COPPER BEECH

Dear Sharon,

I’VE enclosed a book for you. I know you will love it as much as I do. This book reminds me of our little school way back when we were in elementary. It’s called The Copper Beech, set in the 1950s and written by that fabulous Irish author, Maeve Binchy, the lady who makes you cry and laugh at the same time.

A rural Irish town called Shancarrig is where we learn about the families who live there. I especially connected with a group of very young children who bond at their small school, which sits beside a big copper beech tree, and their friendships that grow over the years. I adored the characters as I read about young troubles that seem so huge, struggles with tender love, secrets that can crush you if you share them with no one, career hopes, the calamities that life throws you, and the privilege of having lifelong friends.

I laughed, I cried a little, and I felt delight at all times because of the sheer beauty of the writing.

The interconnecting stories touched me deeply. I saw hope, understanding and forgiveness. My favourite story was about Eddie in Ireland and Chris in Scotland. They meet through a pen friend school assignment. Lonely Eddie thinks Chris is a boy, or he would never have written the first letter to her. After some initial confusion, their letters fly back and forth, followed by phone calls once a week. As years pass, these two confide their most dearly held dreams, their daily despairs and build a solid long-distance relationship. Eventually, Christine takes that boat ride from Scotland to be with Eddie forever.

This is a magnificent story of love and finding acceptance for any shortcomings you think you have. No one is perfect, and Maeve Binchy shows how being a little different isn’t the end of the world; that there is happiness out there, possibly with someone, and when you find that someone, you stand a little taller, you have a little more confidence, and you suddenly find yourself succeeding far beyond anything you ever imagined.

I’ve told you about only one story in this book. There are many more. Like me, you will read it over and over. You and I are comfort book people rather than comfort food people. This is a mighty powerful comfort book that will warm you on those cold nights out in Wyoming.

We were so lucky to have met all those years ago. Think of us, two little girls, that first day of school and how far we have come. Our love of books has kept us close ever since, and The Copper Beech will be always be one of our favourites.

Love you always.