Customer Reviews: Read 84 more reviews...
 Understand what other reviewers are saying, but URGE you to give it a chance November 29, 2008
some small SPOILERS, but nothing you couldn't discern by reading the official review
The main criticism levelled at this book seems to be that it is depressing, upsetting, and "un-Marianlike". Well, guess what, domestic violence is a depressing and upsetting subject, particularly for those who have suffered it. This is not my favourite Marian book (that title is still up for dispute between Rachel's Holiday, Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married and Last Chance Saloon), but although it isn't perfect, it's still a damn good read. Arguably she took the wrong tone for Lola, by having her funny, Bridgetesque diary style continue even after we find out Lola has been beaten by Paddy. Personally I think it reflects the fact that Lola is bruised but not broken, so to speak. Paddy has hurt her, but he hasn't managed to beat the essence of Lola out of her.
Marnie's entries are indeed upsetting; even before you find out what is going on with Marnie, her panic and agitation are palpable and leap off the page, so yes, perhaps this is "not a good book to read before bed", but just because Marian has decided to tackle some slightly more serious subject matter doesn't make it a bad book. Personally I'd rather read a good book from my favourite author (which she is) which affected me, rather than a safe one with a soporific plot that I could safely read before sleeping. I prefer my books to stay with me for a while.
Grace's entries are the best written, but then, Grace is a journalist, so I would imagine this is a deliberate attempt to present the way language pervades her thoughts far more than the others. I would have liked to have heard more from Alicia, especially immediately after the revelations at Paddy's flat, but it doesn't spoil the book.
Coincidentally, shortly before reading This Charming Man, I happened to re-read Watermelon, which I hadn't read for years. The first time I read Watermelon, I was in fits of laughter throughout and thought it was one of the best books I had ever read. A decade later, and having become a writer myself, I can see the flaws in her earliest work - it still holds together as an enjoyable summer read, but is not indicative of her full potential as an author. This Charming Man, on the other hand, shows just how far she has come. Maybe it's not as funny and silly as her early work. Maybe her heroes are not as clearly identifiable as they used to be (neither this, nor, arguably, Anyone Out There, had a clear romantic hero that the heroine would/should end up with). But she is writing a better class of book. And you people are denigrating her for it? Come on.
She is growing as a writer. It is our duty as readers to grow with her.
 Genius November 26, 2008
Another fantastis book by Marian! She is an amazing writer, I have bought all the books she has ever written, and I`m waiting unpatiently for the next one, which is "under construction" :)
I read this book in two days, it`s about 5-600 pages I think, but you just can`t put it down!!
 very disappointing November 10, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is not at all what I've expected from Marian Keyes. It is very upsetting and it is not suitable for reading before you go to bed. Out of the 4 women there's 1 she barely talks about, 1 I don't really like, 1 that is a terrible read, so leaves only 1 true 'Marian Keyes'-character.
If you like to read about 'real' problems, you might like it, but if you're just looking for another easy read, better go for something else!
Weird October 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Dull, depressing, extremely heavy going. Not remotely sexy or romantic and without a hero-unless you count the cross-dresser. Even the baddie wasn't properly punished, so there was no satisfying conclusion. The writing style was irritating but I kept reading on in the hope that the story would finally catch my imagination and come to life. Sadly, it never did
Disappointing October 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have read all Marian Keyes books. Took this on holiday and really struggled to even get through it. Not up to her usual style and wit. Very disappointed and glad to see that other reviews agree.
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