My Favourite Mistake

My favourite mistake is the seventh book by Irish writer, Marian Keyes, in her Walsh Family series. Anna Walsh has been working in New York for many years but she is beginning to think that it is time for a change. During COVID, her relationship with Angelo had finished and she wanted to return home to Ireland, at least for a visit. She worked in New York as a publicity manager for a cosmetic company but it was now time for a change. When the borders reopened Anna resigned from her job and went home.

Eventually she was offered short time work in a small town where her role was to discover why there was vandalism in regard to a new building project and who was behind the discontent. She then discovered that she would be working with Joey Armstrong. This could become complicated as Anna and Joey had history.

As we follow the story of the events occurring in the town we also gradually learn about past events in the lives of Anna and Joey. They are both damaged individuals who are attempting to reclaim their lives, especially as they are growing older. Members of Anna's family also feature prominently throughout the novel.

Again, Rachel

Again, Rachel is the sequel to Rachel's Holiday by Irish author, Marian Keyes. The author has written a number of other books about members of the Walsh family including, Watermelon, Angels, Anybody out there and The mystery of Mercy Close.

In Again, Rachel, Rachel Walsh works as a councillor at "The Cloisters" helping clients acknowledge their addiction issues and hopefully lead a meaningful life again. She is in a new relationship and her own life appears to be in a good place. Then she receives a phone call alerting her to the funeral of her former mother-in-law and she needs to decide whether or not she should attend. In the events that subsequently occur the reader learns of past challenges in Rachels's life including her marriage to Luke, the loss of their child, Rachel's lapse into addition and the break-up of the marriage. 

During the novel we meet a variety of Rachel's clients and how they cope, or do not cope, with their addiction issues. Parallel to this is Rachel's story as her life threatens to unravel as she not only recalls past tragic events but gradually realises that her original interpretation of past events may not be correct. 

The novel tackles serious issues including alcoholism and drug addiction as well as the loss of a baby. Some sections of the book may therfore be confronting if the reader has experienced similar issues, however Rachel has a support network of councillors, family and friends ready to give her support. 

Family relationships is another major theme of the novel and the interactions between members of the Walsh family usually provides a series of humorous situations, particularly the family meetings arranged by the mother to organise her 'surprise' birthday party.

Generally I enjoyed this journey into Rachel's world though at 577 pages, in my opinion, it was too long.

Grown Ups

Grown Ups by Irish author, Marian Keyes, is about the Casey family - three brothers, their wives, children plus extended family members. Through the stories of the wives of the brothers the plot evolves allowing the reader to also get to know the other members of this large family.

Jessie, married to Johnny, loves organising, and paying for, large family gatherings that everyone must attend. She runs her own business with the assistance of her husband and is definitely a control freak. Cara married Ed, a botanist and quieter member of the trio of brothers. Cara has a successful job working in reception at a swish hotel but she has low self esteem. Nell designs sets for stage productions and recently married Liam. As the family saga evolves Nell questions why she married her husband. 

There are also nine children - two from Jessie's first marriage plus three from her relationship with Johnny, Cara and Ed have two sons while Liam has two daughters from a previous marriage. All the children seem to like each other and generally get along well together at the many family functions they attend. 

It can be confusing, especially at first, working out who is who in this novel, but fortunately there is a family tree at the beginning of the book to check if necessary.

 At Johnny's birthday party Cara, who is not well, blurts out a number of family secrets that effectively destabilise the relationships between the grown ups present. During the book the reader has learned, ofter via back stories, of the questionable behaviour of some of the adults, though needless to say chaos occurs when family secrets are publically aired. Re-evaluation of lifestyle plus some introspection is required by the grown ups after Cara's revelations about members of the Casy family.

This a long but generally easy to read and often humourous book about an Irish dysfunctional family.