Paddy de Courcy is Ireland's debonair politician, the "John F. Kennedy Jr. of Dublin." His charm and charisma have taken hold of the country and the tabloids, not to mention our four heroines: Lola, Grace, Marnie, and Alicia. But though Paddy's winning smile is fooling Irish minds, the broken hearts he's left in his past offer a far more truthful look into his character.
Narrated in turn by each woman, This Charming Man explores how their love for this one man has shaped their lives. But in true Marian Keyes fashion, this is more than a story of four love affairs. It's a testament to the strength women find in themselves through work, friendship, and family, no matter what demons may be haunting their lives. Depression, self-doubt, domestic abuse—each of these women has seen tough times in life, and it's through Keyes's wonderful storytelling ability that these subjects are approached with the appropriate tone and candor. Her deft touch provides a gripping story and, ultimately, a redemptive ending.
I am a massive fan of Marian Keyes and believe she can do no wrong (absolute favourite is Last Chance Saloon), so it was hard to write this review objectively.
Keyes humour and clever writing are still there in her characters, and there were times when it had me laughing out aloud (particularly when Chloe and the gang were around!) but for some reason I can't quite put my finger on, I don't think this is the best book Keyes has written.
I found Marnie painful to read at times, and while I have never had close contact with someone who has experienced both Alcoholism and physical abuse, I think that this might have been an accurate insight in to how this might be to have to try and live with someone afflicted with this.
The story also gave very graphic descriptions of the physical and emotional violence, showing the depth of the womens' pain as well as their individual strengths.
Lola's journal writing style took a little while to get used to, but once I did, I didn't even notice that sometime sentences were missing all their fillers. She cracked me up, especially when her Trannies (I mean Cross-dressers!) were around!
If you are a fan you know you'l have to read it, so hurry up and go get it!
