In The Copper Beech, Binchy deftly crafts the character of Father Barry to illuminate the struggles faced by the Catholic Church in attracting and retaining young priests committed to celibacy. Father Barry's profound faith and dedication to altruism make him an ideal candidate for the ecclesiastical life. However, his fervent devotion to God is not matched by a desire for celibacy—a sentiment he shares with many Catholic men. Through this nuanced portrayal, Binchy subtly suggests that the Church might benefit from re-evaluating its stance on clerical marriage.

Within the pages of The Copper Beech, Binchy's unwavering feminist themes emerge through the ambitions of Nessa Ryan and her mother, as they ardently aspire to helm their own thriving business venture.