Book Review: Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

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A dysfunctional family drama that is full of all the usual suspects and Marian Keyes' unmatched wit. Grown Ups makes or a lighthearted read that will keep you laughing out loud from time to time while looking closely at your own family and imaging how many of you did actually grow up over the years.

Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together - birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, weekends away. And they're a happy family. Johnny's wife, Jessie - who has the most money - insists on it. Everything stays under control until Ed's wife Cara, gets concussion and can't keep her thoughts to herself. One careless remark at Johnny's birthday party, with the entire family present, starts Cara spilling out all their secrets. In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it's time - finally - to grow up?

Keyes writes with a certain sincerity and it comes across via the characters who are might capture your heart with their innocence and intrigue. The book might take some getting used to as in the beginning I found it hard to figure out what was actually happening with whom thanks to a large set of characters and their quirks.  A huge book at 600 plus pages Grown Ups really isn't the easiest book to read unless you do have the time and patience for it but having said that, if you do enjoy family dramas, this might be the book for you. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

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