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scoughlan's review against another edition
3.0
I think this is an important book that delves into serious issues like domestic violence and addiction and describes them extremely well, but it is not without its flaws. My biggest issue was with one of the narrators - Lola - whose diary format and plot too closely mirrored those of Bridget Jones' Diary. The main difference between them was the "tranny" plotline, which was not always treated with sensitivity and conflated two distinct terms (which is addressed in the book but not resolved). Another minor pet peeve was the use of what looked like Comic Sans by one of the other narrators.
essjay1's review against another edition
2.0
What I like about Marian Keyes is that she writes about the “hidden” things that affect our lives, in this case domestic violence, secret desires & addiction. And she usually does so with a strong voice. I usually enjoy her books, I like the way she tackles the big issues with humanity and humour.
For some reason the sections dealing with one of the characters in this book - Lola - are written in a weirdly staccato sort of verbal shorthand that was so distracting I mostly skimmed her parts because it hurt my brain to read. Maybe the author was trying something new and I am too set in my expectations of this author to appreciate it?
For some reason the sections dealing with one of the characters in this book - Lola - are written in a weirdly staccato sort of verbal shorthand that was so distracting I mostly skimmed her parts because it hurt my brain to read. Maybe the author was trying something new and I am too set in my expectations of this author to appreciate it?
meghan111's review against another edition
4.0
The heart of this novel deals with alcoholism and domestic violence, but Keyes manages to keep it light throughout. There are four women who take turns telling this story about a handsome, sociopathic Irish politician on the rise, whose surprise marriage announcement impacts the narrators in different ways. Lola is a stylist who tells her story in Bridget Jones-like shorthand, Grace is a journalist, Marnie is her sister. What I liked so much about this is how it tells the story of a malevolent character through the voices of the women who collide with him, and how those women deal with the aftermath and get revenge.
I also thought about this book and its similarity to [b:The Robber Bride|17650|The Robber Bride|Margaret Atwood|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320478077s/17650.jpg|1119196] by Margaret Atwood - it's sort of a dumber, clunkier, still really really enjoyable and readable Irish version of that novel.
I also thought about this book and its similarity to [b:The Robber Bride|17650|The Robber Bride|Margaret Atwood|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320478077s/17650.jpg|1119196] by Margaret Atwood - it's sort of a dumber, clunkier, still really really enjoyable and readable Irish version of that novel.
micro_berts's review against another edition
3.0
Not her best.
As always, I was really invested in the characters, but almost didn't get far enough in to become invested. The Lola narration came oh so close to making me close the book 50 pages in to never open it again. It was seriously painful reading. I do hope Ms. Keyes has given that up forever.
Otherwise, good story, good characters.
As always, I was really invested in the characters, but almost didn't get far enough in to become invested. The Lola narration came oh so close to making me close the book 50 pages in to never open it again. It was seriously painful reading. I do hope Ms. Keyes has given that up forever.
Otherwise, good story, good characters.
mariaforrest16's review against another edition
Loved Lola's side... Marnie, I found annoying.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
3.7 stars. Not as fluffy as I thought it would be going into the book. But I did enjoy my reading of this. Liked that we looked at 4 women that all have something to do with a politician and their reaction to him getting married. It's an easy read for the most part but have some seriousness as well. Did not fully fall in love with the book but I finally got out of my mind that Marian Keyes isn't a writer for me. She absolutely is, if I'm just in thd right mood.
ckausch's review against another edition
4.0
This Charming Man tells the story of 4 women (although focusing mainly on 3 of them) whose lives are all somehow connected to one man. Paddy de Courcey, a young Irish politician and attractive bachelor, has annouced he's getting married, and it's big news everywhere. Keyes alternates narrators throughout the book, telling the story of these 4 women and how they are connected to Paddy.
This is a bit different than the usual Marian Keyes novels, but it's excellent. First of all, she usually sticks to one main character, so having more than one narrator is new for her. This novel is also darker (not that her novels are ever really light and fluffy) as it involves a very honest and graphic depiction of substance abuse and domestic violence and how some women allow themselves to remain in such a situation. I could not put this one down. The characters are all well developed and I did not want it to end. I finished it over a week ago and still keep thinking about it and wishing I was still reading it. The voice used for Lola is written in diary form, and it's a bit shorthand, leaving out words in sentences which does take some getting used to, but in the long run it helps develop the character.
I highly recommend this book to other Keyes fans and anyone looking for a page-turner you can't put down.
This is a bit different than the usual Marian Keyes novels, but it's excellent. First of all, she usually sticks to one main character, so having more than one narrator is new for her. This novel is also darker (not that her novels are ever really light and fluffy) as it involves a very honest and graphic depiction of substance abuse and domestic violence and how some women allow themselves to remain in such a situation. I could not put this one down. The characters are all well developed and I did not want it to end. I finished it over a week ago and still keep thinking about it and wishing I was still reading it. The voice used for Lola is written in diary form, and it's a bit shorthand, leaving out words in sentences which does take some getting used to, but in the long run it helps develop the character.
I highly recommend this book to other Keyes fans and anyone looking for a page-turner you can't put down.
summergirlmia's review against another edition
4.0
I thought Marian Keyes this a great job with this book. The three main characters were really well developed, although Alicia and Paddy were hardly touched. I personally didn't have too much of a problem with this considering I wasn't too interested in getting to know those two better anyways. This book was over 900 pages but I breezed through it, always a good sign. Loved the way all the details came out in the end at a great pace.
colleenpence's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite book I've read this summer is, This Charming Man, by Irish author, Marian Keyes. I'm a huge fan of hers and have read all of her books. They've been thoughtful, delightful and entertaining. But This Charming Man weaves together compellingly stark portrayals of alcoholism and domestic violence in a serious, yet sassy, page-turner that isn't, strangely, depressing. The women in the book come together to confront their abuser and, while not all of their issues are immediately resolved, they each experience an important catharsis that you know will lead them on their journeys towards healing. Having lived through a debilitating romance with a verbal abuser--who most likely would have turned violent if I hadn't ended things when I did--myself I believe Keyes' novel will touch and empower countless women across the world who will recognize themselves in her brave heroines and therefore seek to end their seemingly hopeless situations.
deniseneutel's review against another edition
4.0
This was my second read of this book which I realized shortly after picking it up. Still had me captivated.