See what my readers have been saying...
Tremendous sense of life and place, June 7, 2011 By
T. Hewtson LE ROUX - See all my reviews
I love books that really give you a sense of place and time, and take their time to layer in the details while still pulling you through the plot.
'Buying Time' oozes the lives of people living in Belfast over the last 50 years - their hopes, their dreams, their loves, their defeats and their deaths.
Even at the beginning of the book, as Benny Brannigan first walks the streets of Belfast, you recognise his accidental connectedness to characters who will be fleshed out later in the book.
While this is not a Romance in the classic escapist fairytale sense, romance and relationships are central to the story - how the different characters fare in love, how those relationships progress, and how they sometimes end in tragedy or loss.
This is a very moving book, one that you feel you are living yourself, surrounded by characters in the main trying to live decent lives amid people they care for and people who care for them.
Janice Donnelly clearly cares for her characters and is sharply insightful into their situations and personalities.
And when you finish it, it actually feels like you have just read an epic of great importance but without any sense of self-importance.
I defy you to read this without letting it embed itself firmly under your skin.
If I had to choose only two words to describe it, I would pick 'empathetic' and 'true', and I would certainly urge you to read it.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
Brilliant read., 9 Jun 2011
By wonder woman "ww" (Belfast Northern Ireland) - See all my reviews
This book was a real trip down memory lane for me. I enjoyed every page. The characters were like meeting some old friends. Thankfully the author did not dwell on the "Troubles" or religion, as so many local writers do, in fact there was little or no mention at all. This book is on my Christmas list for friends and family, I know they will enjoy reading about the great friendships between Sammy and Benny and Liz and Kate. The people and the tragedy they each encountered throughout their lives and the beautiful and for me tearful ending. Simply wonderful, well done to the author on her first book. WW.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
This book is a wee gem. Fantastic Read, June 16, 2011
By V. Henry "Canuck" (Canada) - See all my reviews
I really enjoyed this book by Janice Donnelly, set in Belfast, N.Ireland, the home of my birth, it took me back to so many places I knew well. Each character starting with Benny, as he starts out life in the Big City, finding his way, his triumphs and failures. The story is so well written that it captures you, I was so engrossed that I didn't want to put the book down as I wanted to find out what was coming next. It's life and that's why I think readers will be able to relate to it so well. Janice made me feel I was there, it made me laugh and cry and the suspense gripped me as I waited to see what was going to happen next. I was so disappointed when I turned the last page because I was enjoying the book so much, I didn't want it to end.
A most enjoyable read and I look forward to reading many more books by Janice.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
WHAT A GEM THIS BOOK IS, June 30, 2011
By LIZZIE - See all my reviews
Thank you Amazon for the speedy delivery of this book.
When I opened the parcel and held the book in my hand I just thought quality, the cover is beautiful as are the print and the paper.
Now be warned when you read this book I hope you have a micro as the family will have to make their own meals. Once you start from page 1 you feel part of the book, you are walking the street with them all. You laugh with them you feel sorrow with them. A brilliant read, the only downside when I got to the last page I did not want it to end.
I hope the second book is well on the way. I want to know more about them all.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
5.0 out of 5 stars Buying Time - Janice Donnelly, 1 July 2011 By Kathy 12345
I really loved this book and it is set against a backdrop of familiar places to me as I grew up there. The characters were all very believable and likeable and I found myself caring what happened to them. The book made me laugh and want to cry in some parts. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next, which is what a good book is all about. Janice's style reminded me of Maeve Binchy who, like Janice, has a talent for bringing characters to life and making you care for them. Well done to her for a great first novel and I hope she has a sequel in the pipeline, as I would love to know what happens next.
5.0 out of 5 Stars *****
Well rounded and emotional, 12 July 2011
By Gerry Mc Nally - See all my reviews
I've been looking forward to reading this book for a long time now and it was well worth the wait.
Janice has done a fantastic job with her debut novel.
From the very start the characters are well fleshed out, believable and well developed. The plot threads are woven very well throughout the book and tie up in a very satisfactory and emotional ending.
Reading the book i was reminded of the Televison series screened in the mid nineties "Our Friends in The North". While this book doesn't have as many plot threads or tie in with as many historical events it is equally as good in the strength of feeling that it delivers as you watch and experience the lives of the main characters progress through the years 1968 - 2007 in central Belfast.
I'm also pleased to see an author write about Belfast during this period and not dwell or rely on the troubles, instead letting strong characterisation and good story telling tell the story.
I can guarantee any reader of this book that they will be moved by the depth of emotions that Janice has put into her characters and will be able to relate to more than one characters' experience in the book.
I hope this is the first of many such novels from this very talented writer.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
HAUNTINGLY REAL LIFE DRAMA, August 12, 2011
By Sheila M. Belshaw "Sheila Mary Belshaw" (UK, Menorca & Cape Town) - See all my reviews
From the very first line of this novel of the life of a young man, Benny Brannigan, who realises his dream to leave the provinces in order to taste the high-life of Belfast, I was hooked.
Janice Donnelly gets straight into the meat of the story, leading you on with tasty tid-bits of the reality of 1960s Belfast. It isn't all plain-sailing. You feel for this diverse collection of characters who step out of the pages of this book as though they are real. They make you laugh and they make you cry, and you can't read fast enough to find out what fate awaits them.
I've never been to Belfast, but now I feel I've been there. This is a remarkable debut novel by a writer who surely has a bright future as a kind of 21st century Dickensian novelist, but with a 21st century way cutting through to the very heart of what makes an unputdownable story.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
Nostalgia rules, okay?, 26 Aug 2011
By G. McCullough "Gerry" (N.Ireland) - See all my reviews
From the first words this marvellous book transported me straight back to the late sixties in Belfast. The attitudes, the language, the streets which I know well, the characters, all these sprang vividly to life from the pages and brought back so many memories. It takes the skill of a real storyteller to do this, and Janice Donnelly quickly demonstrates how equally good she is at leading us through a fairly complex plot which covers the intertwined lives of so many characters. Benny, setting out to make a success of his life in a 'good' job in a bank is in many ways reminiscent of Joe Lampton, the anti-hero of John Braine's Room at the Top - but Benny is individually Irish, and his life develops very differently from Joe Lampton's. I read this book with enormous pleasure, and I expect to reread it at regular intervals, as I do with all my favourites. Warmly recommended, especially if you come from the North of Ireland - but even if you don't, you'll really enjoy it.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Kind..., 29 Aug 2011 By Laura (UK) - See all my reviews This review is from: Buying Time (Kindle Edition) A beautiful kind of book. That's what I found here. I read the final chapters with a feeling of regret and sadness that I would soon be saying goodbye to people I had come to know, like, perhaps even love and care for...
This is unusual for me, because with many books, even those I have enjoyed, I find the closing chapters are too often long drawn out. This is not the case here, I could have read on. Like a good play I didn't want it to end.
It is a terrific, human story, it will make you laugh out loud and cry inside. An emotional rollercoaster, the cast of characters are so real, you genuinely care about them, their relationships and the experiences they share with each other.
I hope the next book I buy will give me the same enjoyment as this book has. I recommend it highly...buy it, read it, I assure you, your enjoyment is guaranteed, the characters will hold you to the page and there are not many books in this category I would say that about...
By coincidence, I noticed in a previous review a comparison with a TV series. That was also one of my thoughts when reading this lovingly constructed story. It has all the ingredients for an excellent series.
Finally, it's hard to believe this book is the author (Janice Donnelly's) first. Where has she been hiding? She has breathed (badly needed) new life into this genre and she deserves thanks for that. If her debut is anything to go by, I don't think it will be her last, not by a long way. An excellent well put together story of the highest standard...Billy187
Thoroughly enjoyable., 3 Sep 2011
By Weescottishlassie - See all my reviews
I really enjoyed this book; the characterisation (of both the people and Belfast itself) is perfect, and the level of detail that the author has been able to capture is simply stunning. This is not necessarily the type of book that can be posted neatly into a certain genre or category, mainly because of the subtleties and complexities of the subject matter; but in my humble opinion that's never a bad thing. A novel that's definitely worthy of your time and hard earned pennies.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****
Atmospheric until the very end, 13 Sep 2011
By Madeline S. - See all my reviews
I read 'Buying Time' on holiday this year and, much as I was looking to escape the gloomy streets of Beal Feirste, this beautifully crafted novel from Donnelly replicated the landscape of my hometown with the kind of precision typical of a local and the kind of vivid, dramatic flair characteristic of an excellent author. As a country girl who too had to once make my way to the Old Smoke, I identified with the Derry native Benny Brannigan's first steps in the city and was flooded with memories of my initial movements around many of the same streets as our protagonist. This isn't to say that you necessarily have to be a local or even be familiar with Belfast in order to really relate to the novel. If you know towns or cities like Belfast, in which everyone knows everyone who knows everywhere, then you'll understand why Donnelly's local references are so precious. Moreover, the themes of relationships and love seem to be just as strong as the city in which it all takes place.
One of the smallest things Donnelly does but which is possibly one of the most significant is in her writing of the characters Liz, Joanne, Anne and Kate. In this, Donnelly writes four sympathetic yet truthful representations of Belfast women; how they really speak and behave rather than a group of silly caricatured mammys, sitting and waiting for the boys to come home so they can put the spuds on- although in my life I probably won't do that! 5 Stars *****
Fantastic!!, 27 Jun 2012
By NMcA (Glasgow) - See all my reviews
I bought this book to take on holiday, after being recommended by a friend, and what a great recommendation it was.....I didn't move from the poolside for two days 'til I had absorbed every word of this emotional, Belfast novel! Can't wait for Janice Donnelly's next book! I can't wait for your next novel.
5 Stars *****
Great Read!, 28 Jun 2012
By Katie&Moo - See all my reviews
What a great read this is, I couldn't put it down! A refreshingly vivid story, there are parts of this book that will stay with you forever! 5 Stars *****
Buying Time, September 21, 2012
By Charl G. Luke - See all my reviews
This book chronicles the life of a young Irish farm boy named Benny Brannigan as he moves to Belfast to make his way in the world of banking. Benny is helped by people he meets who also become loyal friends for life. He meets and marries a young nurse named Deirdre and they build a life together. The book is a good read and covers about 40 years of Benny's life and the relationships he and Deirdre have experienced during this time. 5 Stars ****
A Magical Read, October 8, 2012
By William B. Hillman "Dog Lover" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews
It's always fun to start with a young man just leaving home for the first time. Young Benny Brannigan heads off to Belfast in 1968 with just enough clothes in one suitcase to start a new life. In the case is one new suit for the job to will be starting a few days later. He rents a tiny apartment, meets his neighbors and tries to calm down the nerves that will surely send him home with his tail between his legs. The neighbor, Sammy, is a guy we've all met or known. He's the aged player, a guy who looked like Tony Curtis but has been tossed about a few times too many. He's lonely and all but given up. Young Benny brings back the spark in life. Benny goes to work at the bank and over the years, a time period covering 1968 through 2007 amazing things happen. The author managed to suck me into the story and albeit long at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the read, the characters and the story. The women and their secrets, the children that come from the complicated relationships, and the boy who becomes a man all make the story work from beginning to end. What a nice conclusion the book has to wrap up a magical, and wonderfully woven story. The author also managed to build a cast of characters we can all identify with, the woman that thinks she needs more, the illness that comes and cuts a life short, to the loser who searches deep to find himself. I loved the book. I gave it 5 stars because I simply enjoyed the read. 5 Stars *****
5.0 out of 5 stars A story about friendship, December 5, 2012 By Martin Crosbie (Surrey, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Buying Time (Kindle Edition) It's not really a romance as far as I'm concerned. It's a story about a 50 year friendship and a story of trust and lies and life too, I guess. It's difficult to say too much without giving away the plot but the writing is superb, the story is new and fresh and I highly recommend it.
I found myself searching out my kindle during the day so I could read a few more pages and for me that's always a good sign.
I have no hesitation giving it 5 Stars. *****
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful 13 July 2013 By Mrs. F. Magill Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase I couldn't put this book down.
Well done Ms Donnelly, it truly is an amazing read.
I can't wait for your next novel. 5 stars *****
A real treasure, September 30, 2013
By Adrienne - See all my reviews
This review is from: Buying Time (Paperback)
I found out about this book by chance when I bumped into the author in our home town and was delighted to hear about her recent launch in to the world of literature and also curious to find out more.
I was immediately hooked after the first few pages as it took me straight back to my early working days in Belfast city centre in the late 70's / early 80's and my first experience of leaving home to rent a room in a shared house.
I recognised many of the places that Janice brought to life so vividly and loved all the characters especially Benny and Sammy and how their relationship developed over the years.
The book was heartwarming at at times heartbreaking. I cried when I read about Carol's baby much to the amusement of the gentleman sitting beside me on the FlyBe flight to Bergerac after I explained.
Alas, I read the book in 3 days and felt a huge regret that it had come to an end. I very much look forward to Janice's next book due out soon. 5 Stars *****
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, July 24, 2014 By Philomena Armstrong - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Buying Time (Kindle Edition) Very well written *****
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
By ms keo on 1 January 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Good *****
Benny Brannigan, July 8, 2012
By Marj - See all my reviews
This story is life - its excitement, its hope, its joys and its sadness. For some it will be too slow-moving, but for others it will be a real pleasure to read. For those who know Belfast, there will be an extra pleasure in the feeling the author conveys - she has a genuine familiarity with the place. This is not just the story of Benny Brannigan, but the story of those around him as well. 4 Stars ****
Aug 04, 2012 Jack rated it 4 of 5 stars A story of the life of Benny Brannigan, who moves to Belfast in the 1960s to begin his first job, and the lives of those he connects with. Engaging, with well described characters dealing with life's ups and downs. 4 Stars ****
4.0 out of 5 stars GOOD STORY, 5 Aug 2012 By Mrs. C. D. Sykes "On Line Shopper" (Belfast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Buying Time (Kindle Edition) An enjoyable read and will be of particular interest to anyone who grew up in Belfast or indeed any person planning to visit this great city. Thankfully Ms Donnelly does not dwell so much on the troubled past of the province instead she portrays that most folk just got on with their lives. The characters are warm and believable with just some reference to colloquial phrases. I read the book in two days and look forward to the next one. 4 Stars ****
loved it, September 21, 2012
By ivy - See all my reviews
I really enjoyed this book. Reminded me of Maeve Binchy books and I always enjoy Irish fiction. The story wraps around several characters who somehow tie together in the end. No hot steamy romance; just an interesting tale. 4 Stars ****
enjoyed this one, October 26, 2012
By Mimi (Oregon) - See all my reviews
I thought this was well written but at times I got confused by all the characters. Was a good read on the whole. 4 Stars ****
4.0 out of 5 stars Buying Time, 13 Feb 2013 By Mr. Irvine Nicholl (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Buying Time (Kindle Edition) Maybe a bit biased here as the author is the wife of an old friend but thoroughly enjoyed the novel.
4 Stars ****
4.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable read, June 1, 2013 By Tina B. Tessina "Dr. Romance" (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Buying Time (Kindle Edition) Interesting story of a young man in Ireland, through his whole life. Good characters, interesting setting, compelling story, good read. 4 Stars ****
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars By Rita Mongellion May 30, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
It was interesting how the characters' lives intersected. ****