I could empathise a lot with Jessie (bossy, organiser type) and Cara (disordered relationship with food) and really liked how the characters were fleshed out – with their good bits and bad bits all wrapped up – just like in real life! It didn’t take long to get the gist of who was who – and that really helped. Initially I was a bit confused – there are a LOT of family members and you’re introduced to them all in one go at a family party where Cara starts spilling out family secrets! The book then goes back in time so that you can see the build up to some of these secrets happen. In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s time – finally – to grow up?” One careless remark at Johnny’s birthday party, with the entire family present, starts Cara spilling out all their secrets. Įverything stays under control until Ed’s wife Cara, gets concussion and can’t keep her thoughts to herself.

While some people clash, other people like each other far too much. Under the surface, though, conditions are murkier. Johnny’s wife, Jessie – who has the most money – insists on it. Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together – birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, weekends away. I’ve long been a fan of Marian Keyes (and stalk her on Twitter frequently – especially during the Strictly season!) When I saw another of my ‘close personal friends’ (actually just someone else I follow religiously on social media who I’m never likely to meet IRL), Giovanna Fletcher, rave about Marian’s newest book, I wondered if it was available on NetGalley to get a sneak preview – and joy of joys it was!

Grown ups marian keyes book review