Carved on the trunk of the mighty copper beech tree that embraces the schoolyard in Shancarrig are declarations of love, hope, and identity -- the youthful dreams of the children who studied there. Now grown, yet shaped by their years in the schoolhouse, they lead different lives. The Copper Beech is about eight of these dreamers.

From Ryan's Hotel to Barna Woods, where the gypsies came each year, from Nelly Dunn's sweet shop to Father Gunn's church, the tenor of life in Shancarrig is outwardly placid and uneventful. Some, like Nessa Ryan, in search of passion, would say deadly dull. But behind the calm exterior, serenity fades into unexpected drama: Maddy Ross has a secret love; Eddie Barton, a surprising friendship; the Darcys, the glamorous newcomers, find a curious partner in poor Maura Brennan. The Dunnes, Kellys, Leo Murphy, and Dr. Jims all have their own extraordinary stories to tell...brought to life by Maeve Binchy's sure touch.