Tara Road
Encyclopedia
Tara Road is a novel by Maeve Binchy
. It was chosen as an Oprah's Book Club
selection in September 1999.
and one from America
, who trade houses without ever having met. They're both looking for an escape from their problems, but by running away, both come to discover a great deal about themselves.
The book mostly concentrates on the life of Ria Lynch, the Irish woman, who has met her future husband Danny Lynch. The two end up getting married, much to Ria's shock and delight, and start a family together while Danny's career takes off. Many years into their marriage, Danny begins spending less and less time at home with his wife and children. Ria believes another baby is the solution, and is shocked to find out that indeed her husband is going to be a father...but to a child from an affair he has been having with another woman. Her husband's unfaithfulness is the event that leads Ria into her decision to switch homes with the lady from America. Tara Road was made into a film in 2005.
in 2005. It stars Andie MacDowell
and Olivia Williams
. Written by Cynthia Cidre & Shane Connaughton and directed by Gillies MacKinnon
. Maeve Binchy
makes a cameo appearance in the first scene at Colm's restaurant.
Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy is an Irish novelist, newspaper columnist and speaker. Educated at University College Dublin, she worked as a teacher then a journalist at The Irish Times and later became a writer of novels and short stories.Many of her novels are set in Ireland, dealing with the tensions between...
. It was chosen as an Oprah's Book Club
Oprah's Book Club
Oprah's Book Club was a book discussion club segment of the American talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show, highlighting books chosen by host Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey started the book club in 1996, selecting a new novel for viewers to read and discuss each month. The Club ended its 15-year run, along with...
selection in September 1999.
Plot introduction
It is the story of two women, one from IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and one from America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, who trade houses without ever having met. They're both looking for an escape from their problems, but by running away, both come to discover a great deal about themselves.
The book mostly concentrates on the life of Ria Lynch, the Irish woman, who has met her future husband Danny Lynch. The two end up getting married, much to Ria's shock and delight, and start a family together while Danny's career takes off. Many years into their marriage, Danny begins spending less and less time at home with his wife and children. Ria believes another baby is the solution, and is shocked to find out that indeed her husband is going to be a father...but to a child from an affair he has been having with another woman. Her husband's unfaithfulness is the event that leads Ria into her decision to switch homes with the lady from America. Tara Road was made into a film in 2005.
Characters
- Ria Lynch- housewife whose life collapses when Danny leaves her after he gets a girlfriend pregnant
- Danny Lynch- a heart breaker who had a woman around every corner
- Rosemary Ryan- a beautiful business woman, best friends with Ria though sleeping with her husband Danny.
- Annie Lynch- Ria and Danny's first child
- Brian Lynch- Danny and Ria's second child, who is known for his innocent tactlessness
Film, TV or theatrical adaptations
The novel was turned into a filmTara Road (film)
Tara Road is a film based on the novel of the same name by Maeve Binchy.-Plot:Two women trade houses without ever having met. They're both looking for an escape from their problems, but by running away, both come to discover a great deal about themselves.Ria Lynch is to married Danny Lynch and they...
in 2005. It stars Andie MacDowell
Andie MacDowell
Rosalie Anderson "Andie" MacDowell is an American model and actress. She has received the Golden Camera and an Honorary César.-Early life:...
and Olivia Williams
Olivia Williams
Olivia Haigh Williams is an English film, stage and television actress who has appeared in British and American films and television series.-Early life:Williams was born in Camden Town, London, England...
. Written by Cynthia Cidre & Shane Connaughton and directed by Gillies MacKinnon
Gillies MacKinnon
Gillies MacKinnon is a Scottish film director and writer.His film credits include Hideous Kinky, Small Faces and Regeneration.-Personal life:...
. Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy is an Irish novelist, newspaper columnist and speaker. Educated at University College Dublin, she worked as a teacher then a journalist at The Irish Times and later became a writer of novels and short stories.Many of her novels are set in Ireland, dealing with the tensions between...
makes a cameo appearance in the first scene at Colm's restaurant.