I seem to have come of (a certain) age early - this was my first foray into the fluffy pink world of chick lit, all 600+ pages, and I enjoyed it! Marian Keyes is a witty, insightful writer, and her characters really come to life. Pure escapism, but not overly romantic or ridiculous.

The lives of three women are connected by books - Gemma and Lily, once best friends, are writing their first novels, and Jojo, a glamorous yet approachable literary agent, helps them to get their work published. The separate threads of the story are neatly woven together, with no trite happy endings or impossible coincidences. Life for all three does eventually work out for the best, but the reader is happy for good things to come to them. Gemma and Lily's narratives are given individual 'voices', whereas Jojo - perhaps because she would be too intimidating in first person - is presented via quick-fire dialogue and her interaction with the other characters. I loved them all - Gemma's fantasies and high-maintenance mother, Lily's distinctive appearance and wonderful boyfriend, and Jojo's spirit.

A very funny and engaging read from start to finish. I might have to read more from this author, now that my prejudiced opinion of chick lit has been challenged! ( )

I love her books for the sheer volume, but this one also wasn't as depressing as a lot of her others were (which isn't to say that this one was light and happy, not at all). I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look of the publishing world. As always, MK weaves story threads so beautifully tightly together, you can't help but mmarvel how it all falls into place after a 648-page tour de force. ( )

Economic policy, conditions of foreign aid, and structural adjustments programs in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Bolivia and El Salvador are examined.

Chick lit, Irish, Writers, Divorce, Infidelity ( )

The first Marian Keyes book I read, was hoping to pass idle time blissfully and remain worry-free. so it's nice to read about a couple of women going through little trials in their lives now and then. A little longer than necessary, but Marian has good style and doesn't fail to bore you even when the story drags. A good afternoon/tea-time read.
I'll be searching for more Marian Keyes books! Let's just hope they aren't as long-winded as this one. ( )