22 Interesting Facts About Maeve Binchy

Do you want to know some interesting facts about Maeve Binchy?

Described by the media as “Ireland’s beloved and most well-known novelist” and the “best-loved writer of her generation,” Maeve Binchy was a famous Irish writer who wrote a good number of bestselling novels and short stories about small-town life in Ireland.

Born Anne Maeve Binchy Maeve on May 28, 1939 in Dalkey, Dublin, she was the oldest of William and Maureen Binchy’s four children. Raised by her Catholic parents, Binchy attended Holy Child convent school in Killiney.

Maeve Binch went on to become one of the most popular and best-selling authors in the world, with more than 40 million copies of her books sold in 37 languages.

Read on to learn more interesting facts about Maeve Binchy, one of Ireland’s most famous authors.

22 Interesting Facts About Maeve Binchy

Related Read:

• Famous Irish Authors: 12 Great Writers From Ireland
• Best Books By Maeve Binchy

1. Languages and literature run in Maeve Binchy’s blood

Maeve Binchy was a niece to the Irish historian D. A. Binchy, who was an expert on Celtic languages and literature.

2. She was a huge fan of Marlon Brando as a teenager

During her teenage years, Maeve Binchy was completely smitten with Marlon Brando, and she devoted all her pocket money to sending him fan letters with airmail stamps.

3. Maeve Binchy stood over six feet tall

Maeve Binchy, who was actually 6’1″ tall, once described herself as “six feet tall, rather stout, and garrulous.” She shared in an interview that while growing up in Dalkey, she didn’t feel attractive because of her plump figure, and she believed she didn’t start on an even footing with everyone else.

4. She was the first female editor of The University Observer at University College Dublin

Maeve Binchy studied history and French at University College Dublin. She made history herself by becoming the first female editor of the student newspaper, The University Observer. This achievement highlighted her academic strengths and broke new ground for female leaders in university journalism.

5. She was a teacher and a journalist before she wrote fiction

Maeve Binchy began her career as an educator, teaching French, Latin, and history at different girls’ schools. Later, in 1968, she transitioned to journalism, joining The Irish Times.

6. She witnessed the Six-Day War in Israel

In 1963, Maeve Binchy journeyed to Israel, engaging in work at a kibbutz and experiencing firsthand the tumultuous events of the Six-Day War. This transformative period had a profound impact on her perspectives regarding religion and politics, ultimately serving as a wellspring of inspiration for her subsequent literary works.

7. She published her first book in 1970

Maeve Binchy’s first published book is a collection of her newspaper articles titled My First Book. It was published in 1970 but is no longer available for purchase.

8. She married a British scriptwriter and children’s author

Maeve Binchy met her husband, Gordon Snell, a British scriptwriter and children’s author, in London in 1970. They married in 1977 and moved back to Ireland in 1985.
Gordon Snell’s notable works include Dangerous Treasure (1994), The Mystery of Monk Island (1995), and The Curse of Werewolf Castle (1996).

9. An editor told her she could make more money writing fiction than journalism

 

Maeve Binchy wrote her first novel, Light a Penny Candle, in 1982, after an editor suggested she could make more money writing fiction than journalism. That turned out to be true, and she went on to sell over 40 million copies of her books all around the world.

10. She was a very prolific writer

In the span of over 4 decades (from 1970 to 2012), Maeve Binchy had published a total of 16 novels, 3 novellas, 12 short story collections, 5 plays, and 5 non-fiction. She also penned several dramas for television and radio.

11. She wrote every day

As mentioned, Maeve Binchy was a very prolific author. She worked on her writing every single day!

12. Most of her stories are set in her native Ireland

Many of Maeve Binchy’s stories take place in Ireland and talk about the differences between city and country life, the comparisons between England and Ireland, and the big changes happening in Ireland from World War II to the present.

13. She won many awards for her writing

 

She earned numerous accolades for her writing, securing the Jacob’s Award in 1978, the British Book Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999, People of the Year Award in 2000, W H Smith Book Award for Fiction in 2001, Irish PEN/AT Cross Award in 2007, and Irish Book Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2010.

14. She had a cameo appearance in the film adaptation of her novel

In 1995, Maeve Binchy had a small role in the movie version of her book Circle of Friends. She played a professor at University College Dublin.

15. Likewise in 2005, she and her husband also became extras in the film adaptation of another of her books

Maeve Binchy and Gordon Snell appeared as extras in the movie version of Tara Road. The film featured Hollywood actress Andie McDowell and the talented Irish actor Stephen Rea.

16. She was known for her generosity and kindness to other writers

Maeve Binchy was recognized for being really generous and kind to other writers, especially those who were young and trying to make a start. She would often offer advice, encouragement, and write blurbs for them.

17. She was friends with many famous people

Maeve Binchy had famous friends like the former Irish president Mary McAleese, the Irish singer Enya, and the Irish actor Pierce Brosnan. These friendships reflected her ability to connect with individuals from various fields, showcasing a diverse and influential social circle.

18. She called everyone by their first name

The down-to-earth and bestselling Irish author believed in the value of treating everyone with the same level of respect and familiarity by insisting on calling everyone, even hospital consultants, by their first name.

19. She was a huge animal lover

Maeve Binchy loved animals and had several pets, including dogs, cats, and a donkey named Carol. She also supported animal welfare charities.

20. Maeve Binchy died at the age of 73

She passed away on July 30, 2012, in Dublin, at the age of 73, following a brief illness. Other writers, like Anne Rice, Ian Rankin, Jilly Cooper, and Jeffrey Archer, expressed their sadness about her passing. Politicians also shared their condolences.

21. Her last book, A Week in Winter, was published posthumously in 2012

A Week in Winter is Maeve Binchy’s last novel, published after her death in 2012.

The story is set in the fictional town of Stoneybridge on the west coast of Ireland, where a woman named Chicky Starr fulfills her dream of converting an old mansion into a cozy inn.

Binchy’s storytelling in A Week in Winter is characterized by her warm and empathetic style. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the impact of life’s choices.

The book received praise for its engaging storytelling and its reflection of Binchy’s signature style.

22. She secured third place in a 2000 poll for World Book Day

In a 2000 poll for World Book Day, she finished in the third position, surpassing notable authors such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King.