchy beautifully illustrates the strength and resilience of friendship. The bond between the two main characters, Elizabeth and Aisling, is a testament to the power of friendship that can withstand the test of time, distance, and even war. It's a great reminder to cherish our own friendships and to invest time and effort into maintaining them.
The book gives us a glimpse into the effects of World War II on ordinary people. It shows how war can disrupt lives, separate families, and create uncertainty. But it also shows how people can adapt, survive, and even find happiness amidst chaos. It's a great read if you want to explore the human side of war.
Binchy paints a vivid picture of the societal expectations and limitations placed on women during the 1940s and 1950s. The book explores the struggles and triumphs of women as they navigate through these societal norms. It's a great reminder of how far we've come in terms of gender equality, and how much more we still need to achieve.
Family plays a central role in the book. It shows how family can provide support, love, and stability in times of crisis. But it also shows how family can be a source of conflict and tension. It's a great book to read if you want to dig deeper into the complexities of family relationships.
Light a Penny Candle is also a coming-of-age story. It follows the journey of Elizabeth and Aisling as they navigate through the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book beautifully captures the joys, fears, and uncertainties of growing up. It's a great read if you want to take a trip down memory lane and relive your own journey of growing up.