| This Charming Man | 
 enlarge | Author: Marian Keyes
Publisher: Michael Joseph Ltd
Category: Book
List Price: £17.99
Buy New: £8.67
You Save: £9.32 (52%)
New (20) Used (9) from £7.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  65 reviews
Sales Rank: 136
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 688
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.9
ISBN: 0718149122
EAN: 9780718149123
ASIN: 0718149122
Publication Date: April 30, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: IN STOCK - BRAND NEW - SENT FIRST CLASS - IMMEDIATE DISPATCH
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| Customer Reviews:
 anybody out there? June 30, 2008
5 out of 9 found this review helpful
I know, that's the name of Ms. Keyes last (and brillant) novel. But really, this season has been something of a dud for this genre, hasn't it? Two of my favorite authors are Keyes and Jennifer Weiner. Both have always been successful with their unique, intelligent perspectives on women's stories. They have proven their talent for writing with depth and a balance of humor and serious subject matter. This time around, though, fans of Weiner's "Good In Bed" were offered "Certain Girls," which turned likeable, independent, heroine Cannie Shapiro into a fretting frau that grown women hope to never grow into- less of a mother than a "smother." I was really holding out for Keyes latest, and excited at losing myself in its nearly 700 pages- but it is really a mess. As other reviewers mentioned, the acknowledgement in the beginning spoils the secret of this "charming man" the novel revolves around, making the layers of plot and narration that cover the "big reveal" a waste of time, especially given how tedious the initial narrator, Lola, is. Reading over one hundred pages of a diary, "written" in memo-like broken sentences, when it seems unlikely that the character keeps a diary and we've all been Bridgit Jonesed to death? Tedious. I usually admire Keyes for her character development. With that said, it is unless Lola was a fool who couldn't determine difference in importance between distinct life events, she would constantly bring up the exact name of her hair color while going through what turns out to a be a real crises? For so very many pages, there is little character development that makes you care about the story, despite the sad fact of the subject matter. The absence of a great Weiner or Keyes read lead me to the fairly predicable Kinsella, who was unpredictably disappointing with "Remember Me?" (too simple, too silly, boring) and the abysmally cliche I-feel-bad-about-myself-for-reading-something-this-corny Jane Green. My advice? Check out the thank-you in the front of "This Charming," save yourself the book price and donate it to help the people she is trying to assist through her story. That, or volunteering the time it takes to wade through 700 pages, could really change the world. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Emily Giffin and Allison Pearson will come through now.....
Poor June 28, 2008
3 out of 7 found this review helpful
I have read all of Marian's books and enjoyed every single one, except this one, I have found it such hard going that I have given up.
A Good Read June 26, 2008
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
As usual, Marian Keyes newest novel, This Charming Man, kept my interest and I recommend it. Although the book claims to be about 4 women affected by one man, Paddy de Courcy, Alicia remains a mystery to the end. I never considered Paddy as charming, either.
A number of reviewers have commented negatively on Lola's voice, as the writing is in diary short-hand. However, in the first chapter, her voice rings true and she is very, very funny. Later on in the book, her short-hand style began to get on my nerves, as all the characters sound like her.
Keyes deals with some tough subjects in this book--domestic abuse and alcoholism. She does an exceptional job with these subjects.
I really did like this novel, but it was unevenly edited. The beginning and the end were top-notch, the middle needed work. While I would have appreciated more humor in the heart of the book, Keyes does a great job of keeping the reader mystified over several key plots.
Keyes has a keen understanding of human behavior that comes out in her books and which make her an internationally best-selling author. She falls slightly short on two key characters in this book, but the other characters--Lola, Grace and Marnie--are all fleshed out very well and I came to care deeply about them.
By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.
 Not her best work - but still a good read June 22, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Firstly, am HUGE MK fan, so couldn't wait to read this!
Was a little trepedatious when I saw she had set it out in the same style as The Other Side of the Story and Sushi For Beginners (ie. following each 'character' individually), as I think they are her weaker books.
Did seem to work, and as the book progressed, Keyes managed to tie all the characters together in an, albeit very unlikely, scenario.
This books tackles very serious issues of domestic violence, rape, drinking problems, depression and the like (leading to rumours that the book is 'dark'). Would not call it dark per se, as Keyes still manages her usual offbeat patter even when tackling difficult issues - but I do feel she has spread herself too thin on this one. While characters are strong by themselves, the way they are brought together is more fantasy than fiction - and surpases Keyes fondness for whimsey with just plain old unbelieveability.
Weak ending - but real page turner, as you just plain want to find out what happens!
Despite my reservations, would say it's certainly worth a read - but don't waste your money on the hardback!
 WOW! June 21, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I worried about reading the book as had read a couple of bad reviews before I started! Worried a little more when the book got off to a slow start! Didn't take long to pick up though and I was gripped.
Totally fell in love with Lola, what a fabulous character! Didn't appreciate the style of writing to begin with but soon realised it was an important part of making the character more real!
If this is not my favourite Marian Keye's novel it's a close second to 'Anybody Out There'!
Love it, love it, love it!
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