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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is the first Keyes book I have read and I shall definitely be reading more of her books. Especially regarding the Walsh sisters as I did enjoy the characters in this book.
It's clear when this book was written (90's) as the body shaming, which was so normal then, definitely stands out now. I did enjoy the story. I found it very funny. It got a bit predictable towards the ending. I think if this was written in today's time, it would have highlighted Claire's character development more as I felt like she came to terms with her husband leaving her some-what on her own, but more so because of another man. But a good, funny read.
It's clear when this book was written (90's) as the body shaming, which was so normal then, definitely stands out now. I did enjoy the story. I found it very funny. It got a bit predictable towards the ending. I think if this was written in today's time, it would have highlighted Claire's character development more as I felt like she came to terms with her husband leaving her some-what on her own, but more so because of another man. But a good, funny read.
The first in the Walsh series and a great book to boot! I love Marian. She's witty and charming and so is her writing.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Almost unbelievably disappointing. I feel like Claire spent all 500 pages of this novel whining and punching down. She was unbearably and repeatedly fatphobic, with bits of 90's era transphobia and racism sprinkled in for good measure. I loved the other Keyes novels I read because they managed to be fantastic chick lit that was both warm and subversive. This story, on the other hand, lacked soul, heart, and wit. Pleasant in places but nothing like the prose I know Keyes is capable of.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s Marian and it’s the Walsh sisters, so this was a fun read with great writing and a great cast of characters and setting. That said, the plot for me wasn’t the most interesting, and some of the plot choices were a little disappointing. After reading Rachel’s Holiday this was a bit of a letdown, as the character development and plot in RH felt a lot stronger. Watermelon was still a fun read though, and I think I’d enjoy anything written by Marian, however I don’t think this is one I’d be itching to return to.
2 Stars for Marian Keyes for the novel
3 Stars for Gerri Halligan for the narration
Wow! Very disappointing. Have always heard so much about this novel so I finally listened to it, was very underwhelmed, had to skim to the end just to get it over with.
Claire wasn't all that likable of a person, she had some really shitty opinions about her sisters, seriously neglected her baby while she was going through the stages of grief over her marriage ending and got involved with someone whom her sister may have been interested in and dating, despite her sister acting like she wasn't into him. She could have asked her sister point blank what was going on between her and Adam rather than sneak around about it and then spend pages and pages feeling guilty. Claire's husband was an asshole but like I said, Claire was kind of an asshole too. No one deserves to be abandoned by their spouse on the day they give birth to their baby and no matter how much of an immature asshole I thought Claire was, she didn't deserve that.
I'm giving it 2 stars because there were some funny moments and I did enjoy Claire's parents. I'm giving it 3 stars for the narration, hated the way Gerri Halligan did the voices for the sisters and Claire, but I enjoyed how she did the voices of Claire's parents and some of the other characters.
3 Stars for Gerri Halligan for the narration
Wow! Very disappointing. Have always heard so much about this novel so I finally listened to it, was very underwhelmed, had to skim to the end just to get it over with.
Spoiler
The main issue I had was the repetition and unbelievable amount of time spent on how beautiful and perfect and hunky Adam was. I mean, pages and pages and pages of Claire just going on and on and on about Adam. Also, I know the book was written 3o years ago but there were definitely some problematic themes, including some racist, and sexist ideas. By today's standards (the year 2025) that just doesn't fly anymore and we have to stop saying "oh but it was at the time" because honestly, it shouldn't have been ok back then either.Claire wasn't all that likable of a person, she had some really shitty opinions about her sisters, seriously neglected her baby while she was going through the stages of grief over her marriage ending and got involved with someone whom her sister may have been interested in and dating, despite her sister acting like she wasn't into him. She could have asked her sister point blank what was going on between her and Adam rather than sneak around about it and then spend pages and pages feeling guilty. Claire's husband was an asshole but like I said, Claire was kind of an asshole too. No one deserves to be abandoned by their spouse on the day they give birth to their baby and no matter how much of an immature asshole I thought Claire was, she didn't deserve that.
I'm giving it 2 stars because there were some funny moments and I did enjoy Claire's parents. I'm giving it 3 stars for the narration, hated the way Gerri Halligan did the voices for the sisters and Claire, but I enjoyed how she did the voices of Claire's parents and some of the other characters.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's evident that this was written a while ago, relatively early in the author's career. A lot of it was a bit irritating. Much prefer some of her later books as she's developed/honed a better style.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting