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January 20, 2006 1:22 PM

Angels

Marian Keyes has slowly but surely become, to most, the Queen of chick lit. Not only does she churn out incredibly readable novels every couple of years, but she has a much-coveted column in ‘Marie Claire’. So where to start if you haven’t read any Keyes before? ‘Angels’ is an excellent introduction...

‘Angels’ opens with quiet, unassuming Maggie (the only sensible sister out of five) leaving her husband. This completely out-of-character decision shocks her outrageously brilliant family as much as it does Maggie herself. When her contract at work isn’t renewed, nothing is keeping her in Dublin, and the sights and sun of Los Angeles and lifelong best friend Emily come a-calling.

One of Keyes best skills is observational fiction. Somewhere in this book, you will find a character you identify with. Be it Maggie’s instant LA crush – the commitment phobic Troy – or Emily’s sweet-yet-annoying New Age neighbours, there’s something for everyone in this book.

The book follows Maggie as she embarks on a less sensible way of living for the first time in her life. Immediately accepted by Emily’s friends, she finds herself living the high life in LA, her marriage and Ireland well behind her.

However, this isn’t a fun and quirky all-fluff novel. Keyes deals with sensitive subjects (like trying to have a child) with the greatest of care. We learn more and more about Maggie’s past as she enjoys her present in LA. We soon find out why the ever-reliable Walsh sister lost her job and why her marriage fell apart.

Maggie spends a lot of time experimenting with a different way of life, but when her family make the trip across the Atlantic to visit her, real life comes crashing down. Will she continue on her new, exciting-but-unstable life or will the reappearance of husband Garv take her back to the life she left behind?

This book is truly one of the best books I have ever read. Buy it then set aside a day or two so you can devour it in all of it’s glory. Simply brilliant! [Toni Kelly]

Liked this? Try Watermelon by Marian Keyes!

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Posted by Gemma on January 20, 2006 in Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink

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