Customer Reviews
Not everyone is as Charming as they seem - By: Joanne D'Arcy, 03 Jan 2009 
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 & 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 & Alicia. He is the common denominator between them all but they also have something elsein common & as the book progresses it all unravels for them.
Keyes cleverly distinguishes between each of the female characters by using different type font & even pace of writing. We meet all those people important to themin each individual story. Paddy de Courcy does have some space of his ownin the book, but it is rather squashed together & short - no doubt intentional.
Lola is written & appears to Bridget Jonesesque, dated entries with the short, sharp & fast pace writing. Lola is devasted that Paddy is getting married & not to her & we see as Lola hits rock bottom both professionally & personally. She heads down the infamous Kildare By-pass (a topic of interest for many) to Knockavoy. There Lola spends her time recovering, remembering & recuperating & involving herselfin many aspects of community life.
Grace is a journalist who at first appears her only connection & interestin 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) & also as she is chosen by Paddy to ghost-write his autobiography. The sexual tension is prevalent between them & as you read on, you discover how far it goes.
Marnie represents someone who had everything, lovely husband, two children & a lovely home but loses it all with an obsession & addiction. An obsession that she does not fit rightin the world & the only way she can cope is to use her addiction, alcohol. Keyes treats this addiction with care & I found myself wincing as you see someone who has hit the self destruct button fall apartin 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 individuallyin the novel as others. She has admired Paddy from afar & ensnares him rather secretlyin her youth & is seen as the right face (despite its horsey overtones) to accompany an up & coming politician. But does she choose not to accept the real truth about her husband?
All these characters come togetherin the end & the result is not as you first expect. I have been mindful of giving too much awayin 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 & are kept between a close few circles. There is warmth, humour & depth within the book & I turned the page expectantly every time.
To take anything from this book is Lola, the character which staysin my mind the most. Her story could be developed into a book of its own. I would love to more informed about Knockavoy, Chloe & Considine as well as her eclectic mix of friends & 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. - By: Ms. S. Fletcher, 02 Jan 2009 
I've been reading MK's books since Watermelon & always await each new book with tapping feet & drumming fingers & this was no exception.
However..
The book takes some getting into - i'm currently on page 445, & am finding myself putting it down every now & 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 & does nothing to lighten the mood, & 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 onein 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 whenin 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! - By: Regine, 31 Dec 2008 
Uncommonly poor. The pacing is too slow, the story too long & 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 - By: R. Hunter, 30 Dec 2008 I have read most Marian Keyes' books & 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 &in particular found the stylein which Lola's chapters were written incredibly irritating & 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 - By: Mrs. N. J. Butler, 29 Dec 2008 
This is somewhat darker than her previous novels & 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
