Maeve Binchy was born in County Dublin in Ireland. She is one of the most famous Irish authors. She was taught at the Holy Child Convent in Kilkenny and at University College, Dublin. Her first novel was Light A Penny Candle which was published in 1982 and since then she has written more than a dozen novels. She was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the British Book awards in 1999. She is married to the writer and broadcaster, Gordon Snell.