My life in books: 'One simple line by Maeve Binchy was enough'

'I think Maeve and people like Patricia Scanlan have sent the very essence of Irishness out into the world'

Cathy Kelly: 'When Maeve Binchy’s 'Light A Penny Candle' came out in 1982, I remember wondering if it would ever be possible to write a novel myself.' File picture: Moya Nolan

Cathy Kelly was formerly a journalist before going on to become a best-selling author.

Her latest book, The Island Retreat, published by Harper Collins, is out now.