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This Charming Man | 
 enlarge | Author: Marian Keyes
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Category: Book
List Price: £17.05
Buy Used: £10.48
You Save: £6.57 (39%)
Used (10) from £10.48
Rating:  96 reviews
Sales Rank: 1203949
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 576
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 9 x 5.9 x 1.6
ISBN: 0061124028
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9780061124020
ASIN: 0061124028
Publication Date: June 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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| Customer Reviews: Read 91 more reviews...
 Not everyone is as Charming as they seem January 3, 2009
Joanne D'Arcy (Portsmouth, UK)
This is the first Marian Keyes I have read. I am sure it will not be the last; but I know what I am getting if I do pick one up.
This has had mixed reviews and I can understand why, however I am prepared to look more openly at this book as I have not read previous ones to compare to.
'This Charming Man' is Paddy de Courcy who has had an effect on four different women Lola, Grace, Marnie and Alicia. He is the common denominator between them all but they also have something else in common and as the book progresses it all unravels for them.
Keyes cleverly distinguishes between each of the female characters by using different type font and even pace of writing. We meet all those people important to them in each individual story. Paddy de Courcy does have some space of his own in the book, but it is rather squashed together and short - no doubt intentional.
Lola is written and appears to Bridget Jonesesque, dated entries with the short, sharp and fast pace writing. Lola is devasted that Paddy is getting married and not to her and we see as Lola hits rock bottom both professionally and personally. She heads down the infamous Kildare By-pass (a topic of interest for many) to Knockavoy. There Lola spends her time recovering, remembering and recuperating and involving herself in many aspects of community life.
Grace is a journalist who at first appears her only connection and interest in Paddy is trying to interview anyone that knows him. However it becomes apparent that Grace has many connections to Paddy, through her twin sister Marnie (the third main character) and also as she is chosen by Paddy to ghost-write his autobiography. The sexual tension is prevalent between them and as you read on, you discover how far it goes.
Marnie represents someone who had everything, lovely husband, two children and a lovely home but loses it all with an obsession and addiction. An obsession that she does not fit right in the world and the only way she can cope is to use her addiction, alcohol. Keyes treats this addiction with care and I found myself wincing as you see someone who has hit the self destruct button fall apart in front of your eyes. Will Marnie ever repair her life?
Alicia (Leechy to her friends) is the fourth character who does not get as much space individually in the novel as others. She has admired Paddy from afar and ensnares him rather secretly in her youth and is seen as the right face (despite its horsey overtones) to accompany an up and coming politician. But does she choose not to accept the real truth about her husband?
All these characters come together in the end and the result is not as you first expect. I have been mindful of giving too much away in this review, as it would be so easy to do when trying to get the gist of the story.
Keyes has crafted a book which deals with some issues that very rarely get much space nationally and are kept between a close few circles. There is warmth, humour and depth within the book and I turned the page expectantly every time.
To take anything from this book is Lola, the character which stays in my mind the most. Her story could be developed into a book of its own. I would love to more informed about Knockavoy, Chloe and Considine as well as her eclectic mix of friends and their husbands.
That said it is always a sign of a good book if you take away something from it you wish to know more about. A shame that none of the characters stood out as much for me.
 Still trying to get through it. January 2, 2009
Ms. S. Fletcher (uk)
I've been reading MK's books since Watermelon and always await each new book with tapping feet and drumming fingers and this was no exception.
However..
The book takes some getting into - i'm currently on page 445, and am finding myself putting it down every now and again before i fall into a depressive hole. Although some of her other books have covered darker topics such as addictions/infidelity/death/cancer this one doesn't break up the story with lighter moments - for me Lola is just as depressive as the other charachters and does nothing to lighten the mood, and i'm finding the diary type commentary highly annoying. So far i have yet to laugh out loud as i usually do with MK's work. Will continue to read out of loyalty rather than being interested with the story as there's no one in the book i find i actually like as yet (and at page 445 i'm unlikely to either)
MK is a naturally funny writer but it's like this book was either written when in a very bad mood or the publishers forced her to take out any lighter moments. Sorry Marian but still look forward to the next book, just hope it is one with the lighter funnier moments when it hits the shelves.
 Excruciatingly boring! December 31, 2008
Regine (Orleans, France)
Uncommonly poor. The pacing is too slow, the story too long and the way Marnie's alcoolism was handled on this book appeared unrealistic to me. In addition, the change of fonts at every chapter was a real bad idea.
Really disapointing December 30, 2008
R. Hunter (London)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have read most Marian Keyes' books and have enjoyed them all so was looking forward to this one....unfortunately I was very disapointed. Despite the very serious subject I just didn't care about the characters and in particular found the style in which Lola's chapters were written incredibly irritating and unintelligent.
I gave up about a quarter of the way through as I just couldn't face any more - this book does not even begin to successfully portray the issues it was meant to be tackling.
 Darker and more Interesting December 29, 2008
Mrs. N. J. Butler (England)
This is somewhat darker than her previous novels and all the better for it. I love Marion Keyes for her light hearted feel good books. This is ultimately a feel good book, but the underlying currents make it much more interesting than usual. A definate way forward for Marion Keyes
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