Four strangers, with nothing in common but a need to escape, meet in a Greek taverna high above the small village of Aghia Anna. From Ireland, America, Germany and England they have each left behind their homes and their old lives, when a shocking tragedy throws them unexpectedly together.
Nights of Rain and Stars is the story of one summer and four people, each with a life in turmoil – and Vonni, the Irish exile who would very much like to help them, but has demons of her own to battle . . .
I’m confused as to how Nights of Rain and Stars fits into Binchy’s body of work. Set in Greece and focusing on people from four different countries united when a tragedy occurs in this small, idyllic town, it’s a far cry from the usual Irish small-town story.
Considering how confrontational everyone seems to be, they tend to get along better than expected. The narrative’s tone doesn’t align with the characters’ actions, and I could never tell whether they were fighting or best friends. This meant any change caught me by surprise – so at least it was unpredictable?
Overall, Nights of Rain and Stars was a bit of a non-entity for me. I wasn’t wholly invested but didn’t mind the read. Binchy definitely has better – and worse – books, and I doubt this one will merit a reread in future.