Scan barcode
A review by am__flynn
This Charming Man by Marian Keyes
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I really like Marian Keyes, but found this book very hard going for a number of reasons:
1. The writing style used for Lola's character. Was it meant to be diary style? Because if so, it didn't work. Inner narration? Didn't work. It made my eyes burn.
2. The transphobia, Jesus Christ the transphobia. Although none of the characters are actually transgender, the wilful use of a shortened term was unnecessary and gross. Yes. It was written 14 years ago, but STILL.
3. The casual racism
4. The fact that some of these characters felt like caricatures at times. The way they justified bad behaviour - either their own, or others - often lacked credibility. Lola, in particular - she might have been head over heels about Paddy but no grown adult thinks like she did.
Overall the book got compelling enough towards the end but it was a bit of a slog.
1. The writing style used for Lola's character. Was it meant to be diary style? Because if so, it didn't work. Inner narration? Didn't work. It made my eyes burn.
2. The transphobia, Jesus Christ the transphobia. Although none of the characters are actually transgender, the wilful use of a shortened term was unnecessary and gross. Yes. It was written 14 years ago, but STILL.
3. The casual racism
4. The fact that some of these characters felt like caricatures at times. The way they justified bad behaviour - either their own, or others - often lacked credibility. Lola, in particular - she might have been head over heels about Paddy but no grown adult thinks like she did.
Overall the book got compelling enough towards the end but it was a bit of a slog.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Violence
Moderate: Transphobia