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Please can you talk to me about Marian Keyes?

109 replies

Flossiecotton · 18/10/2024 20:09

I am half way through my first Marian Keyes novel courtesy of the freebies on Audible. She is not an author I have considered before, but I am loving it. I wonder if any one would like to discuss Brightest Star in the Sky. I don’t mind spoilers. In particular, did you have a favourite character?

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JaneFondue · 18/10/2024 20:11

You should put this in the What We are Reading forum and you might get specific replies.
I do love a bit of Marian, but in recent years I have gone a bit off her, probably because I have got older and more cynical. Did love Watermelon, Sushi for Beginners, and The Other Side of the Story, among others.

Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot · 18/10/2024 20:13

Her older books are (imo) really brilliant - especially the earliest Walsh family books. The latest books she has written are not so great.

She is lovely though! And very funny.

MonsieurBlobby · 18/10/2024 20:15

I guess it depends what you're into, but personally I've really really enjoyed her more recent books! Definitely recommend reading the Walsh family books in order though (I think Watermelon is first).

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Happyharper · 18/10/2024 20:15

I think the greatest star in the sky is one of her worst! Agree with pp, read her old ones next as they are great!

WingingItMam48 · 18/10/2024 20:15

Agree that her latest books aren't her best. My faves by her are Anybody Out There and This Charming Man. Also quite enjoyed The Mystery of Mercy Close.

JaneFondue · 18/10/2024 20:16

I can't remember the Brightest Star, tbh.

Abstractthinking · 18/10/2024 20:16

Rachel's holiday is the best

Bigearringsbigsmile · 18/10/2024 20:18

I absolutely love early Marian keyes books. Rachel's holiday is brilliant. It really spoke to me.
Lucy sullivan is getting married is great too. Her recent stuff is just not in the same league.

Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot · 18/10/2024 20:20

Rachel’s holiday is a work of art. Is anybody out there is also lovely and made me sob.

Really really didn’t like the newest one about Anna. Just thought there were too many characters and I didn’t care about the story. I can’t bring myself to say it’s bad though - there were some absolutely brilliant lines that made me both laugh and cry. Just overall not a good book.

JaneFondue · 18/10/2024 20:22

In the recent ones, she got too hung up about shoehorning a cause into the book- refugees, eating disorders- rather than just pure fun like the early books. The Walsh family is a brilliant creation. Overall, Marian seems like she would be really fun to hang out with.

Positivenancy · 18/10/2024 20:23

Watermelon- this is so funny!
rachels holiday
they are the best!

HateThese4Leggedbeasts · 18/10/2024 20:25

I agree with pp that the early ones are great. Start with watermelon and work through the Walsh family books.

AspirationalTallskinnylatte · 18/10/2024 20:28

Brightest star in the sky is my favourite of hers. Love the concept

Judellie · 18/10/2024 20:32

I loved Rachel's holiday - and the sequel - and Sushi for Beginners. Also liked Lucy Sullivan is getting married and Watermelon

Brightest Star in the Sky was awful - I think I binned it.

I didn't know there WAS a 'what we are reading' forum, i'll look for it later, got to go out now!

Andywarholswig · 18/10/2024 20:32

I love Marian Keyes, Rachel’s holiday and then recently Again, Rachel are 2 brilliant books but I loved this charming man and anybody out there - all of them really

DecafDodger · 18/10/2024 20:33

Rachel's Holiday is the best.

pjani · 18/10/2024 20:35

I just finished Again, Rachel and it was very lengthy but so enjoyable. I think she’s fab. I’ve read a few of hers over the years but feel like I should seek the rest out now!

DaringlyDizzy · 18/10/2024 20:35

Rachel, again was my fave. Sequel to Rachel's holiday which is also fab. I didnt like grown ups but loved most of the walsh family novels

FlySwimmer · 18/10/2024 20:36

My book club recently read Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married and we didn’t like it! We thought aspects of it had dated horribly, such as the stuff around the ‘fat friend’. I do love Marian as a person: she’s hilarious on Twitter, and when interviewed. Maybe I should give the Walsh family series a go.

RomeoRivers · 18/10/2024 20:37

I love Marian Keyes, but agree the early books are the best. I’ve read everything she’s done. Another vote for Rachel’s Holiday + Watermelon.

HideousKinky · 18/10/2024 20:38

There was an interesting documentary about her on BBC - Alan Yentob "Imagine"

BackToRealitySigh · 18/10/2024 20:39

Sushi for beginners is my favourite although I do love the Walsh Family. Love the old ones, and enjoyed the 2 most recent ones. I think she went through a rough patch though story wise.

Foxylass · 18/10/2024 20:41

The brightest star in the sky, is a great book.
I have read a lot of Marian Keyes' books and this is not at all typical of either her early work or more recent work.

Alwaystired23 · 18/10/2024 20:46

I agree with others, I loved her earlier books. I'm currently (trying) to read her latest book. I haven't finished it as I'm finding it too boring. I have read about 4/5 other books in between.

monty09 · 18/10/2024 20:47

I loved all her books, I'm currently trying to fit in re reading them, I haven't got around to that one yet unfortunately