Irish Author Maeve Binchy Dies At 72

Popular Irish author Maeve Binchy passed away in Ireland on Monday, with her husband, writer Gordon Snell, by her side.

The Daily Telegraph reports that, during her career, Binchy sold more than 40 million books worldwide, which have been translated into 37 languages. Several have been adapted for the screen, including Circle of Friends, The Lilac Bus, and Tara Road.

Binchy started her career as a teacher after studying at University College in Dublin. She went on to become a journalist and columnist. She later moved to England, where she became the London editor of The Irish Times. The Irish author’s first novel, Light A Penny Candle, was published in 1982 and made the bestseller list.

Although Maeve Binchy announced her retirement in 2000, she continued writing, publishing her last novel, Minding Frankie, in 2010. When Minding Frankie was released in the United States, Binchy thanked her overseas fans who told her they enjoyed it. She wrote:

“My health isn’t so good these days and I can’t travel around to meet people the way I used to. But I’m always delighted to hear from readers, even if it takes me a while to reply.”

Yahoo! News reports that Anne Rice, a fellow author, was one of the first to speak about Binchy’s passing, writing on Twitter:

“Maeve Binchy has died. We’ve lost another beloved writer. So sorry to hear it.”

Irish politicians, like Meath East TD Regina Doherty, have also taken the time to celebrate Binchy by taking to the micro-blogging site, saying:

“Godspeed Maeve Binchy RIP lovely warm gentle lady brought much joy through all her work.”

Check out the video below to see Maeve Binchy discussing her writing career, as well as her final novel, Minding Frankie:

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