I don’t know where to begin with this book. It is simply fabulous. I know, I’m biased. Marian Keyes is my favour author. And this book certainly did not disappoint. It is written in a similar vein to her two previous non-fiction books — Under The Duvet and Further Under The Duvet. That is to say, it is a collection of her newspaper and magazine articles, items written for her newsletter, and diary entries. Some of these have been previously published as stand-alone items, and some haven’t.

Keyes writes non-fiction with the same conversational style she uses in her fiction. With each story (because, although she is writing about events that she has experienced, they do still come across as stories), she writes beautifully about the ‘characters’ (her family and loved ones), and with each situation, it is as though we are there in the room with her. It is as though we she is speaking directly to us.

As with her previous books, Keyes portrays herself as a slightly unhinged, slightly (okay, very) neurotic woman who faces a constant struggle with real life. She s self-deprecating, which is such an endearing feature, and she is honest about her depression and how it affects her and her family. But, she writes with such warmth, such humour, that her flaws simply make her more appealing. She is able to write about the funny side of bad situations in a way most people would find difficult. And it is so refreshing to read.

I think the thing I find most appealing about this book is how much I can relate to it. I really relate to Marian Keyes as a person. Our ‘crazy’ is very similar. We both live with a constant fear and anxiety. I understand exactly what she means when she writes about waiting for something bad to happen because — she knows — it will. I am clumsy like her. I’m an introvert. I’m a people-pleaser. All things which feel like afflictions. But, then I read this book, and I felt a little less crazy. And, you know what? I laughed my way through this book. I can think of no writer with such a fantastic way of writing humour into mundane situations. If ever I were to use the phrase “born storyteller” it would be about Marian Keyes. She’s fab.

I highly recommend this book. Also, because the chapters are individual items in themselves, you can dip in and out of it, and you don’t have to read it in a linear fashion. Perfect.

Anyone in need of a pick-me-up. People who are looking to smile.

Marian Keyes! Love her. She is so funny.

Re-read some of Marian's novels.

Happy. Warm. Lighter.

I don't think I can really emphasise any more strongly how much I love this woman's writing talents. But, not only that, I love her honestly, her warmth, her wit.

It's a feel-good read, and we all need that right now.

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Created Apr 03, 2021 at 6:48am • Submit your own review...