Once Twice Three Times an Aisling

[Chickenpie9]

Wondered if anyone else has read the third Aisling book and what they thought of it ? I just finished it last night

Oh I’m on page 267 - I’ll chat to you when I’m done. It’s my annual ritual. I was a bit meh about the start but there have been some memorably funny scenes now so I’m reserving judgment. Although if what I can foresee happening comes to pass at the end I will be annoyed and I will want to give her a MN chat about relationships.

Definitely come back when you have finished as don’t want to say anymore in case of spoilers !

Well I’m back!! Sorry I finished it on Sunday but had to take the decorations down!!!

I liked the ending as I was all set for her and John to reunite which to me would have been a step too far. However, I really disliked the anti English tone to the James story - I’m from the country but DM was brought up in the UK and everyone I know has friends and cousins there do it seemed a bit stuck in the 1950’s in its attitude.

However, it was not as funny as the first one nor as good as the second. But I was still sad to finish it - it’s like catching up with an old friend.

I've enjoyed all three. I live in Ireland and have a friend who is a complete Aisling!

I was really glad Aisling didn’t get back with John as I feel that ship has sailed and it was quite a good way to end things . I felt the storyline with her brother was good and relevant to male mental health issues although it got a bit buried amongst all the other events towards the end . I did enjoy the third book however the celebrity stuff spoiled it a little . I do love the books in general though and interested to hear there’s a possible movie .

Agree about the celebrity stuff. Kind of spoiled the whole down-to-earth feel which is key to why the books work so well.

Yes Popcorn, I think I laughed so loud at the first one because I know so many Aislings - or parts of an Aisling!!! I'm from a country town where GAA is the only thing going on and the local team is our main competitor (all so daft when you read it back). I left years ago for Uni and never returned to live but visit often.

I agree that the mental health issue with her brother was well done and also the comments to women about not staying with someone because you want to save them (it would be useful to many women on here).

As I say I love the books and look forward to reading them and catching up but this one was not as funny as the first (although could any book capture that moment again?).

As an aside, I moved on from this to Olive Ketteridge as I had heard all the hype and I am not moved at all - although I will give it to the half way stage to see if it improves.

I’m not from Ireland but I adore all the little details and Irishness of the books especially as so many people say it’s just like them and their friends . Are there any other books which are similar at all to Aisling ?

@Chickenpie9 other Irish authors I love are Ciara Geraghty, Clare Dowling, Amy Huberman, Sheila O'Flanagan and of course the great Marian Keyes!