Books : This Charming Man

Rating: - Really disappointed
I usually really enjoy Marian Keyes and was really excited about reading this book. However, because I read the acknowledgements that are in the front of the book, the 'dark secret' thats alluded to is not a secret at all.

The first chapter is one of the worst I've read. It ruined the rest of the book for me. There are still flashes of her humour but she's obviously trying a different direction and whilst courageous it doesn't sit comfortably. Its not particuarly warm or funny and has a very emotive subject matter. Nonetheless its still... boring.

I was really really disappointed. If you're a regular reader of Marian Keyes, don't expect this to be in her usual style.

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Rating: - Her Best!
I could not put this down. Before I knew it it was almost over, but I was completely satisfied! It has its twists, and leaves a tiny cliff hanger everytime she starts a new chapter (changing to another characters point of view) it'll have you laughing out loud, feeling near tears and exclaiming 'ohhh!' when the plot comes together. You wont regret buying this book, I promise.

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Rating: - Not her best, very disappointing
I've really enjoyed her books in the past and even re-read a couple but this one disappointed.
Still a half decent read but I found myself skipping large chunks through boredom.
It's very predictable although, as always, her characterisation is good.
Lacking in originality, parts completely rip-off Bridget Jones and the subject matter has been tackled with more sympathy and less generalisation by others. She also shows a lack of research in many parts, particularly with regards to cross-dressing which may cause offence.
Must do better next time if she wants to keep her audience.

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Rating: - Probably the most outstanding Marian Keyes yet..
I fell in love with MK books in the yr 2000, when I picked up Rachel's Holiday to read on a long flight to Australia... From that day, I have followed MK and read each book as soon as I could get my hands on a copy.....

I couldn't wait to read the newest book... This Charming Man. As soon as it arrived in the bookstores (I live in HK so was later that the UK) I got my copy and went into 'MK Mode' - no disturbance and total unadulterated engrossment from Page one.. Like many others, I dont really know what to say/add that is any different or more praising. I adore this authoress. I seem to become every character as I read, and when I put down the book, its as if I am still living in amongst the pages and wondering what the characters are up to. I don't read the books with the intention of trying to figure out what is going on (of course this does happen somtimes though), I try to read it in 'real time' and Marian certinaly indulges this style of reading. I enjoy reading about the characters as much as I like the plot of the novel.

When I read 'Anybody Out There', MK's previous novel, it rocked me to the core when I found out about Aidan, I truly didnt see it coming. With This Charming Man, it rocks you in a very different way. Extremely sensitive subjects are dealt with with such perceptiveness and refined well composed detail, that even if you have not been in a particular position/situation yourself, you can get a huge empathy for it. This is exceptionally skilled writing.

Simply cannot wait for the next book.

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Rating: - Another hit from Marian!
Another brilliant novel from the best in Chick lit! Couldn't put this book down for three days, neglecting all my duties as a wife and a mother! House is now a state, husband in a huff and I my right arm is in agont after not putting down this monster heavy book for so long!
Another great read, making me want to laugh out loud, especially in regards to the "Trannies" and also cry as the book progressed and the truth gradually comes to light!
So great to find a collection of books that you just want to read over and over again!