Top Keyes Performance (Marian Keyes in general)

Member Name: kiwiii85

Product:	Marian Keyes in general
Date:	19/01/09 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Likeable, personal, hilarious

Disadvantages: Can be predictable

Seen as i've been reviewing a lot of Marian Keyes books, i decided it was time to write a bit more about the author herself.

~~Marian Keyes~~

She was born in Ireland in 1963 so the Irish settings for some of her books come as no surprise to me. Having moved to London in her twenties, you can see where the motivation for some of her books come from. Last Chance Saloon features around three people just appraoching their thirties having moved from Dublin to London in their twenties. This is a mirror image of her life in a way, although several details have been changed. As a recovering alcoholic, her strengths can clearly be seen within her first novel Watermelon.

Watermelon is based on Claire, a woman who has just given birth to her first child but found out that her husbands leaving her and throws herself into drink in a big way. Vodka becomes her new way of life and she has to get past this in order to carry on living. I think Keyes has done exceptionally well to incorporate her own dreadful experiences with such a fantastic read.

I don't think Watermelon is the only book where she has drawn on personal experiences to engage the reader with the story and the characters. It takes a talented writer to do this and Keyes is certainly that.

~~Her books~~

She has written several books that have been published throughout the world. I do find some books rather better than others, but there's only one of hers i was completely unable to engage with and that was Angels.

Last Chance Saloon, Sushi for beginners and The Other Side of the Story are the best by far in my opinion. They are emotional in every way and can have you in hysterics one minute and floods of tears the next! Serious storylines are told in a serious way, but with an added hint of humour throughout.

~~Themes~~

Her books are what you would call Chick Lit and i don't think i know a female that hasn't enjoyed reading them so far. They are mostly predictable but there will always be a few bits you wouldn't expect happening throughout. Basically they are usually a romantic comedy where someone is down on their luck but they work their way up and things come right in the end. This can be from losing a job, depression, alcoholism or simply losing their fella.

~~My verdict~~

Keyes has a fascinating writing style that enables her to capture the attention of the reader throughout the book and they are always real page turners. They are definitely for the females that like an easy read full of laughter and tears (Come on, who doesn't?). They really are an escape from reality until you finish the book and i doubt anyone can say they wouldn't like to escape their lives for a few hours!

Summary: Her books are definitely worth a read.