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The Break
'Myself and Hugh . . . We're taking a break.'
'A city-with-fancy-food sort of break?'
If only.
Amy's husband Hugh says he isn't leaving her.
He still loves her, he's just taking a break - from their marriage, their children and, most of all, from their life together. Six months to lose himself in south-east Asia. And there is nothing Amy can say or do about it.
Yes, it's a mid-life crisis, but let's be clear: a break isn't a break up - yet . . .
However, for Amy it's enough to send her - along with her extended family of gossips, misfits and troublemakers - teetering over the edge.
For a lot can happen in six-months. When Hugh returns if he returns, will he be the same man she married? And will Amy be the same woman?
Because if Hugh is on a break from their marriage, then isn't she?
The Break isn't a story about falling in love but about staying in love. It is Marian Keyes at her funniest, wisest and brilliant best.
'A city-with-fancy-food sort of break?'
If only.
Amy's husband Hugh says he isn't leaving her.
He still loves her, he's just taking a break - from their marriage, their children and, most of all, from their life together. Six months to lose himself in south-east Asia. And there is nothing Amy can say or do about it.
Yes, it's a mid-life crisis, but let's be clear: a break isn't a break up - yet . . .
However, for Amy it's enough to send her - along with her extended family of gossips, misfits and troublemakers - teetering over the edge.
For a lot can happen in six-months. When Hugh returns if he returns, will he be the same man she married? And will Amy be the same woman?
Because if Hugh is on a break from their marriage, then isn't she?
The Break isn't a story about falling in love but about staying in love. It is Marian Keyes at her funniest, wisest and brilliant best.
576 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Marian Keyes
82 books10.4k followersMarian Keyes (born 10 September 1963) is an Irish novelist and non-fiction writer, best known for her work in women's literature. She is an Irish Book Awards winner. Over 22 million copies of her novels have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 32 languages. She became known worldwide for Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, and This Charming Man, with themes including domestic violence and alcoholism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,460 reviews
August 10, 2017
Well - I feel as if I've been put through the wringer with this one and hung out to dry! Yes I've gone through the whole gamut of emotions along with protagonist Amy.
Amy and Hugh are having a break. Not a romantic weekend kind of a break, no this is much more serious. Hugh has decided that he needs a 6 month break from his marriage, his family and his home. He flies to South East Asia on an 'anything goes' backpacking vacation. Amy is completely devastated - she was married previously, and her first husband also walked out on her, and it took a long time before she felt confident enough to trust another man. Hugh WAS that man, the one who was stable, loving, and trustworthy. He tells her he'll be back after 6 months, but even if he is, will he just slot back into family life as if nothing has happened? Or will there be massive repercussions?
The storyline follows Amy through that traumatic 6 months and beyond, but it's not all gloom and doom. There are lots of laugh out loud moments - after all, this is a huge Irish family, full of crazy and interesting characters. I sort of guessed which way this was all going to end, but it was fun getting to the destination. Marian Keyes isn't a top author for nothing - she really knows her craft!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK, Michael Joseph for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Amy and Hugh are having a break. Not a romantic weekend kind of a break, no this is much more serious. Hugh has decided that he needs a 6 month break from his marriage, his family and his home. He flies to South East Asia on an 'anything goes' backpacking vacation. Amy is completely devastated - she was married previously, and her first husband also walked out on her, and it took a long time before she felt confident enough to trust another man. Hugh WAS that man, the one who was stable, loving, and trustworthy. He tells her he'll be back after 6 months, but even if he is, will he just slot back into family life as if nothing has happened? Or will there be massive repercussions?
The storyline follows Amy through that traumatic 6 months and beyond, but it's not all gloom and doom. There are lots of laugh out loud moments - after all, this is a huge Irish family, full of crazy and interesting characters. I sort of guessed which way this was all going to end, but it was fun getting to the destination. Marian Keyes isn't a top author for nothing - she really knows her craft!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK, Michael Joseph for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2017
For some reason, I really was in place where I loved reading this latest offering from Marian Keyes set in Dublin and London. I spend a lot of time reading dark fiction, that it is often necessary to have a book like this - comic, quirky, light and pure entertainment. Amy is 44 years old, married second time round to Hugh for 17 years. Neeve, with her youtube channel, Bitch, Please, is her daughter from her short lived marriage to footballer, Richie. Kaira, is her ultra mature and ethical daughter with Hugh. Living with them most of the time is heartbreakingly fragile niece, Sofie, whose messed up parents are unable to care for her, who they love as their third daughter. The premise holding this novel together is the fallout from a 6 month break from their marriage by Hugh, during which he backpacks round South East Asia. Hugh has endured two recent deaths, including that of his father, which has left him depressed and drowning in existential angst where he feels this is what he needs to do. Amy is not so happy,she is shocked and devastated as we follow her through Hugh's time away.
Amy makes a precarious living working in PR, at the Hatch Agency run with her womaniser colleague Alastair and the more taciturn Tim, who are there for Amy when her world collapses. Every week, Amy travels to London for a couple of days, representing her clients and trying to recruit new ones. Two years ago Amy met the married Josh Rowan, a features editor, and the two of them get emotionally involved and obsessed with each other, meeting regularly but matters come to a conclusion because Amy loves Hugh. Whilst going crazy with buying clothes and other items in an attempt to distract herself, she sees Josh again and the two of them fall headlong into a passionate love affair, temporary in nature, but fulfilling Amy's desires. Amidst all this are the increased pressures and responsibilities that fall on Amy's shoulders for the girls and the antics of her uproarious family and friends.
The main strength of the novel are the fabulous characters that Marian Keyes creates and develops aside from Amy. These include the man-hating Steevie, Posh Petra with her monstrous children, commitment phobic Derry who will ditch a man for the way he may say a word, selfish ex-husband Richie, her vlogging sensation of a mum, Amy's serial killer obsessed, cantankerous dad, and handsome client, Matthew Carlisle. Amy's mad and chaotic household of daughters with their strong support and love for each other, along with her oddball family members are a joy to behold. There are serious issues such as how to keep a marriage together as the years go by, the understandable times when needs are not met, and the much to be desired Irish attitudes to abortion. If you are looking for a class act in entertaining reading, look no further, this novel fits the bill. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Amy makes a precarious living working in PR, at the Hatch Agency run with her womaniser colleague Alastair and the more taciturn Tim, who are there for Amy when her world collapses. Every week, Amy travels to London for a couple of days, representing her clients and trying to recruit new ones. Two years ago Amy met the married Josh Rowan, a features editor, and the two of them get emotionally involved and obsessed with each other, meeting regularly but matters come to a conclusion because Amy loves Hugh. Whilst going crazy with buying clothes and other items in an attempt to distract herself, she sees Josh again and the two of them fall headlong into a passionate love affair, temporary in nature, but fulfilling Amy's desires. Amidst all this are the increased pressures and responsibilities that fall on Amy's shoulders for the girls and the antics of her uproarious family and friends.
The main strength of the novel are the fabulous characters that Marian Keyes creates and develops aside from Amy. These include the man-hating Steevie, Posh Petra with her monstrous children, commitment phobic Derry who will ditch a man for the way he may say a word, selfish ex-husband Richie, her vlogging sensation of a mum, Amy's serial killer obsessed, cantankerous dad, and handsome client, Matthew Carlisle. Amy's mad and chaotic household of daughters with their strong support and love for each other, along with her oddball family members are a joy to behold. There are serious issues such as how to keep a marriage together as the years go by, the understandable times when needs are not met, and the much to be desired Irish attitudes to abortion. If you are looking for a class act in entertaining reading, look no further, this novel fits the bill. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
October 24, 2017
5☆ Compelling, Funny, Emotional..Loved it!
This is my first book by Marian Keyes and it definitely won't be my last! I was gripped from the first few chapters!
The Break is a book about Marriage and the struggles of life and trying to make it work through the ups and downs. Its about Family, Love, Grief, Relationships, and starting over.
When Amy is suddenly told by her husband Hugh he needs a break as he can't take it any more.
He loves Amy he just needs to be free with the understanding there will be no contact and he is free to be 'Single' meaning he can have no strings attached guilt free sex with other women!.
So what better way then to leave her and go on a trip to South East Asia for 6months without her. Promising to come back and start over!
Poor Amy is absolutely devastated and who wouldn't be.
If it was me and he wanted a guilt free pass, believe me he wouldn't be returning to me ever!!
Hugh is struggling with grief and depression and can't see anyway out.
He doesn't give Amy a choice his booked the tickets.
How is she going to explain it to the children and their families.
So Hugh goes leaving Amy to pick up the pieces, be a single parent, work, and still worry what the hell he will be up too whist he is away.
I adored Amy I felt for her so much. I was so mad at Hugh just leaving her like that just because he can. Never mind her feelings.
I loved watching Amy blossom throughout the book.
I also want to mention Amy's large Irish family. The atmosphere and family nights were so humbling. I don't have particularly a large family but my grandparents lived with us all my life and we was a house of 4 generations so when I see books where family time is important it warms my heart!
Marian's writing style was so easy to get engrossed in. Her relaxed and witty sense of writing and humour made the Characters even more relatable. Yes the story is particularly long but don't let that put you off. Before you know it your half way through.
The Break will have you exploring all emotions, laughing, crying, anger, upset, happy.. it will keep you thinking long after reading.
This is a fabulous read with emotional subjects but plenty of humour and Irish Charm!
I highly recommend The Break!
Especially for readers who love Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, humour, gripping and Compelling reads!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
This is my first book by Marian Keyes and it definitely won't be my last! I was gripped from the first few chapters!
The Break is a book about Marriage and the struggles of life and trying to make it work through the ups and downs. Its about Family, Love, Grief, Relationships, and starting over.
When Amy is suddenly told by her husband Hugh he needs a break as he can't take it any more.
He loves Amy he just needs to be free with the understanding there will be no contact and he is free to be 'Single' meaning he can have no strings attached guilt free sex with other women!.
So what better way then to leave her and go on a trip to South East Asia for 6months without her. Promising to come back and start over!
Poor Amy is absolutely devastated and who wouldn't be.
If it was me and he wanted a guilt free pass, believe me he wouldn't be returning to me ever!!
Hugh is struggling with grief and depression and can't see anyway out.
He doesn't give Amy a choice his booked the tickets.
How is she going to explain it to the children and their families.
So Hugh goes leaving Amy to pick up the pieces, be a single parent, work, and still worry what the hell he will be up too whist he is away.
I adored Amy I felt for her so much. I was so mad at Hugh just leaving her like that just because he can. Never mind her feelings.
I loved watching Amy blossom throughout the book.
I also want to mention Amy's large Irish family. The atmosphere and family nights were so humbling. I don't have particularly a large family but my grandparents lived with us all my life and we was a house of 4 generations so when I see books where family time is important it warms my heart!
Marian's writing style was so easy to get engrossed in. Her relaxed and witty sense of writing and humour made the Characters even more relatable. Yes the story is particularly long but don't let that put you off. Before you know it your half way through.
The Break will have you exploring all emotions, laughing, crying, anger, upset, happy.. it will keep you thinking long after reading.
This is a fabulous read with emotional subjects but plenty of humour and Irish Charm!
I highly recommend The Break!
Especially for readers who love Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, humour, gripping and Compelling reads!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
August 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
The Break by Marian Keyes is just one of those lazy summer reads that you know you are going to relax have a giggle and just go with the flow. I read quite a bit of Non Fiction and War related books and every now and again I need a book just for a giggle and having read Rachel's Holiday
kand Watermelon
many moons ago and knowing this author is good for a story as well as a laugh I was looking forward to her latest novel. and the The blurb alone had me intrigued.
A Mid Life Crises but he STILL loves her. He just needs a little time alone to find himself, So six months in South East Asia should do it............but a lot can happen in six months.
Set in Dublin and London with a host on entertaining characters and while you are guaranteed many laugh out loud moments there are also some serious issues tackled here in the story as well.
An enjoyable read that has put Keyes firmly back on my reading shelf after a too long of an absence.
My thanks to Penguin books for an opportunity to read this book in return for an honest option.
The Break by Marian Keyes is just one of those lazy summer reads that you know you are going to relax have a giggle and just go with the flow. I read quite a bit of Non Fiction and War related books and every now and again I need a book just for a giggle and having read Rachel's Holiday
kand Watermelon
many moons ago and knowing this author is good for a story as well as a laugh I was looking forward to her latest novel. and the The blurb alone had me intrigued.A Mid Life Crises but he STILL loves her. He just needs a little time alone to find himself, So six months in South East Asia should do it............but a lot can happen in six months.
Set in Dublin and London with a host on entertaining characters and while you are guaranteed many laugh out loud moments there are also some serious issues tackled here in the story as well.
An enjoyable read that has put Keyes firmly back on my reading shelf after a too long of an absence.
My thanks to Penguin books for an opportunity to read this book in return for an honest option.
September 20, 2017
I haven't loved Keyes last two, three books, though I gobbled up all of the others eagerly. I am happy to report, The Break did not disappoint. Without giving too much away, this is the story of a couple who goes "on a break" - cue Ross and Rachel. Like Keyes other books, this one offers a dose of themes like coping with mental illness, complicated family structures, humorous social critique, and romance. It is quite a long book for this genre, but Keyes has a chatty voice and very real characters which make it readable. I especially liked the last third of the book, and the way the characters develop through the course of the story. While I was sometimes frustrated in the beginning with the slow pace, by the end I had grown attached to the characters and now it feels strange that they are out of my life again. Keyes is very good at creating multi-dimensional characters and a deeper plot than most chick-lit authors, which makes her stand out to me. If you enjoy books by authors like Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty or Roisin Meaney, I think you will enjoy this author as well. Always looking forward to what this author comes up with next!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
August 16, 2019
I loved this novel, even though it wasn’t as funny as some of Keyes’ previous work. I really got emotionally involved. As with Keyes’ other work, Amy is part of a large, complex Irish family. After struggling to survive as a young single mother when her first husband abandoned her and her daughter, she finally, finally lets herself fall for Hugh.
For seventeen years, Hugh and Amy have a good, strong marriage. When Hugh’s dad dies, and then a good friend dies not long after, he can’t shake his depression and says he needs to take a break from their marriage and go traveling. He promises to return and that he’ll always love her and their kids, but during their break, he may or may not sleep with other people. But this means that Amy is also on a break. Will she act on a crush?
Obviously devastated, Amy has to soldier on to take care of her teenage and twenty-two-year old daughters. I loved Amy and all her kooky family members. I felt Amy’s ups and downs acutely even though I don’t have kids and my marriage didn’t last anything close to seventeen years. This is an emotional roller coaster ride and I loved it.
For seventeen years, Hugh and Amy have a good, strong marriage. When Hugh’s dad dies, and then a good friend dies not long after, he can’t shake his depression and says he needs to take a break from their marriage and go traveling. He promises to return and that he’ll always love her and their kids, but during their break, he may or may not sleep with other people. But this means that Amy is also on a break. Will she act on a crush?
Obviously devastated, Amy has to soldier on to take care of her teenage and twenty-two-year old daughters. I loved Amy and all her kooky family members. I felt Amy’s ups and downs acutely even though I don’t have kids and my marriage didn’t last anything close to seventeen years. This is an emotional roller coaster ride and I loved it.
August 28, 2017
Marian Keyes is an author on my auto buy list. I love her style and have been a huge fan of her for many years now! So when I was approved a copy of her new book to review, i was like an embarrassing fan girl whooping away like a mad 'un.
What I love about Marian is her writing really makes you feel like she's one of your mates. Her books are funny, heart warming, down to earth, wise, full of the dramas of families, never fail to make you fall in love with her characters, witty yet also touching on some serious subjects. It's the characters that make every book she writes feel as if she's writing about one of your close friends. The quick quips and insightful remarks, balanced by the overwhelming importance of family and touching moments. Other authors may try to imitate her style, but in my opinion, can't come close.
So I'll try to write an impartial review, but as I've adored everything she's written so far, unless she's written a book about watching 10 layers of paint dry, I'm practically guaranteed to be enthralled.
The Break is about trying to stay in love. Even with all that life has to throw at a marriage - death, sorrow, step families, illness, temptation, ageing parents, money struggles - it is a book about how many hurdles, and trials and tribulations marriages and partnerships have to overcome to stay strong and together.
When Amy's husband Hugh announces he is off travelling around South East Asia and wants "a break" for six months, Amy is naturally devastated. As if she hasn't enough to juggle - work, home, her three girls, ageing parents, troublesome siblings, finances and an obsession with online shopping - she now has to cope with everything by herself. Including all of the gossiping locals. Hugh is adamant he still loves her, doesn't want a divorce and will return. But Amy thinks he's going to meet some young carefree backpacker and not want to come back to her and their hectic, and at times, monotonous life. What follows is the six months leading up to the end of Hugh's "break" but also the months leading up to his shock announcement.
Staying true to her typical style, Marian Keyes writes in her usually witty and insightful way, yet also touches on some deeper topics. Such as pregnancy and abortion still being illegal in Ireland and many women having to travel to the U.K. Although this is a serious subject, and she treats it as such, the writing is still fabulously Marion. This is one of the reason Marion Keyes is the Queen of "chick lit, "women's fiction" "drama". She's hilarious, yet also introduces topics such as depression, suicide, addiction, dementia etc into her books and manages to get the balance perfect between wit and serious.
Would i recommend this book? Oh yes! Would I reread it again? Yes! I just loved the characters as a reader we grew to "know", and can only hope that we revisit the O'Connell family in future books. When this book is published I will be purchasing it to proudly add to my collection of Marion Keyes books. She's still in a class of her own with her own unique spot on blend of chick lit, humour, warmth, wit and seriousness. If her books were a recipe on Masterchef, she would win with the prize for the perfect blend.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Penguin U.K - Michael Joseph and Marian Keyes for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
What I love about Marian is her writing really makes you feel like she's one of your mates. Her books are funny, heart warming, down to earth, wise, full of the dramas of families, never fail to make you fall in love with her characters, witty yet also touching on some serious subjects. It's the characters that make every book she writes feel as if she's writing about one of your close friends. The quick quips and insightful remarks, balanced by the overwhelming importance of family and touching moments. Other authors may try to imitate her style, but in my opinion, can't come close.
So I'll try to write an impartial review, but as I've adored everything she's written so far, unless she's written a book about watching 10 layers of paint dry, I'm practically guaranteed to be enthralled.
The Break is about trying to stay in love. Even with all that life has to throw at a marriage - death, sorrow, step families, illness, temptation, ageing parents, money struggles - it is a book about how many hurdles, and trials and tribulations marriages and partnerships have to overcome to stay strong and together.
When Amy's husband Hugh announces he is off travelling around South East Asia and wants "a break" for six months, Amy is naturally devastated. As if she hasn't enough to juggle - work, home, her three girls, ageing parents, troublesome siblings, finances and an obsession with online shopping - she now has to cope with everything by herself. Including all of the gossiping locals. Hugh is adamant he still loves her, doesn't want a divorce and will return. But Amy thinks he's going to meet some young carefree backpacker and not want to come back to her and their hectic, and at times, monotonous life. What follows is the six months leading up to the end of Hugh's "break" but also the months leading up to his shock announcement.
Staying true to her typical style, Marian Keyes writes in her usually witty and insightful way, yet also touches on some deeper topics. Such as pregnancy and abortion still being illegal in Ireland and many women having to travel to the U.K. Although this is a serious subject, and she treats it as such, the writing is still fabulously Marion. This is one of the reason Marion Keyes is the Queen of "chick lit, "women's fiction" "drama". She's hilarious, yet also introduces topics such as depression, suicide, addiction, dementia etc into her books and manages to get the balance perfect between wit and serious.
Would i recommend this book? Oh yes! Would I reread it again? Yes! I just loved the characters as a reader we grew to "know", and can only hope that we revisit the O'Connell family in future books. When this book is published I will be purchasing it to proudly add to my collection of Marion Keyes books. She's still in a class of her own with her own unique spot on blend of chick lit, humour, warmth, wit and seriousness. If her books were a recipe on Masterchef, she would win with the prize for the perfect blend.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Penguin U.K - Michael Joseph and Marian Keyes for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 8, 2017
I've not read anything by this author before and I'm not sure I will in the future.
The two lead characters in this have been married some time they have a family, and everything seems okay till Hugh the husband has a mid life crisis and wants to go off on his own backpacking somewhere remote for 6 months and experience life, I just got the feeling he just wanted to have some new experiences with other women. Amy his wife doesn't really seem to know how to handle this, she doesn't seem to do much at all about it IMO. She's weak and a doormat. I had problems with the two leads she liked to play the victim while Hugh is just a self absorbed twat. It was obvious where the story was heading right from the get go.
I found this a rather long winded tale with characters that were annoying. Maybe this just wasn't my cup of tea. But it was slow and took ages to get anywhere.
The two lead characters in this have been married some time they have a family, and everything seems okay till Hugh the husband has a mid life crisis and wants to go off on his own backpacking somewhere remote for 6 months and experience life, I just got the feeling he just wanted to have some new experiences with other women. Amy his wife doesn't really seem to know how to handle this, she doesn't seem to do much at all about it IMO. She's weak and a doormat. I had problems with the two leads she liked to play the victim while Hugh is just a self absorbed twat. It was obvious where the story was heading right from the get go.
I found this a rather long winded tale with characters that were annoying. Maybe this just wasn't my cup of tea. But it was slow and took ages to get anywhere.
October 28, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*3.5 stars
It seems like a significant amount of time has passed since I last read a Marian Keyes book. Keyes was one of my favourite authors in my late teens and early twenties and her books have always been on my auto buy list. When this one hit shelves, I admit to rushing out to the shops to immediately purchase a copy. The latest from Keyes, The Break, takes an introspective look at a 40 something couple’s marriage that falls into a deep rut and the fallout from this, delivered with an injection of Keyes’ trademark wit and emotional insight.
Forty four year old Amy knows something is up with her husband of seventeen years Hugh. Since the death of his father, followed by the unexpected death of a close friend, Hugh has been out of sorts for months. Eventually things come to head when Hugh proposes a radical scenario to Amy. He wants to take a break – from the responsibilities of family life, his marriage and career. He hopes that a six month break away from life in Ireland, with no contact while he travels around South-East Asia, will cure him of his overwhelming sense of hopelessness in his life. While Hugh sets off on his life affirming solo adventure, Amy is left to hold it together on the home front. She must deal with wayward daughters, ailing parents, a crazy extended family, gossiping neighbours and friends. At the same time, Amy must keep her head above water and maintain her high flying PR job, which involves a weekly commute from Dublin to London. In six months a lot can happen and change. The Break considers if a marriage on the rocks can withhold a test, such as a six month sabbatical and if this situation can help a couple grow stronger together or draw them further apart.
I was pretty excited about the prospect of a new Marian Keyes novel to read, as I am long standing fan of her work, since I read Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married . Since the first book I devoured by Keyes I have read nearly all her novels, bar one. I have always loved her warmth, wise cracking wit, focus on family drama and light touch approach to serious topics. Readers will find The Break contains all the elements that have made Keyes’ books so successful and readable in the past. But I will say that although I enjoyed most aspects of The Break, I didn’t love this book and unfortunately it isn’t up there with my favourite novels from this author.
I liked the opening concept that Keyes begins with in The Break. The marriage between Amy and Hugh is in crisis and the proposal for husband Hugh to take a break from life in general was a radical one. It is also the prime reason why I stuck with this book. I just had to know if this couple would eventually come back to one another and if Hugh would honour his promise by returning to Amy. The suggestion of a break in a seventeen year long marriage was an curly one. The scenario is tough one and it is a situation that Keyes explores well.
The leads in The Break, Amy and Hugh, are relatable and well formed characters. They are in no way perfect and as a result, we are able to sympathise with them quite readily. Amy was a little weak at times for me and I found it frustrating that she accepted the situation Hugh presented her with little fight. Perhaps this is true of most relationships, we are so scared to lose that person we love so much and ensure their happiness that we are willing to resort to such drastic measures. Hugh was infuriating and selfish for most of the book, but I did feel an overwhelming sense of sadness for him. The leads are supported by an eclectic array of side characters. These include the couple’s own blended family, Amy’s crazy extended family, colleagues and friends. Keyes representation of these characters is rich and humorous. However, their interactions at times had me scratching my head and feeling like I was on the outside, looking into this wild family from the sidelines.
Keyes is unafraid of tackling some fairly serious issues in The Break and I admire her for this great examination into some important issues in modern life. Whilst the focus is on a marriage that hits the skids at almost the twenty year mark, Keyes also looks as grief, loss, care of ageing parents, affairs and social media issues. One of the most eye opening side narratives explored in The Break deals with abortion laws in Ireland. Keyes certainly raised my awareness of the strict controls that exist in Ireland in relation to unplanned pregnancy options. All these issues are handled with just the right blend of emotion, insight, authenticity and wise cracking wit that also demonstrates Keyes’ long standing appeal. The journey Hugh and Amy go on is a push pull, through the wringer style emotional wreck of a ride and I didn’t pick the final outcome.
The pace of The Break was quite slow to be honest and I often felt like it was dragging. It does pick up a bit in the latter parts, especially in the ‘after’ section when Hugh’s break draws to a close. In general, I felt like The Break was a little too long and it seemed to ramble in places, thus my attention waned somewhat. What also struck me was the sexual content which was much higher than usual for a Keyes novel but was in keeping with the overall direction of the narrative. Despite some areas of this novel being a disappointment, there were segments of The Break that I hold in high regard. However, my loyalty to Keyes remains. I will read that one last book in her collection I have left to discover, while I will also continue to buy her books when they are released. This one just didn’t quite hit the Marian Keyes magic spot for me.
*3.5 stars
It seems like a significant amount of time has passed since I last read a Marian Keyes book. Keyes was one of my favourite authors in my late teens and early twenties and her books have always been on my auto buy list. When this one hit shelves, I admit to rushing out to the shops to immediately purchase a copy. The latest from Keyes, The Break, takes an introspective look at a 40 something couple’s marriage that falls into a deep rut and the fallout from this, delivered with an injection of Keyes’ trademark wit and emotional insight.
Forty four year old Amy knows something is up with her husband of seventeen years Hugh. Since the death of his father, followed by the unexpected death of a close friend, Hugh has been out of sorts for months. Eventually things come to head when Hugh proposes a radical scenario to Amy. He wants to take a break – from the responsibilities of family life, his marriage and career. He hopes that a six month break away from life in Ireland, with no contact while he travels around South-East Asia, will cure him of his overwhelming sense of hopelessness in his life. While Hugh sets off on his life affirming solo adventure, Amy is left to hold it together on the home front. She must deal with wayward daughters, ailing parents, a crazy extended family, gossiping neighbours and friends. At the same time, Amy must keep her head above water and maintain her high flying PR job, which involves a weekly commute from Dublin to London. In six months a lot can happen and change. The Break considers if a marriage on the rocks can withhold a test, such as a six month sabbatical and if this situation can help a couple grow stronger together or draw them further apart.
I was pretty excited about the prospect of a new Marian Keyes novel to read, as I am long standing fan of her work, since I read Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married . Since the first book I devoured by Keyes I have read nearly all her novels, bar one. I have always loved her warmth, wise cracking wit, focus on family drama and light touch approach to serious topics. Readers will find The Break contains all the elements that have made Keyes’ books so successful and readable in the past. But I will say that although I enjoyed most aspects of The Break, I didn’t love this book and unfortunately it isn’t up there with my favourite novels from this author.
I liked the opening concept that Keyes begins with in The Break. The marriage between Amy and Hugh is in crisis and the proposal for husband Hugh to take a break from life in general was a radical one. It is also the prime reason why I stuck with this book. I just had to know if this couple would eventually come back to one another and if Hugh would honour his promise by returning to Amy. The suggestion of a break in a seventeen year long marriage was an curly one. The scenario is tough one and it is a situation that Keyes explores well.
The leads in The Break, Amy and Hugh, are relatable and well formed characters. They are in no way perfect and as a result, we are able to sympathise with them quite readily. Amy was a little weak at times for me and I found it frustrating that she accepted the situation Hugh presented her with little fight. Perhaps this is true of most relationships, we are so scared to lose that person we love so much and ensure their happiness that we are willing to resort to such drastic measures. Hugh was infuriating and selfish for most of the book, but I did feel an overwhelming sense of sadness for him. The leads are supported by an eclectic array of side characters. These include the couple’s own blended family, Amy’s crazy extended family, colleagues and friends. Keyes representation of these characters is rich and humorous. However, their interactions at times had me scratching my head and feeling like I was on the outside, looking into this wild family from the sidelines.
Keyes is unafraid of tackling some fairly serious issues in The Break and I admire her for this great examination into some important issues in modern life. Whilst the focus is on a marriage that hits the skids at almost the twenty year mark, Keyes also looks as grief, loss, care of ageing parents, affairs and social media issues. One of the most eye opening side narratives explored in The Break deals with abortion laws in Ireland. Keyes certainly raised my awareness of the strict controls that exist in Ireland in relation to unplanned pregnancy options. All these issues are handled with just the right blend of emotion, insight, authenticity and wise cracking wit that also demonstrates Keyes’ long standing appeal. The journey Hugh and Amy go on is a push pull, through the wringer style emotional wreck of a ride and I didn’t pick the final outcome.
The pace of The Break was quite slow to be honest and I often felt like it was dragging. It does pick up a bit in the latter parts, especially in the ‘after’ section when Hugh’s break draws to a close. In general, I felt like The Break was a little too long and it seemed to ramble in places, thus my attention waned somewhat. What also struck me was the sexual content which was much higher than usual for a Keyes novel but was in keeping with the overall direction of the narrative. Despite some areas of this novel being a disappointment, there were segments of The Break that I hold in high regard. However, my loyalty to Keyes remains. I will read that one last book in her collection I have left to discover, while I will also continue to buy her books when they are released. This one just didn’t quite hit the Marian Keyes magic spot for me.
September 6, 2017
Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors and I was eagerly awaiting her new book 'The Break'. You can guess how happy I was to receive an ARC copy.
Amy's husband has announced that he is taking a six month break for his job, his marriage and his children. How will she cope without him? I loved this book about a dysfunctional family and how they cope with what life throws at them. There was plenty of laugh out loud moments too. This book reminded me of her earlier books Watermelon and Rachel's Holiday. A book I will want to read again and again.
I would like to that NetGalley and Penguin UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Amy's husband has announced that he is taking a six month break for his job, his marriage and his children. How will she cope without him? I loved this book about a dysfunctional family and how they cope with what life throws at them. There was plenty of laugh out loud moments too. This book reminded me of her earlier books Watermelon and Rachel's Holiday. A book I will want to read again and again.
I would like to that NetGalley and Penguin UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2017
I did enjoy this book, but I'd have enjoyed it so much more if it was about 40% shorter. The premise - husband has a midlife crisis and decides he wants to take a break from his marriage/parenting responsibilities and travel the world for 6 months - is simple, and there's no way this book needed to be as long as it was. Marian Keyes' books are always brimming with family drama, advice-giving friends and wonderful characters, but there was waaaaay too much of it here. I found myself checking the % bar on my kindle every few pages and thinking surely I must be getting towards the end, surely something has to happen in this book soon. But it didn't.
The story itself is a fascinating premise, and the characters were great (even if the author's go-to of the enormous extended Irish family is wearing a little thin for me), but I found Amy to be too much of a doormat and Hugh to be a selfish ass. Sure, it's established that he's had a lot of crap going on in his life, but if my husband expected me to stay at home and twiddle my thumbs while he jaunted around the world, and then welcome him back into his old life - if he decided he even wanted it anymore - my response would be far more colourful than Amy's weepy acceptance. Perhaps if I could empathise with her plight more I may have been more invested, but it just made me dislike her for being such a weak-willed character. Harsh, but true. From there it's pages and pages of Amy pottering around her old life, pointless side-quests about the clients she scores for her PR firm, and endless meals with the extended family that give lots of family backstory but don't advance the plot a single inch.
I'm usually a fan of Marian Keye's work, and I was beyond thrilled to be given an ARC, but this one just wasn't for me. A+ for the story, C- for the storytelling. It took a tantalising idea and stretched it razor-thin over too many pages.
The story itself is a fascinating premise, and the characters were great (even if the author's go-to of the enormous extended Irish family is wearing a little thin for me), but I found Amy to be too much of a doormat and Hugh to be a selfish ass. Sure, it's established that he's had a lot of crap going on in his life, but if my husband expected me to stay at home and twiddle my thumbs while he jaunted around the world, and then welcome him back into his old life - if he decided he even wanted it anymore - my response would be far more colourful than Amy's weepy acceptance. Perhaps if I could empathise with her plight more I may have been more invested, but it just made me dislike her for being such a weak-willed character. Harsh, but true. From there it's pages and pages of Amy pottering around her old life, pointless side-quests about the clients she scores for her PR firm, and endless meals with the extended family that give lots of family backstory but don't advance the plot a single inch.
I'm usually a fan of Marian Keye's work, and I was beyond thrilled to be given an ARC, but this one just wasn't for me. A+ for the story, C- for the storytelling. It took a tantalising idea and stretched it razor-thin over too many pages.
December 7, 2018
I don't think I've read Marian Keyes before, so upon seeing this library audiobook, I decided to give it a go.
The Break is a life-lit novel, that in many ways was very relatable, as it addresses relationships and relationship breakdown, family, work and all the other things that make up modern life.
This was an easy read, but at times, there was way too much mundanity. I mean, you'll have to write all that in order to fill over 550 pages or 19 hrs on an audiobook. I call that self-indulgent. Sure, it had a good flow and I didn't need to concentrate too hard, but I would have enjoyed this much more had it been under 400 pages.
The Break is a life-lit novel, that in many ways was very relatable, as it addresses relationships and relationship breakdown, family, work and all the other things that make up modern life.
This was an easy read, but at times, there was way too much mundanity. I mean, you'll have to write all that in order to fill over 550 pages or 19 hrs on an audiobook. I call that self-indulgent. Sure, it had a good flow and I didn't need to concentrate too hard, but I would have enjoyed this much more had it been under 400 pages.
January 28, 2018
I am a big fan of Marian Keyes' work - her books are always guaranteed to make me laugh! 'The Break' was another fantastic read from this wonderful author, I absolutely loved this book.
Amy is 44 years old and has been happily married (or so she thought) to her husband Hugh for 18 years. Hugh has been struggling after the death of two family members and decides he needs a 6 month break from his marriage, job and kids. Amy is convinced by family and friends to date other men, I mean if Hugh is on a break, why can't she be on a break too? The story that follows is hilarious and heartbreaking at times. With some very loveable characters, including Amy's fragile mother going through some big changes, I found myself unable to put this book down.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! :)
Amy is 44 years old and has been happily married (or so she thought) to her husband Hugh for 18 years. Hugh has been struggling after the death of two family members and decides he needs a 6 month break from his marriage, job and kids. Amy is convinced by family and friends to date other men, I mean if Hugh is on a break, why can't she be on a break too? The story that follows is hilarious and heartbreaking at times. With some very loveable characters, including Amy's fragile mother going through some big changes, I found myself unable to put this book down.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! :)
November 12, 2017
Oh what fun!!! I listened to the audio and the narrator was perfect. I used to love all Marian Keyes books, but stopped a few years ago, when I read one or two that felt more depressing than uplifting. I am so glad that one of my friends convinced me to try her newest offering. I fell in love with the whole extended family, and laughed and cried with Amy. I especially loved that her colleagues formed such a big part of her support structure, and enjoyed the office banter. Yes this is light and fluffy but it does make you think how you would react in the same situation, and it also looks at the abortion ban in Ireland. Perfect if you need some escapism.
November 25, 2021
This book owned me, took over my thoughts and stayed with me until I managed to find more time to pick it up again. Despite it being mega -angsty and gut wrenching it was the best book I've read in ages.
The author totally nailed the slightly boring, average, going through the motions family dynamic in this. I'm a similar age, been married a similar number of years and I recognise all too well that slightly depressing sense of watching life go on elsewhere while you taxi the kids around, go to work, get the boiler fixed and put the bins out week after week. So that really resonated with me. That's why Hugh's decision to take off around Asia with his backpack to find himself while leaving Amy to deal with their life and his kids alone kind of incensed me. That he was open about the fact that he was fully open to putting it about during his sabbatical tipped me that bit further over the edge.
I cannot lie, while I was fired up with rage, I was totally gripped. This story absolutely consumed me. Totally monopolized my thoughts, had me wondering what if...I can't remember the last time a book broke into my thoughts like that.
It's challenging to read about someone - who could be me - trying to keep her life together in those circumstances. Fortunately Amy had a quite fascinating job, a crazy family and lots going on at home to keep me riveted.
What I really loved, aside from the emotional torture, witty observations and bittersweet moments was what an uplifting read this was. Amy starts out as the downtrodden, slightly bored working mum, but she really comes out fighting and that made me feel so proud.
An absolutely cracking read that has left me with a big old book hangover as everything I've picked up since has seemed pretty ordinary by comparison. Highly recommended.
**Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the arc**
The author totally nailed the slightly boring, average, going through the motions family dynamic in this. I'm a similar age, been married a similar number of years and I recognise all too well that slightly depressing sense of watching life go on elsewhere while you taxi the kids around, go to work, get the boiler fixed and put the bins out week after week. So that really resonated with me. That's why Hugh's decision to take off around Asia with his backpack to find himself while leaving Amy to deal with their life and his kids alone kind of incensed me. That he was open about the fact that he was fully open to putting it about during his sabbatical tipped me that bit further over the edge.
I cannot lie, while I was fired up with rage, I was totally gripped. This story absolutely consumed me. Totally monopolized my thoughts, had me wondering what if...I can't remember the last time a book broke into my thoughts like that.
It's challenging to read about someone - who could be me - trying to keep her life together in those circumstances. Fortunately Amy had a quite fascinating job, a crazy family and lots going on at home to keep me riveted.
What I really loved, aside from the emotional torture, witty observations and bittersweet moments was what an uplifting read this was. Amy starts out as the downtrodden, slightly bored working mum, but she really comes out fighting and that made me feel so proud.
An absolutely cracking read that has left me with a big old book hangover as everything I've picked up since has seemed pretty ordinary by comparison. Highly recommended.
**Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the arc**
November 9, 2017
I thought I’d give Marian Keyes a try after a friend of mine told me how much she adores her books. It seems evident after finishing this that friends can have wildly differing views on what makes a good book. I found this to be absolute drivel from start to finish....SPOILER ALERT:
Woman has “emotional affair” in the form of lunches and flirting with a colleague, feels a bit bad, and eventually stops flirting.
A year later woman’s “perfect” husband decides he needs to go travelling the world for six months to “find himself”. He tells her that finding himself will involve sleeping with other women on his travels, but he’ll be back and he hopes she’s okay with this.
Woman is not okay with this, mopes about for several chapters.
Woman then sees photo on Facebook of said husband with a woman and decides she’s totally over it and will rekindle flirting (and this time more) with aforementioned love interest.
Aforementioned love interest is a bit of an arse, constantly talks about telling his wife about their affair.
Woman’s husband returns from Thailand 3 months early having shagged 2.5 women and feeling satiated/regretful. Says sorry.
Woman decides to go on mini break with aforementioned love interest anyway a couple of days later, then breaks up with him.
Woman then decides she will not get back with husband.
Woman then gets back with husband. The end.
I MEAN REALLY?!?
Woman has “emotional affair” in the form of lunches and flirting with a colleague, feels a bit bad, and eventually stops flirting.
A year later woman’s “perfect” husband decides he needs to go travelling the world for six months to “find himself”. He tells her that finding himself will involve sleeping with other women on his travels, but he’ll be back and he hopes she’s okay with this.
Woman is not okay with this, mopes about for several chapters.
Woman then sees photo on Facebook of said husband with a woman and decides she’s totally over it and will rekindle flirting (and this time more) with aforementioned love interest.
Aforementioned love interest is a bit of an arse, constantly talks about telling his wife about their affair.
Woman’s husband returns from Thailand 3 months early having shagged 2.5 women and feeling satiated/regretful. Says sorry.
Woman decides to go on mini break with aforementioned love interest anyway a couple of days later, then breaks up with him.
Woman then decides she will not get back with husband.
Woman then gets back with husband. The end.
I MEAN REALLY?!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2017
Forty-four-year-old Amy is gobsmacked when her husband, Hugh, declares that he wants to take a break from their marriage. He plans to travel through South East Asia and sever all contact for six months. Leaving Amy and three children behind, he heads off with a rucksack, a quick-dry towel and a newly discovered sense of freedom. Amy is devastated but, in true Irish style, she picks herself up and carries on, regardless. With some words of (not your average) wisdom from her daughters, sisters and feisty mother, Amy slowly learns what it is like to be a separated mother and struggles to adapt to her new role, albeit in great vintage clothes.
It is twenty two years since Marian Keyes burst onto the fiction scene, with her debut, Watermelon. Twelve worldwide bestselling novels later, she returns with a fresh and zingy new host of characters. Amy is an extremely likable and well-rounded personality; in her prime, yet delightfully immature; attractive, yet insecure; career confident, yet equally happy to be at home. She has raised three very unique children and is a loving aunt to many. Her eldest daughter, Neeve, (who's father is a virtually-absent former footballer) is a make-up vlogger, even managing to rope in her Granny for the odd session. There is her quiet and contemplative niece, Sofie, who has been living with Amy and Hugh since her early childhood and is rarely seen without boyfriend, Jackson. Finally there is Kiara, a dream-child who gives her parents no worries. This houseful of females is awash with ongoing shenanigans and all-round mayhem which builds up momentum for the weekly extended-family meal. Add in Amy's regular commute to London, for her celeb clients requiring media-makeovers, and the story line never dips.
Keyes has come back with a bang. She has deposited some of her own insightful, warm wit into her characters and let them come to life in their own unique way. Fans will recognise many familiar topics dotted throughout the narrative; a love of all things cosmetic-related; a monthly cheese-subscription; a wife who is weary with the arduous task of caring for her husband with dementia; a fear of hairdressers; the joy of seeing a baby car seat being removed from a sibling's car. However, there are more universal moments. The delight of the first sip of crisp, white wine at the end of a crappy day; the 'mean-girl' effect on on adults who need friends, not enemies; the pre-date preparations required to make an older-woman feel confident enough to strip-off. There are also very valid and serious issues addressed. The ongoing Repeal the 8th campaign is tackled head-on with a character needing to travel abroad to end her pregnancy. Women, on this island, have no rights to their own bodies. Under Irish law, it is a criminal offense to procure abortion pills or seek termination in Ireland. In The Break, a female has made her choice, but cannot legally do anything about it. Choice is the key word. It may not be a story line that everyone will be comfortable with, but it is a reflection of our times. Unfair treatment of females in the workplace is also alluded to:
"These days, my friends of child-bearing age, who work any sizable company, tell me that life is like a dystopian novel, one where women have to swallow their pill in a public ceremony every morning in the workplace. ('They watch over you like a hawk. You can't sneak off to puke from a hangover or put on even an ounce. If they suspect you're pregnant, you're immediately sidelined onto the worst project ever, to make you resign.')
But, there are lots of laughs. Bucket-loads of laughs. Amy is the kind of friend that you would want at your party. She's fun, sassy and you know she would have your back. Her ability to laugh and enjoy life, even through the darker moments, are endearing and despite being kicked in the teeth, she does not wallow in self-pity. (Instead, choosing to shop online, despite dwindling finances.) She is a great mother and a fantastic daughter. She gets her chance for her own 'mid-life crisis' and Jaypers, she gets right up on that horse. The sex scenes are real and raunchy, without being gratuitous, and are all the better for it. The body-shaming and 'things you should never wear over the age of forty' lists get the middle finger from Marian Keyes, and rightly so. There are some amazingly astute one-liners, all the way through:
"A soul-mate is like one of those seventy-nine-euro flights to New York - a lovely idea but they don't exist."
"There are times when your heart is bursting with love for them and there are spells when you tense up at the sound of them entering the room."
Flashbacks give the reader a chance to know more about Amy and Hugh, allowing more depth to their relationship. The pacing is great, the language is a balance of the colloquial and generic and all emotions are examined; grief, anger, joy, surprise, despair, excitement (sexual and retail - YES!) and acceptance. Amy's mother is a breath of fresh air and like The Walsh Family novels, the diverse personalities within the family unit are the making of the story. I cannot fault this book at all. I am delighted to see Ms. Keyes back in flying form and spreading the joy to her readers. We are definitely a better nation for her. An outstanding look at life for the modern Irish woman. Highly Recommended.
It is twenty two years since Marian Keyes burst onto the fiction scene, with her debut, Watermelon. Twelve worldwide bestselling novels later, she returns with a fresh and zingy new host of characters. Amy is an extremely likable and well-rounded personality; in her prime, yet delightfully immature; attractive, yet insecure; career confident, yet equally happy to be at home. She has raised three very unique children and is a loving aunt to many. Her eldest daughter, Neeve, (who's father is a virtually-absent former footballer) is a make-up vlogger, even managing to rope in her Granny for the odd session. There is her quiet and contemplative niece, Sofie, who has been living with Amy and Hugh since her early childhood and is rarely seen without boyfriend, Jackson. Finally there is Kiara, a dream-child who gives her parents no worries. This houseful of females is awash with ongoing shenanigans and all-round mayhem which builds up momentum for the weekly extended-family meal. Add in Amy's regular commute to London, for her celeb clients requiring media-makeovers, and the story line never dips.
Keyes has come back with a bang. She has deposited some of her own insightful, warm wit into her characters and let them come to life in their own unique way. Fans will recognise many familiar topics dotted throughout the narrative; a love of all things cosmetic-related; a monthly cheese-subscription; a wife who is weary with the arduous task of caring for her husband with dementia; a fear of hairdressers; the joy of seeing a baby car seat being removed from a sibling's car. However, there are more universal moments. The delight of the first sip of crisp, white wine at the end of a crappy day; the 'mean-girl' effect on on adults who need friends, not enemies; the pre-date preparations required to make an older-woman feel confident enough to strip-off. There are also very valid and serious issues addressed. The ongoing Repeal the 8th campaign is tackled head-on with a character needing to travel abroad to end her pregnancy. Women, on this island, have no rights to their own bodies. Under Irish law, it is a criminal offense to procure abortion pills or seek termination in Ireland. In The Break, a female has made her choice, but cannot legally do anything about it. Choice is the key word. It may not be a story line that everyone will be comfortable with, but it is a reflection of our times. Unfair treatment of females in the workplace is also alluded to:
"These days, my friends of child-bearing age, who work any sizable company, tell me that life is like a dystopian novel, one where women have to swallow their pill in a public ceremony every morning in the workplace. ('They watch over you like a hawk. You can't sneak off to puke from a hangover or put on even an ounce. If they suspect you're pregnant, you're immediately sidelined onto the worst project ever, to make you resign.')
But, there are lots of laughs. Bucket-loads of laughs. Amy is the kind of friend that you would want at your party. She's fun, sassy and you know she would have your back. Her ability to laugh and enjoy life, even through the darker moments, are endearing and despite being kicked in the teeth, she does not wallow in self-pity. (Instead, choosing to shop online, despite dwindling finances.) She is a great mother and a fantastic daughter. She gets her chance for her own 'mid-life crisis' and Jaypers, she gets right up on that horse. The sex scenes are real and raunchy, without being gratuitous, and are all the better for it. The body-shaming and 'things you should never wear over the age of forty' lists get the middle finger from Marian Keyes, and rightly so. There are some amazingly astute one-liners, all the way through:
"A soul-mate is like one of those seventy-nine-euro flights to New York - a lovely idea but they don't exist."
"There are times when your heart is bursting with love for them and there are spells when you tense up at the sound of them entering the room."
Flashbacks give the reader a chance to know more about Amy and Hugh, allowing more depth to their relationship. The pacing is great, the language is a balance of the colloquial and generic and all emotions are examined; grief, anger, joy, surprise, despair, excitement (sexual and retail - YES!) and acceptance. Amy's mother is a breath of fresh air and like The Walsh Family novels, the diverse personalities within the family unit are the making of the story. I cannot fault this book at all. I am delighted to see Ms. Keyes back in flying form and spreading the joy to her readers. We are definitely a better nation for her. An outstanding look at life for the modern Irish woman. Highly Recommended.
March 11, 2019
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
Twitteresque reviews are for books where I never wrote a full review but I want to give you a flavour of how I felt during the book. All in 140 characters or less! These are all books I read during the summer, but I didn’t want to leave them drift away without reviewing them.
One of my favourite books of 2018. A realistic family portrait that made me laugh and cry, and full to the brim of fab characters.
Twitteresque reviews are for books where I never wrote a full review but I want to give you a flavour of how I felt during the book. All in 140 characters or less! These are all books I read during the summer, but I didn’t want to leave them drift away without reviewing them.
One of my favourite books of 2018. A realistic family portrait that made me laugh and cry, and full to the brim of fab characters.
July 22, 2017
It's not news to anyone who has ever asked me about writing and who I admire that I am a huge fan of Marian Keyes. Like - I even embarrass myself with how gushing I am about her - and having now met her a few times, I have made a complete gom of myself on each occasion.
You would think then that being such a huge fan of Marian Keyes would mean reading this book and reviewing it would be a breeze; but it hasn't been for a number of reasons.
1) Before I started to read I took the fear that I wouldn't like it and then I would be all embarrassed around Marian and when she asked (if she asked) if I liked the book I'd have to do that awkward cough and stare at the floor thing or change the subject or feign sudden onset muteness.
2) Second of all, I knew if I reviewed it, there was a chance herself would read the review and therefore the pressure for this to be well written and not stalker-y levels of gushing is high.
3) Thirdly of all, as soon as I heard what this book was about I felt tight knot in the pit of my stomach because already I knew that I would relate to Amy. I would get that person in a bit of a rut and not sure what she wants-itis about it all. I've made a number of huge life decisions in the last year and while they don't directly mirror Amy's - I knew there would be a resonance there. And it scared me a bit.
I was almost scared to start reading - but when I did, I had to fight between the urge to read-it-all-now and the urge to eek it out in little treat size pieces because I didn't want it to end. I didn't want it to end because Keyes writes characters so well you feel as if you know them - they are real, and raw, and flawed, and funny and they fuck up sometimes. They become friends you become heavily invested in.
What this book brings the reader is a marriage in a state of flux - and a woman who has always been there for everyone else finding that the rug has been pulled resoundly from under her feet. She doesn't know how to cope - she lurches from day to day, trying to hold family, friends and work together - managing other people's crises with aplomb while enduring the biggest crisis of her life.
That might sound a bit grim - but it isn't. As with the likes of Rachel's Holiday - Keyes has a way of writing on very serious subjects in a way that pulls the reader in without pulling the reader down. While Amy exists in a void of grief and loss, making some suspect decisions along the way - the reader never feels as if she is wallowing.
She is a strong woman - one of those "didn't know how strong she was until she had to be" characters who you cheer for and want to hug.
Similarly as with the magnificent Walsh family books, Keyes has created such a memorable cast of supporting characters that the book never feels overwritten, padded out or feels as if it has too much focus on Amy.
From her daughters, to her mother (Lillian O'Connell, Mother of Five) to her work colleague Alistair (I love him, I really do. Everyone should know an Alistair) - the characters are brilliantly drawn. They will have you laughing out loud one minute, sobbing the next and cheering the minute after that.
With her finger very firmly on the pulse, Keyes also tackles some pretty heavy issues in this book. She has spoken before how this book involves a take on the Eighth Amendment and the impact it has on women in Ireland. These chapters are strong, emotive, angry even. That Keyes has used her celebrity to speak out so strongly for the 12 women a day who leave Ireland to travel to England is admirable - but it doesn't feel preachy. It doesn't feel shoe-horned into the book to make a point.
I have to admit as much as I LOVE Marian - I would hate to be her. The pressure that she must feel as she releases each new book - with hoards of fans waiting eagerly must be immense. I think I would find it particularly crippling. Has this latest book hit the mark? Will it live up to the greatness of her previous books? Will it help her maintain her position as Queen of Commercial Fiction?
For what my opinion is worth - yes.
This book, more than any other of her's, profoundly touched me. I felt as if Marian was in my head - actually reading my thoughts, my fears, my worries - and putting them on a page for everyone to read. (Killing me Softly with her Books! Sing it if you know it!)
I stayed up until 5am to finish reading it - and when I did, I cried because it was done. And it was brilliant.
No one writes like Marian. No one should even try - her voice is unique, strong and distinctive. Her ability to pull away the layers of the human condition is remarkable.
This book is, simply, brilliant. Her best yet. It has what I thought was impossible was surpassed Rachel's Holiday in my estimation. It will be the must read book of Autumn 2017.
(And the dirty bits are fecking brilliant too!).
You would think then that being such a huge fan of Marian Keyes would mean reading this book and reviewing it would be a breeze; but it hasn't been for a number of reasons.
1) Before I started to read I took the fear that I wouldn't like it and then I would be all embarrassed around Marian and when she asked (if she asked) if I liked the book I'd have to do that awkward cough and stare at the floor thing or change the subject or feign sudden onset muteness.
2) Second of all, I knew if I reviewed it, there was a chance herself would read the review and therefore the pressure for this to be well written and not stalker-y levels of gushing is high.
3) Thirdly of all, as soon as I heard what this book was about I felt tight knot in the pit of my stomach because already I knew that I would relate to Amy. I would get that person in a bit of a rut and not sure what she wants-itis about it all. I've made a number of huge life decisions in the last year and while they don't directly mirror Amy's - I knew there would be a resonance there. And it scared me a bit.
I was almost scared to start reading - but when I did, I had to fight between the urge to read-it-all-now and the urge to eek it out in little treat size pieces because I didn't want it to end. I didn't want it to end because Keyes writes characters so well you feel as if you know them - they are real, and raw, and flawed, and funny and they fuck up sometimes. They become friends you become heavily invested in.
What this book brings the reader is a marriage in a state of flux - and a woman who has always been there for everyone else finding that the rug has been pulled resoundly from under her feet. She doesn't know how to cope - she lurches from day to day, trying to hold family, friends and work together - managing other people's crises with aplomb while enduring the biggest crisis of her life.
That might sound a bit grim - but it isn't. As with the likes of Rachel's Holiday - Keyes has a way of writing on very serious subjects in a way that pulls the reader in without pulling the reader down. While Amy exists in a void of grief and loss, making some suspect decisions along the way - the reader never feels as if she is wallowing.
She is a strong woman - one of those "didn't know how strong she was until she had to be" characters who you cheer for and want to hug.
Similarly as with the magnificent Walsh family books, Keyes has created such a memorable cast of supporting characters that the book never feels overwritten, padded out or feels as if it has too much focus on Amy.
From her daughters, to her mother (Lillian O'Connell, Mother of Five) to her work colleague Alistair (I love him, I really do. Everyone should know an Alistair) - the characters are brilliantly drawn. They will have you laughing out loud one minute, sobbing the next and cheering the minute after that.
With her finger very firmly on the pulse, Keyes also tackles some pretty heavy issues in this book. She has spoken before how this book involves a take on the Eighth Amendment and the impact it has on women in Ireland. These chapters are strong, emotive, angry even. That Keyes has used her celebrity to speak out so strongly for the 12 women a day who leave Ireland to travel to England is admirable - but it doesn't feel preachy. It doesn't feel shoe-horned into the book to make a point.
I have to admit as much as I LOVE Marian - I would hate to be her. The pressure that she must feel as she releases each new book - with hoards of fans waiting eagerly must be immense. I think I would find it particularly crippling. Has this latest book hit the mark? Will it live up to the greatness of her previous books? Will it help her maintain her position as Queen of Commercial Fiction?
For what my opinion is worth - yes.
This book, more than any other of her's, profoundly touched me. I felt as if Marian was in my head - actually reading my thoughts, my fears, my worries - and putting them on a page for everyone to read. (Killing me Softly with her Books! Sing it if you know it!)
I stayed up until 5am to finish reading it - and when I did, I cried because it was done. And it was brilliant.
No one writes like Marian. No one should even try - her voice is unique, strong and distinctive. Her ability to pull away the layers of the human condition is remarkable.
This book is, simply, brilliant. Her best yet. It has what I thought was impossible was surpassed Rachel's Holiday in my estimation. It will be the must read book of Autumn 2017.
(And the dirty bits are fecking brilliant too!).
June 23, 2018
If I could give this a zero stars, I would. What woman in their right mind allows their husband to go off for 6 months and fuck or 'explore' other women? You wanna do that, act like you're single? You're gonna find your ass single real motherfucking quick. I usually love the authors books, but this one just. Pissed. Me. Off. The characters were whiney, selfish, immature and annoying to hell and back. Sofie!! This bitch!! She annoyed the everlovingshit out of me!! Grow up, admit your mistakes, and keep your legs closed!! Take responsibility. This book disgusted me. It's been on my shelf for a while, and just read it. Keep the vows of marriage sacred or don't get married at all. This book gave marriage a bad name. Amy needs to grow a pair of fucking balls. Bitch please! Lemme see my husband with another bitch cozied up. It'll go from 0-100 REAL quick. "Hallpass/break " my ass. Do not recommend.
March 22, 2018
Me encantó.- Muy bien armados los personajes y las situaciones.- Con temas tan reales y dolorosos como la rutina en el matrimonio, las infidelidades y las segundas oportunidades.- Entre medio hijas adolescentes, padres enfermos, hermanos inútiles y Dublin y Londres como escenario.-
September 26, 2017
THE BREAK was a strangely refreshing read considering that it was, at times, difficult to read in terms of storyline. What Marian Keyes managed to accomplish was narrating the heartbreak of a seemingly solid marriage breaking up, with wit alongside real, tough emotional pain.
There are a number of key characters in this book, but Hugh and Amy are at the fore, it's their marriage on a break after all. I went through many changes in how I felt about both these characters. There were times I could not stand Hugh but also moments where he had my compassion. Amy was frustrating in the main but I could see myself being equally stupid in the decision making line, if I was in the same situation. As with all Marian Keyes books, families are prominent in the story and I loved the teenage girls in this book and their narrative.
THE BREAK made me emote hugely. There was barely a time where I wasn't feeling some strong emotion as I read; the writing was that powerful.
This isn't the most comfortable of reads but I love being put into a real situation even if it does discomfort me. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Marian Keyes and I've remembered what I love so much about her books.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley, in return for a honest review.
Reviewed for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
There are a number of key characters in this book, but Hugh and Amy are at the fore, it's their marriage on a break after all. I went through many changes in how I felt about both these characters. There were times I could not stand Hugh but also moments where he had my compassion. Amy was frustrating in the main but I could see myself being equally stupid in the decision making line, if I was in the same situation. As with all Marian Keyes books, families are prominent in the story and I loved the teenage girls in this book and their narrative.
THE BREAK made me emote hugely. There was barely a time where I wasn't feeling some strong emotion as I read; the writing was that powerful.
This isn't the most comfortable of reads but I love being put into a real situation even if it does discomfort me. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Marian Keyes and I've remembered what I love so much about her books.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley, in return for a honest review.
Reviewed for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
October 12, 2017
I started listening to this book over a weekend, and the weirdest thing happened.
While I was at the shops I had complete strangers coming up to me and just starting a conversation out of the blue. I figured out later that I was probably walking around, earphones in, with a big smile on my face, making me look way to approachable.
This is old school Marian Keyes at her best, but with a slightly more mature voice. There’s a big, eccentric Irish family that feels similar to the Walshes that featured in other Keyes books, but with enough differences not to feel like a carbon copy.
The story is definitely not all laughs and tackles quite serious issues and if you are/was married or in a long-term relationship you will be able to relate and wonder how YOU would react if you were in Amy’s shoes.
There was also a lot more “sexy time” between characters than what I am used to in her books. It made listening to this in public a little awkward even if no one could hear.
The audio narrator did an excellent job and this deserves a place in my favourite audio shelf.
If you like Marian Keyes you won’t be disappointed, if you have never tried her I think the audio would be a perfect way to start.
While I was at the shops I had complete strangers coming up to me and just starting a conversation out of the blue. I figured out later that I was probably walking around, earphones in, with a big smile on my face, making me look way to approachable.
This is old school Marian Keyes at her best, but with a slightly more mature voice. There’s a big, eccentric Irish family that feels similar to the Walshes that featured in other Keyes books, but with enough differences not to feel like a carbon copy.
The story is definitely not all laughs and tackles quite serious issues and if you are/was married or in a long-term relationship you will be able to relate and wonder how YOU would react if you were in Amy’s shoes.
There was also a lot more “sexy time” between characters than what I am used to in her books. It made listening to this in public a little awkward even if no one could hear.
The audio narrator did an excellent job and this deserves a place in my favourite audio shelf.
If you like Marian Keyes you won’t be disappointed, if you have never tried her I think the audio would be a perfect way to start.
February 23, 2018
It has been a rough week for our family and I needed a book that I would enjoy but was a bit lighter and required less thinking thank my usual thrillers and serial killers. Marian Keyes did not let me down.
This book made me laugh and it made me cry. It gave me the distraction that I needed. Great characters and story. Very enjoyable
This book made me laugh and it made me cry. It gave me the distraction that I needed. Great characters and story. Very enjoyable
November 22, 2017
Another enjoyable book from Marian Keyes. I just love the way she manages to blend humour and serious issues in a light hearted manner.
This is told from the POV of Amy a mother of three in her forties who is going through a bad patch with her husband...in fact he is leaving her...only for 6 months though!
Yes it's a bit predictable but aren't we all sometimes?!
Lots of laughs and a few tears I would recommend this comedy/family drama.
This is told from the POV of Amy a mother of three in her forties who is going through a bad patch with her husband...in fact he is leaving her...only for 6 months though!
Yes it's a bit predictable but aren't we all sometimes?!
Lots of laughs and a few tears I would recommend this comedy/family drama.
March 24, 2018
Me ha gustado mucho. Supongo que solo escritoras de romántica consagradas como Marian Keyes se atreven a escribir una historia cuya protagonista es una mujer de 44 años, madre de tres adolescentes, casada dos veces, a quien su marido le pide un "descanso". Es el relato de una crisis matrimonial de libro (nunca mejor dicho!), pero Marian Keyes lo hace tan bien, con tanto acierto y maestría al describir sentimientos, pequeñas decepciones y pequeñas ilusiones, e incomunicaciones varias, lo hace tan auténtico, tan divertido, tan en su estilo de familias tipo "gabinete de los hermanos Marx" que no puedo sino admirar su talento, una vez más.
Por cierto, también se mete en el mundo de las redes sociales y los youtubers (el personaje de la hija mayor es tan real...), en el odio que generan y la irracionalidad de la gente, en los problemas de dependencia de los mayores, y le da un tirón de orejas a la sociedad irlandesa por su penalización del aborto.
Ahí lo dejo. Muy recomendable.
Por cierto, también se mete en el mundo de las redes sociales y los youtubers (el personaje de la hija mayor es tan real...), en el odio que generan y la irracionalidad de la gente, en los problemas de dependencia de los mayores, y le da un tirón de orejas a la sociedad irlandesa por su penalización del aborto.
Ahí lo dejo. Muy recomendable.
February 21, 2018
A modern day Irish family/ relationship drama. I have read books by Marian Keyes in previous years and liked them. This one was OK ( I would give it a 2.5*). I found the excessive use of swearing to be unnecessary, nor did I think the sex scenes added anything to the whole angst driven drama. A pity really , as the author does tackle some very valid and interesting themes, the power of social media, fidelity, abortion laws in Ireland, and the dilemma of ageing parents, however I felt the story to be too long winded and at times repetitive.
September 2, 2017
A great beach read.Not my usual genre but thoroughly enjoyable.I have had a long stretch of intense thriller/dark novels and wanted a fun read.This definitely fit the bill,although there were times I felt so bad for Any I wanted to give her a hug.
Amy was left suddenly by her husband Hugh, who had decided he wanted 6 months off their marriage to go galavanting around the world.What a bad egg!However,Amy picks herself up for the good of her family and you learn what had happened in the lead-up to their split.Marian Keyes wrote the character Hugh perfectly.Sometimes I thought he needed a knee in the balls, other times I was desperate for them to get back together.Amy was exactly the kind of girl you wanted to have a few drinks with too.
Overall, a solid 4 stars.A cracking read but I would have liked it even more if it was condensed just a little bit.
Amy was left suddenly by her husband Hugh, who had decided he wanted 6 months off their marriage to go galavanting around the world.What a bad egg!However,Amy picks herself up for the good of her family and you learn what had happened in the lead-up to their split.Marian Keyes wrote the character Hugh perfectly.Sometimes I thought he needed a knee in the balls, other times I was desperate for them to get back together.Amy was exactly the kind of girl you wanted to have a few drinks with too.
Overall, a solid 4 stars.A cracking read but I would have liked it even more if it was condensed just a little bit.
September 2, 2021
This required some thought before writing.
It's a bit of an 'are you kidding me?' book. Let's throw in as many problems as we can to make a point.
The hubby is in the middle of a mid-life crisis and announces he needs a break, a 6 month break. He's leaving for Southeast Asia; and he's not going to be in touch for the entire time. He needs to find himself.
Tangent... this book isn't available digitally in the US. I ordered a trade size paperback from Amazon to take on vacation. Of course, it came after we got home. When I opened it, my husband noticed the size of the book, it's a hefty 660 pages. Conversation:
Hubby: Big book, lots of smut? (Yeah, I read a lot of romance)
Me: No, it's supposed to be about a marriage in trouble. He's in the middle of a mid-life crisis and supposedly needs a break and is taking a 6 months to tour Southeast Asia.
Hubby: Like Thailand?
Me: I guess, Thailand and Vietnam.
Hubby: The only reason a middle aged man goes to Thailand is to f@ck.
And there you have it, what I thought the basic premise of the book would be about. I knew it was from her POV, but I expected a lot of angst over what he was doing, her imagining what he's doing etc...
Oh, no, not so much. Don't get me wrong, it's angsty and she's frustrated, angry and hurt, but the author decides this is going to be a much broader family in crisis book. What can we throw at the wife that she's going to have to deal with while her hubby is finding himself?
1. Her oldest daughter (from a previous marriage), wants her to get back with her first husband (a successful retired pro-athlete). She's also an up and coming social media influencer.
2. Her father has Alzheimer's and her mother is having a crisis of her own. The influencer makes grandma an internet sensation and this goes to grandma's head.
3. Her sister tells her if he's on a break, she is too. She should be having some fun of her own.
4. Middle daughter, who is really her niece, is also in crisis. She's 17 and pregnant, living in Ireland before abortion is legal.
5. Her job in PR is all about putting out fires for celebrities, she spends every Tuesday in London as a fixer.
6. Her youngest daughter is all sweet and happy and accepting, and mom wants to keep it that way.
The only thing she asks of her husband is to not post anything on social media and he abides by this, not so much one of the women he hooks up with. He's tagged on FB and this is the only time she reaches out to him during his sabbatical. His response is minimal. And, she's not happy, she's really pissed off and she's now following the relationship on the OW's FB page. This kick starts a sexual relationship with a married man with whom she was having an emotional affair with the year before.
What? Wait a minute, you're having a meltdown over your husband needing to find himself and you've had an emotional affair that came way too close to being a physical affair, and now, you feel the need to blow it up into a full blown affair, an affair with a married man. Are you kidding me?? I'm supposed to feel all sorts of sympathy for you?? I don't think so.
So, the hubby comes home after 3 months (on Christmas Day), completely miserable, realized it was a huge mistake and actually thinks he's going to be welcomed with open arms. Again, are you kidding me? She announces, the pictures on FB broke her and they're over. She met someone else and she and her lover are going away the day after Christmas. He can stay in the house but when she's back, he needs to get out. He's completely shell shocked by this. Now, he's heartbroken. He really thought she would be totally accepting of his coming home and back to life as usual? Are you kidding me?
She decides that they are going to take the 6 months, he's going to live elsewhere, and then announce to their girls that the marriage is over. The two younger girls realize this is happening and try to bring them together as much as possible.
The affair with the married man starts too fizzle out, she never had any intention of having a long term relationship with him. She doesn't want him to leave his wife for her. The husband goes back to being the nicest and kindest man in the world *insert eye roll*, picking up the pieces of their kids lives and helping them. Including helping the the oldest who decided to take on the abortion issue in Ireland and becomes a hunted social influencer. He's all apologetic about imploding their lives, takes complete responsibility for everything and is basically a heartbroken Sadsack.
They eventually have a conversation about her affair and he knew she was involved with another man the year before, believing she was having a full blown affair. He insists that it was the death of his father and friend that sent him into his mid-life crisis and not knowing she was having some sort of an affair. Really?
Blah, Blah, Blah... they get back together.
2 Are you kidding me? stars
It's a bit of an 'are you kidding me?' book. Let's throw in as many problems as we can to make a point.
The hubby is in the middle of a mid-life crisis and announces he needs a break, a 6 month break. He's leaving for Southeast Asia; and he's not going to be in touch for the entire time. He needs to find himself.
Tangent... this book isn't available digitally in the US. I ordered a trade size paperback from Amazon to take on vacation. Of course, it came after we got home. When I opened it, my husband noticed the size of the book, it's a hefty 660 pages. Conversation:
Hubby: Big book, lots of smut? (Yeah, I read a lot of romance)
Me: No, it's supposed to be about a marriage in trouble. He's in the middle of a mid-life crisis and supposedly needs a break and is taking a 6 months to tour Southeast Asia.
Hubby: Like Thailand?
Me: I guess, Thailand and Vietnam.
Hubby: The only reason a middle aged man goes to Thailand is to f@ck.
And there you have it, what I thought the basic premise of the book would be about. I knew it was from her POV, but I expected a lot of angst over what he was doing, her imagining what he's doing etc...
Oh, no, not so much. Don't get me wrong, it's angsty and she's frustrated, angry and hurt, but the author decides this is going to be a much broader family in crisis book. What can we throw at the wife that she's going to have to deal with while her hubby is finding himself?
1. Her oldest daughter (from a previous marriage), wants her to get back with her first husband (a successful retired pro-athlete). She's also an up and coming social media influencer.
2. Her father has Alzheimer's and her mother is having a crisis of her own. The influencer makes grandma an internet sensation and this goes to grandma's head.
3. Her sister tells her if he's on a break, she is too. She should be having some fun of her own.
4. Middle daughter, who is really her niece, is also in crisis. She's 17 and pregnant, living in Ireland before abortion is legal.
5. Her job in PR is all about putting out fires for celebrities, she spends every Tuesday in London as a fixer.
6. Her youngest daughter is all sweet and happy and accepting, and mom wants to keep it that way.
The only thing she asks of her husband is to not post anything on social media and he abides by this, not so much one of the women he hooks up with. He's tagged on FB and this is the only time she reaches out to him during his sabbatical. His response is minimal. And, she's not happy, she's really pissed off and she's now following the relationship on the OW's FB page. This kick starts a sexual relationship with a married man with whom she was having an emotional affair with the year before.
What? Wait a minute, you're having a meltdown over your husband needing to find himself and you've had an emotional affair that came way too close to being a physical affair, and now, you feel the need to blow it up into a full blown affair, an affair with a married man. Are you kidding me?? I'm supposed to feel all sorts of sympathy for you?? I don't think so.
So, the hubby comes home after 3 months (on Christmas Day), completely miserable, realized it was a huge mistake and actually thinks he's going to be welcomed with open arms. Again, are you kidding me? She announces, the pictures on FB broke her and they're over. She met someone else and she and her lover are going away the day after Christmas. He can stay in the house but when she's back, he needs to get out. He's completely shell shocked by this. Now, he's heartbroken. He really thought she would be totally accepting of his coming home and back to life as usual? Are you kidding me?
She decides that they are going to take the 6 months, he's going to live elsewhere, and then announce to their girls that the marriage is over. The two younger girls realize this is happening and try to bring them together as much as possible.
The affair with the married man starts too fizzle out, she never had any intention of having a long term relationship with him. She doesn't want him to leave his wife for her. The husband goes back to being the nicest and kindest man in the world *insert eye roll*, picking up the pieces of their kids lives and helping them. Including helping the the oldest who decided to take on the abortion issue in Ireland and becomes a hunted social influencer. He's all apologetic about imploding their lives, takes complete responsibility for everything and is basically a heartbroken Sadsack.
They eventually have a conversation about her affair and he knew she was involved with another man the year before, believing she was having a full blown affair. He insists that it was the death of his father and friend that sent him into his mid-life crisis and not knowing she was having some sort of an affair. Really?
Blah, Blah, Blah... they get back together.
2 Are you kidding me? stars
August 4, 2017
Marian Keyes was one of the first "grown up" female authors that I read. I was a big fan of Stephen King and Anne Rice in my early teens, but it was Marian who taught me about families, friendships, loves, losses, and real life experiences. Life (and being a stroppy teenager) got in the way, and I hadn't kept up with her books. I follow her online, and love her on Twitter, YouTube and Podcasts - but I hadn't read any of her newer books in YEARS.
Reading this was like catching up with an old friend after not seeing them for years. I remembered how warm and comforting her writing can be - how I always see myself, or a family member, in there somewhere; how it's like a warm hug; how it's just - engaging.
On the surface, there doesn't seem like there could be enough of a plot to keep a book going for 400 pages. Amy and Hugh are married (happily), with an almost-grown-up family of young women. Hugh suddenly declares that he needs six months off - a break. A break from family life, from Ireland, from his marriage. Amy is left behind to pick up the pieces while he's off doing who knows what with who knows who - will she cope? And what happens if she copes too well?
That's the story - but this author writes Irish families like nobody else. There's a brazen vlogger determined to see Hugh off once and for all; a sweet, adorable teenager who is wise beyond her years; a young woman facing the horror of a crisis pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal; a hoard of "friends" who really just want all the gossip; a couple of dream work colleagues, a Granny who is trying to enjoy herself while looking after a spouse with dementia; and, at the heart of it, a woman who is trying to figure out who she is, what she wants, and how it's going to happen.
I loved this - and I instantly remembered why this author used to be my go-to when things were a bit shitty at home. Recommended.
I received a digital ARC via Netgalley, so thank you to whoever approved that request for me! That has no bearing on my review (check my review-copy shelf if you don't believe me, if it was shite I'd say so).
Reading this was like catching up with an old friend after not seeing them for years. I remembered how warm and comforting her writing can be - how I always see myself, or a family member, in there somewhere; how it's like a warm hug; how it's just - engaging.
On the surface, there doesn't seem like there could be enough of a plot to keep a book going for 400 pages. Amy and Hugh are married (happily), with an almost-grown-up family of young women. Hugh suddenly declares that he needs six months off - a break. A break from family life, from Ireland, from his marriage. Amy is left behind to pick up the pieces while he's off doing who knows what with who knows who - will she cope? And what happens if she copes too well?
That's the story - but this author writes Irish families like nobody else. There's a brazen vlogger determined to see Hugh off once and for all; a sweet, adorable teenager who is wise beyond her years; a young woman facing the horror of a crisis pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal; a hoard of "friends" who really just want all the gossip; a couple of dream work colleagues, a Granny who is trying to enjoy herself while looking after a spouse with dementia; and, at the heart of it, a woman who is trying to figure out who she is, what she wants, and how it's going to happen.
I loved this - and I instantly remembered why this author used to be my go-to when things were a bit shitty at home. Recommended.
I received a digital ARC via Netgalley, so thank you to whoever approved that request for me! That has no bearing on my review (check my review-copy shelf if you don't believe me, if it was shite I'd say so).
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