It was a mistake to choose this book as it's not for me. I couldn't like the heroine or care whether or not her husband came back to her. I also found it boring and padded out with unnecssary detail. Not the sort of review I usually write but having now read two of her books, I think Marian Keyes very overrated.

So fecking funny! As Irish as a good craic, bubbling under with a piss take of celebrity culture, a lovely warm look at a 21st century family and a damn near brutal window into family, marriage, colleagues and friend relationships.

Amy is our vintage vixen. A cross between bumbling Bridget Jones and the loveable Lorelai Gilmore, Amy is a career mum and dedicated wife. Or is she?

And then her husband decides to go off and "self actuate" for six months.

What a bastard! Or is he?

Marian Keyes takes her reader on a hilarious and sometimes tragic journey through Amy's daily life choices whilst Hugh the husband is away. Concurrently, the reader is treated to a little bit of 'flashbackery' so we can start to sense that all may not be quite what it seems.

A kaleidoscope of rich characters - a rebel grandmother baulking at caring for her dementia ridden husband, Neeve the insecure daughter who sees life through her beauty vlog and Steevie her AMAB girlfriend to name a few. Then there's the cosmopolitan work trips to awards ceremonies and flashy hotels, indeed, never a dull moment. As Amy is a Publicist I can see the temptation for the indepth profiling of Amy's celebrity clients by Keyes, but they were superfluous to reading requirement for me personally. What I did enjoy was the family dynamics and "watching" Amy bumble through her six months of change. It was a bit cringey having to watch our Amy making some choices that from a distance, were downright regrettable, but that's life isn't it. These choices however, were portrayed with flair and elegance by Keyes.

Our lovely author has thrown us a pick 'n' mix of themes: trust, adultery, abandonment, ageism, abortion, sexism, and love.

A great uplifting read, a true 5 star recommended book. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for my free ARC. You are going to love this ...

Published on 7th September 2017, posting review to www.appletreeantiquarianbooks.wordpress.com on 1st September 2017.

The Break doesn’t shy away from the big topics. As well as the issues of relationships and how they change over the years, Keyes also makes reference to the 8th amendment. It’s handled in depth and in a wonderfully human way. There’s no dramatics, no shouting wildly about a message. However, it will hopefully open the eyes of her broader world audience to the situation as it is in Ireland currently, and will hopefully grab the attention of readers who may be on the fence. It’s not preachy or over the top, but it gets the message across.

Neither Amy nor Hugh are perfect characters. Both go through phases where you’re shouting at them to dump the other, run off and join the circus. It’s true to life in that way. We’re all not 100% the people we really should be all of the time. The realistic portrayal of how it affects everyone else, how others react to the news and events going forward is refreshing. These characters are full-bodied and personable. It felt like I was sitting down with Amy for a cup of tea and a catch up at times, reading the chapters. The depiction of their relationship, the little issues that come up – it will speak to others who have been, and who are, in those shoes. The anticipation as to how it would all work out kept me turning the pages furiously. There’s a lot in there to unpack.

Aside from the main characters; The Break is host to a cast of side characters who serve a purpose and are truly memorable. I love Alastair, he’s the work mate everyone should have. Her children, her “very modern” family, the interactions with her sisters – all of these things make up an environment which feels like you can just walk in and be a part of. Things like the reality of dealing with parents with worsening health and how the burden is spread among siblings – these are real issues, prevalent in so many families, and while not a focus, it’s a very real representation of what life in so many homes is like.

It’s difficult to do as in depth a review as I would like without any spoilers. However, to do so would be unfair to the reader. Instead, I will just recommend to you to pick up this book, make some time. Stick on the kettle, tell the kids to fend for themselves and get stuck in – you won’t regret it.

Marian Keyes never lets you down. I'm not sure how she does it, but her storyline follows your own emotional path to perfection.

As the story unfolds, our heroine didn't pass through a single emotion or respond in any way differently than most women would have in her situation. From utter despair to impotent fury, she traverses the vertiginous slopes of betrayal and infidelity just exactly as we would. Ms Keyes does not stand apart from women and imagine how they might react, she knows...and she walks us through the process to a point where we can rejoice in the strength and power we all have - and then gives us the happy ending we didn't know we wanted, until we suddenly started wanting it.

It's a genius piece of writing that will not disappoint.

For some reason, I really was in place where I loved reading this latest offering from Marian Keyes set in Dublin and London. I spend a lot of time reading dark fiction, that it is often necessary to have a book like this - comic, quirky, light and pure entertainment. Amy is 44 years old, married second time round to Hugh for 17 years. Neeve, with her youtube channel, Bitch, Please, is her daughter from her short lived marriage to footballer, Richie. Kaira, is her ultra mature and ethical daughter with Hugh. Living with them most of the time is heartbreakingly fragile niece, Sofie, whose messed up parents are unable to care for her, who they love as their third daughter. The premise holding this novel together is the fallout from a 6 month break from their marriage by Hugh, during which he backpacks round South East Asia. Hugh has endured two recent deaths, including that of his father, which has left him depressed and drowning in existential angst where he feels this is what he needs to do. Amy is not so happy,she is shocked and devastated as we follow her through Hugh's time away.

Amy makes a precarious living working in PR, at the Hatch Agency run with her womaniser colleague Alastair and the more taciturn Tim, who are there for Amy when her world collapses. Every week, Amy travels to London for a couple of days, representing her clients and trying to recruit new ones. Two years ago Amy met the married Josh Rowan, a features editor, and the two of them get emotionally involved and obsessed with each other, meeting regularly but matters come to a conclusion because Amy loves Hugh. Whilst going crazy with buying clothes and other items in an attempt to distract herself, she sees Josh again and the two of them fall headlong into a passionate love affair, temporary in nature, but fulfilling Amy's desires. Amidst all this are the increased pressures and responsibilities that fall on Amy's shoulders for the girls and the antics of her uproarious family and friends.

The main strength of the novel are the fabulous characters that Marian Keyes creates and develops aside from Amy. These include the man-hating Steevie, Posh Petra with her monstrous children, commitment phobic Derry who will ditch a man for the way he may say a word, selfish ex-husband Richie, her vlogging sensation of a mum, Amy's serial killer obsessed, cantankerous dad, and handsome client, Matthew Carlisle. Amy's mad and chaotic household of daughters with their strong support and love for each other, along with her oddball family members are a joy to behold. There are serious issues such as how to keep a marriage together as the years go by, the understandable times when needs are not met, and the much to be desired Irish attitudes to abortion. If you are looking for a class act in entertaining reading, look no further, this novel fits the bill. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

I have read all of Marian Keyes's books and this did not disappoint. I wanted to see how Amy coped with Hugh being away, but it was great to see how she managed too.

The stories of Amy's family reminded me of Marian's earlier books where each novel was linked to a sibling in the same family. I think it's obvious some of Amy's family have a tale or 2 to tell!!

The book does jump about a little in the middle, so I had to keep checking the timeline.

I am a hugh fan of Marian Keyes books. Her style of writing has me imagining everyone in the book and all their exploits. The break tells perfectly about love, relationships and family through good times and bad. I laughed a lot while reading this book. I was totally caught up in Amy and Hugh's lives and whether or not their marriage could survive a break.

I have read everything that Marian Keyes has ever had published and have enjoyed them all so I was very grateful to receive my ecopy of her latest book from Netgalley.

Keyes can always draw an audience with her recognisable and yet sometimes caricature versions of an Irish family and The Break lives up to expectation in this respect. There are no one dimensional characters, each one adds to the storyline in a vital and compelling way. The humour was there, and I totally empathised with both Amy and Hugh but to me something was missing.

I didn't feel the urge to read on until Josh appeared on the scene, then I knew this was a true Keyes novel and then some. I could relate so well to this new relationship and I was totally caught up from then on. Many tears were shed, especially during the Sofie drama. Every word was now so true to life that I could almost believe that I WAS Amy. The enormous comedy value of both Lilian and Alistair were a great device to occasionally lift the reader's spirit and even Pop's dementia was a tool for comic outbursts that didn't reduce the respect one felt for his and his wife's suffering.

Yes, overall I would say that Marian Keyes has once again lived up to her fantastic reputation; how many more books has this lady got in her? I, for one, can't wait to find out

Picking up a new Marian Keyes book is always a pleasure. One of Ireland's best contemporary writers today there is always something a bit quirky in Keyes' stories. Beautifully written they are always teeming with larger than life characters and the kind of people that you wish you knew in real life.

Amy runs a PR agency in Dublin with her two business partners. She has a chaotic but happy life with husband Hugh and their extended family. Oldest daughter Neeve is from her first ill fated marriage to a professional footballer, second daughter Kiera was a surprise arrival from her fledgling relationship with Hugh and unofficially adopted niece Sofie who spends more time at their house than she does with either of her parents.

Hugh has been struggling emotionally since the death of his father and when he loses his best friend as well it just makes the situation even more unbearable. His mid-life crisis mode kicks in and he tells Amy that he is going away for six months "to find himself". Six months off from his marriage travelling in Asia so that he can find the real Hugh.

Naturally Amy is devastated as her husband packs up and prepares for his "Break". She is left behind with the gossiping friends, the financial struggles and three girls to steer through the ensuing chaos. Amy is trying to be understanding and not to hate Hugh as he struggles through his mental health issues but when compromising photos of him and a young woman in Thailand appear on Facebook that situation is about to change.

Keyes' stories always have such a richness to the characters that they just leap off the page at you. Who could fail to love LOCMOF (Lilian O'Connell, Mother of Five) matriarch of the family and up and coming VLogger!

The Break is the perfect book to curl up with now that the evenings are starting to draw in. Lose yourself in the madness of this Dublin household coming to terms with loss and change.

Supplied by Net Galley and Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

UK Publication Date: Sept 7 2017. 400 pages.

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I really enjoyed this book written from the perspective of Amy, a woman in her early forties who has lost her way and her husband, who, grief-stricken by the death of his father and soon after his brother, decides unilaterally to pause the marriage, while he travels across the Far East. Damaged Amy is hurt, but hopeful that Hugh will return. The story explores Amy's relationships and exposes some of her flaky friendships. It also reminds those of us who live in Britain about Ireland's (North and South) arcane misogynistic laws championed by religious and political bigots who believe in their right to determine how women should manage their bodies. I am loathe to reveal too much as this will spoil some genuine surprises. I highly recommend this book.

Amy would appear to have a happy,secure marriage but when Hugh decides to take a 6 month break with no promise of exclusivity, it all falls apart. The reader also begins to wonder how she would cope in the same situation. A compelling read with well written characters. Marian Keyes never fails to please.

I am a big fan of Marian Keyes earlier writing, but I'm not finding that she and I are growing together as we age unfortunately. I know that this novel will appeal to many but for me it was confused in style, and over acted in the main - it was lacking the believability that her earlier novels had for me. Amy at home with her husband & children felt more real and true - but throw in the extended family & the extra man, and it took a manic tone that I didn't feel comfortable with.
It was a good holiday read, but not something I would rush out to purchase

My very first Marian Keyes read, definitely not my last. A book that I know is going to stick with me for a very long time. Not an easy read for me, I had so many emotions and I can't really describe them all without some major spoilers. So very difficult to review without giving away too much, I will say though, as a happily married forty (nearly fifty) something, I have been questioning myself, my husband and my morals since reading this book (and I’m not talking about infidelity per se). The story questions life and relationships, not just marital but also family, work colleagues and friends). The main characters, Hugh and Amy are happily married (or think they are) until a series events leave Hugh needing a break from life, Amy handles it all admirably, until she doesn’t. With some superb supporting characters, some laugh out loud moments in and amongst the drama. I had so many mixed feelings while reading this story (set mainly in Ireland), the story is written completely from Amy’s point of view, the writing I found faultless, I was transformed into the story and Amy’s life, I was hooked from the first page through to the very last line. I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bestselling author Marian Keyes’ latest book centres around forty something Amy, whose husband Hugh has decided he wants a break. It’s not that he doesn’t love her; he just wants some time for himself. Six months’ worth of time in fact. But if he’s on a break, then surely Amy deserves a bit of freedom too? An amusing, easy read for curling up with on a cold winter’s evening.

A Marian Keyes special! Loveable characters that you can visualise and want to meet! A good plot and a good read! The sort of book which is so well written you dont realise you are smiling as you are reading it!

The Break is the story of a family unit hit by the Dad deciding he needs 6 months of to travel. The family are from Dublin and Amy the mother works in London 2 days a week the rest in her Dublin office. She lives with a strong family around her which introduces some great characters, with comedy, romance and life all mixed in to this wonderful read. I have enjoyed this read and yes a real page turner that will keep you hooked till the last page.
I have been given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review.

This is, unbelievably the first Marian Keyes book I have read! It won't be the last as I really enjoyed it. Rather disfunctional family with some strong characters. Reminded me of Maeve Binchy, must be the Irish humour. Highly recommended

I love Marian Keyes' books, so I was delighted to see she had a new one out. And it didn't disappoint. Her books are always page turners, easy to read, but with a bite of realism that makes you sit up, laugh, and shed a few tears - The Break is as good as they get. A hugely believable heroine, quirky friends and family (though I did sometimes lose track of who was who!) and a troubled, complicated husband, an interesting mix, and one which worked well.
The story was written in the first person by Amy, who I identified with very easily. And since this was a Marian Keyes book, it wasn't always obvious how it would end up!
I loved every page - thank you.

Amy and Hugh are long married and quite happily trundling along with their non-standard thrown-together family unit. Complacency has snuck in; they take each other a bit for granted, inappropriate crushes on colleagues have developed but not been acted on – the kind of thing that tends to happen when you've been with the same person for a long time. But all said and done, they're happy. Then Hugh drops a bombshell.

Following the recent death of his father, he appears to be having some kind of mid-life crisis and decides he needs to take 6 months out from his domestic life and go backpacking around some exotic countries to find himself. No, seriously. "Finding himself" also appears to include enjoying whatever fate unravels with any willing females he happens to find, but he promises Amy that he will come back and this is a temporary blip on an otherwise satisfactory landscape. Amy is devastated by his decision and is not convinced that it will be fixable when he decides to come back, but she loves Hugh, and tries to be the understanding wife - albeit rotating between being completely broken, then furious, then confused. Left with all the mental, physical and emotional load of supporting her family, all the while managing to maintain her demanding role as a publicist, hopping between London and Dubin every week, Amy does her best to hold it together - but let's face it – who wouldn't struggle under those circumstances? Throw into the mix a ridiculously good-looking TV star client, a handful of sexy co-workers and the right circumstances – what would you do if you got the chance to make that heart-stopping crush a reality, seemingly without consequence? More importantly, what does Amy do?

One of the most interesting things for me about this novel was that when you read the synopsis, you could be forgiven for thinking that Amy is just a silly cow who should have kicked Huw out when he came up with his stupid idea, but as you read the book, it becomes clear that it's perhaps not all that simple. Life isn't black and white, it's shades of grey, and Amy, veteran of a disastrous starter marriage with a self-obsessed footballer who ran out and left her holding the baby, isn't stupid. Or a doormat. She just really doesn't want to mess up her future with Huw over a silly phase he's going through because she knows Huw isn't a bad person. He's proven that on many an occasion - he's essentially a nice guy who is behaving badly. But Amy knows that she deserves better than that, she knows she needs and deserves to be first prize.

Slowly, but surely, Amy adapts to the new world she is forced to enter. She (re)discovers her self respect and though Huw's behaviour, has knocked her for six, she gets stronger, she makes decisions she never thought she would be strong enough to make, and ironically, while her husband is off 'finding himself', she actually begins to find herself too.

Most readers will be familiar with Marian Keyes - a wonderful writer, her reputation for building larger than life characters and cleverly observed, complex, relationships is well deserved. In 'The Break' her ability to turn the minutia of daily family life into such tragi-comedy situations is an absolute joy to read. But as with her previous work, it's never without pathos and a good dollop of realism – the person who seems to be behaving particularly badly, may well have their reasons – you're just not aware of them. There's also a lesson about not getting complacent with your life and taking those in it for granted– you never know the moment you'll realise how lucky you once were to have everything you had – even if you didn't realise it at the time.

To sum up, "The Break" is yet another fantastic novel from Marian Keyes – sure to be one of Autumn's big hitters.

Another great book from this fabulous author.
Move over Mammy Walsh, there's a new Nan in town.