Status
Available
Collection
Publication
Berkley (2002), Edition: Reissue, 560 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML:Two friends struggle to balance their personal and professional lives in this charming novel from acclaimed author Maeve Binchy. They met in cooking school and became fast friends with a common dream. Now Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather hope to take Dublin by storm with their newly formed catering company, aptly dubbed "Scarlet Feather." Not everyone, however, shares their optimism. Cathy's mother-in-law disapproves of both Cathy and her new "hobby," while Cathy's husband, Neil, pays no mind to anything- except his work as a civil rights lawyer. And then there's Tom's family, who expect him to follow in his father's footsteps, and an ambitious girlfriend who's struggling with career dreams of her own. Between friends and families, ups and downs, heartaches and joys, Cathy and Tom are about to embark on the most maddening-and exhilarating-year of their lives...… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member deckla
A satisfying domestic comedy set in current-day Dublin, concerning the adventures of Cathy and Tom, a man and woman in their late 20s who begin a catering business. Binchy's depiction of the swift currents of family life, work life, class struggles, personal struggles, and romantic struggles
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plunges you into the lives of these people like you belong to the family. Colorful, well-drawn characters abound--a goodhearted father who spends all his time and money on horses, a black sheep nephew with itchy fingers, an haughty, lonely mother-in-law habituated to the privileges and peculiarities of high society, a well-born lawyer on an obsessive quest for social justice, and two neglected children who ask too many questions. This is the first Binchy novel I've read, and I will definitely read more. Show Less
LibraryThing member SueinCyprus
Cathy and Tom are building a good reputation as a catering company in Dublin. They're good platonic friends, and have many other friends around. We see their world through some of their friends' eyes, including some delightful young twin children. Emotions run high in places, and it's a fast-paced,
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sometimes moving book. Very enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member cindyloumn
I LOVED this book. But didnt like the ending!! Did tom and cathy end up together?? Never says. But otherwise very good. Lots of characters!
LibraryThing member readingrat
This is the story of a tumultuous year in the lives of Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather as they try to start a catering business in Dublin. This is my third Binchy book. I enjoyed it but it didn't ignite my wanderlust like the other two did. However I did enjoy the characters enough to want to check
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out Quentins and see who shows up there. Show Less
LibraryThing member RoseMarion
This is an interesting read for those that enjoy the spectacular story-telling of Maeve Binchy.
Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather open a catering business named Scarlet Feather in Dublin, Ireland one January. They are friends from their culinary student days and have always dreamed of opening their own
Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy is very human and relatable. Maeve Binchy is extremely gifted in the art of story-telling because she knows how to weave many unique characters and their storylines succinctly together. It's a "yummy" treat!
Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather open a catering business named Scarlet Feather in Dublin, Ireland one January. They are friends from their culinary student days and have always dreamed of opening their own
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business. Thus, when Scarlet Feather starts to take off, they feel all their dreams are going to come true. Of course nobody's life is a fairy-tale and interesting trials and triumphs follow Tom and Cathy as they embark upon their careers. Relationship troubles, family issues, and two adorable abandoned children enrich this tale of food, love, joy, and sorrow.Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy is very human and relatable. Maeve Binchy is extremely gifted in the art of story-telling because she knows how to weave many unique characters and their storylines succinctly together. It's a "yummy" treat!
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LibraryThing member drebbles
Set over a period of one year, Scarlet Feather is a novel featuring Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather, who open a catering company together. As they deal with the joys and heartbreak of owning a business their relationship with each other changes as does their relationship with the other's around
Maeve Binchy is a talented writer who can create many characters and make you care about each one, bad or good. Muttie, Maud and Simon are the characters that stood out the most to me. I wish Neil and Cathy's earlier relationship had been developed more, it's hard to understand what brought the two of them together. I do like the way the novel is set over the period of a year, it's amazing how much life can change in a year.
I like Maeve Binchy's books, but there is something a bit melancholy about them, that, while I enjoy reading them, after I've finished it's a long time before I read another one.
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them,notably Cathy's husband, Neil, who is a lawyer who wants to save the world and Tom's beautiful girlfriend, Marcella, who will do just about anything to make it as a model. Also involved are Cathy's parents, Muttie, who knows that the next bet he places will be the winner, and "his wife Lizzie", who used to clean for Neil's mother. Neil's family also plays an important part in the novel, especially his cousin Walter, and Maud and Simon, Walter's neglected 8-year-old brother and sister. Other characters include Cathy's family in America, her Aunt Geraldine, and their accountant James Byrne. By the end of the year, each character's life had changed, many in ways they never would have imagined. Maeve Binchy is a talented writer who can create many characters and make you care about each one, bad or good. Muttie, Maud and Simon are the characters that stood out the most to me. I wish Neil and Cathy's earlier relationship had been developed more, it's hard to understand what brought the two of them together. I do like the way the novel is set over the period of a year, it's amazing how much life can change in a year.
I like Maeve Binchy's books, but there is something a bit melancholy about them, that, while I enjoy reading them, after I've finished it's a long time before I read another one.
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LibraryThing member marialondon
After finishing "Tara Road", I started "Scarlet Feather"--& both these books I read a couple of years after reading earlier (much better, as I see it) Maeve Binchy books- such as "Circle of friends", "Glass lake", "Evening class" etc. The difference between earlier & later Binchy books is enormous.
The Binchy formula is ever present here: Lots of characters. 2 central characters (Cathy & Tom) who are trying to set up their own catering business in Dublin. A huge (TOO huge) cast of supporting characters. A couple of people who are the obvious villains in the story (but they're so predictably...villainous that it all gets very boring very soon). Hints at side-stories that, at some point, get explained. I could go on & on, since lately Binchy's novels seem to be a mixing up of the same elements, again & again.
What I didn't like, specifically, is
a) the predictability of the story
b) the fact that several lose ends were left there, hanging open. For example, the Amanda-story, the Shona story, the actual early relationship between Cathy & Neil, the relationship between Cathy & her mother-in-law etc etc. There are too many to mention. Interesting little pieces of stories that never get developed, & we're left with questions.
c) the holier-than-thou attitude of Cathy. She's TOO perfect for my own taste, a little humourless & she's got a chip on her shoulder all the time.
What I did like were the delicious descriptions of food that the catering company produces! MMMMMMmm....Read "Scarlet feather" with low expectations, just as a book-to-read-by-the-beach, & mostly for the great food!
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I believe the earlier books started out much more naturally, & the "formula" that everyone talks about, Binchy's usual multiple-character-formula probably was an original, creative device then. Later on, with "Tara Road" & now (even more) with "Scarlet Feather", Binchy's formula seems much more like an old & tired plot device, more like a gimmick than anything else.The Binchy formula is ever present here: Lots of characters. 2 central characters (Cathy & Tom) who are trying to set up their own catering business in Dublin. A huge (TOO huge) cast of supporting characters. A couple of people who are the obvious villains in the story (but they're so predictably...villainous that it all gets very boring very soon). Hints at side-stories that, at some point, get explained. I could go on & on, since lately Binchy's novels seem to be a mixing up of the same elements, again & again.
What I didn't like, specifically, is
a) the predictability of the story
b) the fact that several lose ends were left there, hanging open. For example, the Amanda-story, the Shona story, the actual early relationship between Cathy & Neil, the relationship between Cathy & her mother-in-law etc etc. There are too many to mention. Interesting little pieces of stories that never get developed, & we're left with questions.
c) the holier-than-thou attitude of Cathy. She's TOO perfect for my own taste, a little humourless & she's got a chip on her shoulder all the time.
What I did like were the delicious descriptions of food that the catering company produces! MMMMMMmm....Read "Scarlet feather" with low expectations, just as a book-to-read-by-the-beach, & mostly for the great food!
Show Less
LibraryThing member SharonKGarner
If you don’t have any Irish in you when you start this book, you will by the time you’ve finished it!
Scarlet Feather is a fledgling catering company in Dublin, run by Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather, who met in cooking school. The book follows the first year of the company, with intriguing
The book also follows the same year in the lives of the delightful, eccentric, maddening group of family, friends, spouses, and significant others who move in Cathy and Tom’s orbit.
The dialogue sings with the cadence of the English language as it’s spoken in Ireland—no dialect, just a rhythm in the way the words are put together, with a few turns of phrase, all like soft music in the background.
This was my second reading of this book, and now I know why I kept it. It’s going right back on my keeper shelf.
Sharon K. Garner
Sanctuary, River of Dreams, Lokelani Nights, The Spaniard's Cross
Scarlet Feather is a fledgling catering company in Dublin, run by Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather, who met in cooking school. The book follows the first year of the company, with intriguing
Show More
insights into how it’s all done.The book also follows the same year in the lives of the delightful, eccentric, maddening group of family, friends, spouses, and significant others who move in Cathy and Tom’s orbit.
The dialogue sings with the cadence of the English language as it’s spoken in Ireland—no dialect, just a rhythm in the way the words are put together, with a few turns of phrase, all like soft music in the background.
This was my second reading of this book, and now I know why I kept it. It’s going right back on my keeper shelf.
Sharon K. Garner
Sanctuary, River of Dreams, Lokelani Nights, The Spaniard's Cross
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LibraryThing member jayne_charles
My favourite by Maeve Binchy. It has the usual ingredients - set in Ireland, lots of gossipy goings-on, an engaging and readable style. Hard to pick a 'best', but I thought the storyline of this was superb, with the right mixture of light and dark, and a good ending. It also had the most 'modern'
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feel of her books to date. Show Less
LibraryThing member CoraJoanBurgett
I love Maeve Binchy's work. She bring Ireland and the Irish people alive. "Scarlet Feather" is populated with the families of Cathy Scarlet and Joe Feather, who open their own catering service Scarlet Feather. It is touching in many ways and the two main characters are fine people. Their friendship
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endures through many traumas -- and you get caught up in the lives of the characters. In the end, their friendship prevails. Show Less
LibraryThing member dianaleez
predictable but relaxing read
LibraryThing member witchyrichy
I was prepared to not really like this but it was on the shelf and I wanted something light and easy. It turned out to be much better than I expected although a bit predictable.
LibraryThing member mojacobs
A very romantic Binchy, very predictable but still a nice read, perfect brain candy for times when you need some instant gratification.
LibraryThing member LadyoftheLodge
This is another detailed and colorful book by Maeve Binchy. The characters are described in detail, and the reader feels as if they are friends by the end of the book. Good sense of place and plot. The twins are a riot! I listened to the abridged audio book version while driving. I also read parts
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of it in the print version. The print version had a lot more details and descriptions, not essential to the story but added to the interest of the book. The only objection I had is the rather abrupt ending to the book--"Is that it?" I wanted to know more about what happened, but felt as if I was left hanging. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
3.5***
Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather met in culinary school and became fast friends. Now they’ve joined forces to start a catering company – Scarlet Feather. They’re young, energetic, and talented and have made some good connections. They’ve found the prefect premises to make their new
Binchy excels at writing ensemble pieces that show ordinary people in some extraordinary circumstances. This novel covers a year in the lives of Cathy, Tom, their life partners, parents, employees, friends and family. They make mistakes, have emotional melt downs, overcome obstacles, find reserves of love and compassion, smile through adversity, and never stop working to achieve their dream.
One thing I like about Binchy’s novels is that her characters are so real. They may be brilliant chefs but Tom and Cathy also have character flaws. They’re both far too reticent when it comes to expressing their feelings, preferring to put off to tomorrow what should be faced today. But over the course of the novel, they do grow and mature. The rest of the ensemble cast is unevenly drawn … Cathy’s parents have a fairly significant role and are pretty complete, but Tom’s parents are rarely seen and his mother, in particular, is somewhat of a caricature. Neil’s father also was very simply drawn, though maybe his general absence from the story is indicative of his absence as a true father.
The book is written in a style that supports the ensemble cast. Each chapter covers a month in the year, but is divided into short vignettes jumping from character to character and scene to scene. The result is that the reader gets a more complete picture than any of the characters does.
Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather met in culinary school and became fast friends. Now they’ve joined forces to start a catering company – Scarlet Feather. They’re young, energetic, and talented and have made some good connections. They’ve found the prefect premises to make their new
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business the best in Dublin. They know it will be hard work but they are ready to pursue their dream, and with the support of friends and family they feel sure they will succeed.Binchy excels at writing ensemble pieces that show ordinary people in some extraordinary circumstances. This novel covers a year in the lives of Cathy, Tom, their life partners, parents, employees, friends and family. They make mistakes, have emotional melt downs, overcome obstacles, find reserves of love and compassion, smile through adversity, and never stop working to achieve their dream.
One thing I like about Binchy’s novels is that her characters are so real. They may be brilliant chefs but Tom and Cathy also have character flaws. They’re both far too reticent when it comes to expressing their feelings, preferring to put off to tomorrow what should be faced today. But over the course of the novel, they do grow and mature. The rest of the ensemble cast is unevenly drawn … Cathy’s parents have a fairly significant role and are pretty complete, but Tom’s parents are rarely seen and his mother, in particular, is somewhat of a caricature. Neil’s father also was very simply drawn, though maybe his general absence from the story is indicative of his absence as a true father.
The book is written in a style that supports the ensemble cast. Each chapter covers a month in the year, but is divided into short vignettes jumping from character to character and scene to scene. The result is that the reader gets a more complete picture than any of the characters does.
Show Less
LibraryThing member eargent
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. MB is one of my favourite authors.
LibraryThing member eesti23
I enjoyed this book, but it felt like the book could have been condensed, especially in the beginning. Some elements were quite predictable - the breakdown of Cathy's marriage, for example - and others a little less predictable. Would have liked less content in the beginning and one or two more
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chapters at the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bookmarque
Most of the characters were well drawn except for Cathy. On the one hand she’s portrayed as short tempered and rude. The next minute she’s shrinking inside herself in front of her mother-in-law and doing everything she can to attend to the twins that have been dumped on her. It was like two
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characters instead of one. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lukerik
By page 20 I had my head in my hands, cursing myself for starting it. I kept flicking through to the end and was just in despair at the length of the thing.
However, the sound of Binchy's voice is just so nice that I found myself being seduced by it. I'll not make insupportable claims about the
However, the sound of Binchy's voice is just so nice that I found myself being seduced by it. I'll not make insupportable claims about the
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literary worth of the book (she never rises above soap opera quality) but by the end I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Show Less
LibraryThing member Icewineanne
Maeve Binchy is such a wonderful storyteller. If you enjoy books by Catherine Cookson, you will love Scarlet Feather, all about relationships. Her books lift your spirits. I read this book years ago but I still wanted to give it a rating on Goodreads. Unfortunately she passed away a few years ago.
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I met her in person many times and she was such a beautiful person, having the wit and charm that she displayed in her stories. Five Stars Maeve, we'll miss you! Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
3.5 stars
Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather are friends and are trying to start a catering business in Dublin. Cathy’s husband, Neil, has young cousins who show up at his rich parents’ place, needing a place to stay, but they rub his parents the wrong way, so Cathy and Neil end up taking them in.
There is plenty going on, as this novel follows their lives for one year. There are many characters, and the perspective goes back and forth amongst many of them, but somehow, they are pretty easy to keep straight. I quite like that Binchy often has characters in multiple novels. I enjoyed the book, but problems can be seen coming from a bit of a distance. That is, I don’t think there are really any surprises in the book.
Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather are friends and are trying to start a catering business in Dublin. Cathy’s husband, Neil, has young cousins who show up at his rich parents’ place, needing a place to stay, but they rub his parents the wrong way, so Cathy and Neil end up taking them in.
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Tom’s wife, Marcella, wants desperately to be a model. There is plenty going on, as this novel follows their lives for one year. There are many characters, and the perspective goes back and forth amongst many of them, but somehow, they are pretty easy to keep straight. I quite like that Binchy often has characters in multiple novels. I enjoyed the book, but problems can be seen coming from a bit of a distance. That is, I don’t think there are really any surprises in the book.
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LibraryThing member gypsysmom
Scarlet Feather is the story of a restaurant in Dublin, Ireland of the same name. As usual, Binchy tells the stories of the owners, employees and guests as they interact and face life's difficulties. From the inside cover: "Maeve Binchy's new novel is a magical tale of love, heartbreak and laughter
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set in the warm Irish atmosphere that has made her famous." Binchy fans will love this and new readers probably will want to read more. Show Less
LibraryThing member plym2
A family saga.
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
I've kept only 3 of Binchy's novels, the ones I would read again because they're typically narratives of people and personalities. SF is like several of her other novels and a relaxing read. She doesn't have the philosophical depth that Penelope Lively evokes, but she does create a plausible
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community of interesting people. Show Less
LibraryThing member EvelynBernard
I joined the book club at my library. This was January's selection. I must be one of the few people alive who have never read Maeve Binchy. Tom Feather and Cathy Scarlet, friends from culinary school open a catering company called Scarlet Feather. The book follows 'a year in the life' - their jobs,
So, why did I give this book a decent review rating? The average age at the book club appears to be about 75. Each and every one of them loved this book. They thought the characters had fine moral fibre. They wanted the catering company to do well. They commiserated over the relationship problems. They rooted for the possible romantic ending. They chose another Binchy book for February. Any book that will bring seniors together, provide entertainment, companionship and purpose is all right by me. (I, however, won't be going in February)
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their relationships, their families. Unfortunately, I found both main characters to be completely unlikeable - uncommunicative, judgemental, childish. Luckily, Binchy does a pretty good job of creating supporting characters who are interesting - a pair of nine-year-old twins; Cathy's parents (working class, hard working, kind and fair) - but not really enough to sustain an almost 500 page novel.So, why did I give this book a decent review rating? The average age at the book club appears to be about 75. Each and every one of them loved this book. They thought the characters had fine moral fibre. They wanted the catering company to do well. They commiserated over the relationship problems. They rooted for the possible romantic ending. They chose another Binchy book for February. Any book that will bring seniors together, provide entertainment, companionship and purpose is all right by me. (I, however, won't be going in February)
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2000-08-28
Physical description
560 p.; 4.2 inches
ISBN
0451203771 / 9780451203779