Marian Keyes Popular Books
Marian Keyes Biography & Facts
Marian Keyes (born 10 September 1963) is an Irish author and radio presenter. She is principally known for her popular fiction. Keyes became known for her novels Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married, Rachel's Holiday, Last Chance Saloon, Anybody Out There, and This Charming Man, which, although written in a light and humorous style, cover themes including alcoholism, depression, addiction, cancer, bereavement, and domestic violence. More than 35 million copies of her novels have been sold, and her works have been translated into 33 languages. Her writing has won both the Irish Popular Fiction Book and the Popular Non-Fiction Book of the Year, each on one occasion, at the Irish Book Awards. Biography Keyes comes from a large family, with many siblings. She was born in Limerick and raised in Cork, Galway, and in Monkstown, Dublin. She graduated from University College Dublin with a law degree, and after completing her studies, she took an administrative job before moving to London in 1986. During this period she became an alcoholic and was affected by clinical depression, culminating in a suicide attempt and subsequent rehabilitation in 1995 at the Rutland Centre in Dublin. In an article for The Daily Telegraph, Keyes details how her struggles with anxiety, depression, and alcoholism began at an early age. Keyes appeared on BBC's Imagine, aired in February 2022, explaining to Alan Yentob how she was distracted from her resolved end-of-life attempt by an episode of "Come Dine With Me"; husband and assistant Tony defused the drama by saying, "let's see how you feel when we've finished watching it," and so began her slow recovery from depression. Keyes began writing short stories while suffering from alcoholism. After her treatment at the Rutland Centre she returned to her job in London and submitted her short stories to Poolbeg Press. The publisher encouraged her to submit a full-length novel and Keyes began work on her first book, Watermelon. The novel was published the same year. Since 1995 she has published many novels and works of non-fiction. Keyes has written frankly about her clinical depression, which left her unable to sleep, read, write, or talk. After a long hiatus due to severe depression, a food title, Saved by Cake, was published in February 2012. Keyes' depressive period lasted about four years. During this time she also wrote The Mystery of Mercy Close, a novel in which the heroine experiences similar battles with depression and suicide attempts as those Keyes herself experienced. As Keyes further describes this period of her life: "It was like being in an altered reality . . . I was always melancholic and prone to sadness and hopelessness but this was catastrophic and unimaginable." In March 2017, Keyes was a guest castaway for BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Her favourite track was "You Have Been Loved" by George Michael. She revealed that she had battled constant suicidal urges at the height of her mental illness. During her appearance on the show, Keyes also told host Kirsty Young that in spite of all her efforts to treat her depression, including CBT, medication, mindfulness, hospitalisation and diets, what finally healed her was time: "It was an illness and it ran its course." In 2019 the National Library of Ireland announced that the Keyes digital archive for her novel The Mystery of Mercy Close would be acquired by the Library as a pilot project for collecting "born digital" archives. In 2021 and 2022, Keyes joined Tara Flynn in a series for BBC Radio 4 called 'Now You're Asking', in which they discussed problems sent in by listeners (they called them 'askers'). Keyes lives in Dún Laoghaire with her husband Tony Baines (whom she first met on his 30th birthday) after returning to Ireland from London's Hampstead in 1997. Style Although many of her novels are known as comedies, they revolve around dark themes, often drawn from Keyes's own experiences, including domestic violence, drug abuse, mental illness, divorce and alcoholism. Keyes considers herself a feminist, and has chosen to reflect feminist issues in many of her books. Keyes' stories usually revolve around a strong female character who overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve lasting happiness. Regarding her decision to use an optimistic tone and hopeful ending, Keyes has said: "I'm very bleak, really melancholic. But I've always used humour as a survival mechanism. I write for me and I need to feel hopeful about the human condition. So no way I'm going to write a downbeat ending. And it isn't entirely ludicrous to suggest that sometimes things might work out for the best." Critics recognise Keyes's writing as tackling difficult subjects in a relatable fashion. As told to The Irish Times by another Irish author: "It’s a rare gift....The only other writer I can think of who writes so hilariously and movingly about serious subjects was the late, great Sue Townsend." Views During her appearance on Desert Island Discs in March 2017, Keyes told the host that "[by] conditioning women to think that what they find empowering or valuable is worth less than what men consider to be worthwhile, women are prevented from reaching for parity and the gender gap in power and money between men and women is kept in the favour of men". In an interview with The Irish Times in 2017, Keyes announced that she suspected "gender bias" to be at play when it comes to the recognition of women writers. She said that, despite her perceived success and acclaim, male writers with less commercial success were held in higher regard. "Do you remember in the early noughties when a lot of Irish women writers like Cathy Kelly, Sheila O’Flanagan, Cecelia Ahern were selling all over the world? I don’t feel that was celebrated enough." She went on to "wonder" that "if a group of young Irish men around the same age had been selling in huge numbers", before concluding: "I really think it would not have passed unremarked." Similarly, Keyes has rejected the term "chick lit." During an author Q & A in 2014 with Canada's Chatelaine magazine, when asked how she feels about the term, Keyes claimed that "it’s meant to be belittling. It’s as if it’s saying, 'Oh you silly girls, with your pinkness and shoes, how will you ever run the world?' But as I’ve matured (haha) I’ve realised that I'm very proud of what I write about and I know that the books I write bring happiness and comfort to people". At an event at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August 2020, Keyes rejected the term chick lit as dismissive and sexist, as men writing similar fiction are not described as "dick lit". Bibliography Fiction Watermelon (1995) (Claire Walsh) Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married (1996) Rachel's Holiday (1998) (Rachel Walsh) Last Chance Saloon (1999) Sushi for Beginners (2000) No Dress Rehearsal (2000) Angels (2002) (Maggie Walsh) The Other Side of the Story (2004) Nothing Bad ever Happens in Tiffany's (2005) Anybody Out There? .... Discover the Marian Keyes popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Marian Keyes books.
Best Seller Marian Keyes Books of 2024
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Cracks in My Foundation
Marian KeyesGo further under the covers and stay in bed a little longer with Marian Keyes in this winning followup to her smash essay collection, Under the Duvet. Written in the witty, forthri...
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Last One at the Party
Bethany CliftFleabag meets I Am Legend in this extraordinary novel of one woman's survival in the face of the end of the world . . . December 2023. The human race has fought a deadly virus and ...
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The Spring Sister
Muna Shehadi'The author's writing style is similar to that of Santa Montefiore whom I love, so this book really pulled me in' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader reviewWhat happens when you discover that your gl...
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The Pretty Delicious Cafe
Danielle HawkinsOne flaky family. One exboyfriend who won't go away. And one handsome stranger who probably will ... For fans of Doc Martin and Monica McInerney, a warm, witty novel, brimming with...
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The Hungry Road
Marita Conlon-McKennaThe No.1 bestselling novel of the Great Irish Famine from one of Ireland's most beloved writersIreland's hopes for freedom are dashed with the arrival of a deadly potato blight tha...
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Merrily Ever After
Cathy BramleyTwo strangers. One big secret. And a Christmas to remember . . .'A thought provoking story of love and complicated family relationships, guaranteed to warm every reader's heart' SH...
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An Ordinary Woman
Susan SallisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis comes a wonderfully evocative novel, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher.READERS ARE LOVING AN...
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The Wedding of the Year
Jill MansellTHE TOP 10 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Vintage Jill Mansell, this is a real ray of sunshine' FabulousLove, friendship and secrets revealed as the sun beats down on dazzling blue Cornis...
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The Apple Tree
Elvi RhodesPerfect for fans of Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher, this is an emotional and moving novel about fresh starts and new beginnings by multimillion copy seller Elvi Rhodes.READERS ...
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Searching For Tilly
Susan SallisA delightfully touching and uplifting saga from the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher.READERS ARE LO...
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The First Wife
Muna ShehadiAt the heart of a great love lies a devastating secret . . . Fans of Lucinda Riley, Santa Montefiore and Louise Douglas will be gripped by Muna Shehadi's stunning new novel of twis...
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The Hideaway
Sheila O'Flanagan'The sultry Spanish location is wonderfully escapist ... a captivating, sunsoaked read' Daily Express 'If you're seeking an escape of your own, this sunny, evocative story is the p...
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The Summer Sister
Muna Shehadi'A wonderful read with evocative descriptions and enough family secrets to create a gripping journey of discovery' Woman'One of those books that makes you cancel everything so you ...
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Again, Rachel
Marian KeyesNATIONAL BESTSELLER"It will break your heart and nourish your soul. . . . Her finest novel yet." Nigella LawsonFrom internationally bestselling author Marian Keyes comes the eagerl...
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A House By The Sea
Elvi RhodesPerfect for fans of Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher, an emotional and powerful novel by multimillion copy seller Elvi Rhodes.READERS ARE LOVING A HOUSE BY THE SEA! "A...lovely s...
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The Kissing Gate
Susan SallisLet The Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis sweep you away with this powerfully emotional, moving and uplifting novel. Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Rosamunde Pilcher ...
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Joanna Bolouri'BLOODY HILARIOUS' ISABELLE BROOMEmily has it all: a good job, awesome friends, a great boyfriend, and a wonderful flat exactly 411 miles away from her nightmarish family.But when ...
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Love Always
Harriet EvansA compelling and heartrending tale of lost love, family secrets, and those little moments that can change your life forever . . . When Natasha Kapoor returns to her grandparents’ i...
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His Other Life
Beth ThomasThe story of a couple with seemingly perfect lives…and the secrets they hide behind closed doors.Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jo Jo Moyes.He was hiding a terrible secret ...
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One Italian Summer
Catherine ManganEscape to Italy this summer and fall in love with the perfect holiday romance! 'A gorgeous escapist holiday read' MY WEEKLY 'A heartwarming and uplifting romance' WOMAN'S OWN Wh...
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On the Same Page
Penelope JanuFor readers of Mhairi McFarlane, Beth O'Leary, Lindsay Kelk and Sally Thorne comes this utterly charming and delightfully funny love story where opposites attract or do they?By da...
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The Path to the Lake
Susan SallisFrom the pen of multimillion copy seller and Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis comes a heartwarming and emotional novel of secrets, loss and final redemption that will s...
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Us Three
Ruth JonesTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'A touching celebration of the beauty and endurance of female friendship. There is nothing mightier. Fact.' DAWN FRENCHThe new novel from Ruth Jo...
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Playing with Matches
Hannah OrensteinNamed a Best Book of Summer by Refinery29, Bustle, and PopSugar“The best romcom of the season…overflowing with charm and heart.” Bustle “The perfect Summer readsmart, funny, escapi...
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The Keys To The Garden
Susan SallisFrom the pen of bestselling author Susan Sallis comes a moving and heartwarming novel that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Readers of Rosamunde Pilcher, Mae...
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Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoyevsky & David McDuff'Dostoyevsky's finest masterpiece' John BayleyDostoyevsky's great novel of damnation and redemption evokes a world where the lines between innocence and corruption, good and evil, ...
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The Island Swimmer
Lorraine Kelly'A must read. Loved it and a beautiful ending' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Written with compassion and empathy, a cuddle in a book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Wow! It is a very long time since I...
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The Staycation
Michele Gorman'Perfect summer reading!' Bella OsborneTwo families. One cancelled flight. And a last minute house swap...Things get desperate for strangers Harriet and Sophie when they become st...
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The Winter Sister
Muna Shehadi'The story telling in this book is right up there with Nora Roberts, who is an expert at drawing you into a story' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'To say I loved reading this book would be...
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The Italian Escape
Catherine ManganSparkling sea, sun, delicious food and Aperol Spritz escape to Italy with the perfect summer romance . . .Niamh Kelly's life hasn't turned out quite as she'd expected. She's thirt...
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The Car Share
Zoe Brisby'I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' Amazon reviewer 'Outrageously funny!' Amazon reviewer 'Extremely touching' Amazon reviewer 'An absolute delight' Netgalley reviewerThe PERFECT C...
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The House Of Flowers
Charlotte BinghamFans of Louise Douglas, Dinah Jefferies and Kristin Hannah will love this uplifting and moving wartime saga by the million copy and Sunday Times bestselling author Charlotte Bingha...
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins ReidNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“If you’re looking for a book to take on holiday this summer, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has got all the glitz and glamour to make it a perfect beac...
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The Brightest Star in the Sky
Marian KeyesA wry and lifeaffirming taleand the Irish literary star's latest New York Times bestseller. Marian Keyes's inimitable blend of rollicking humor, effervescent prose, and captivati...
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Debutantes
Charlotte BinghamFans of Louise Douglas, Dinah Jefferies and Bridgerton will love this wonderfully evocative and enthralling romantic saga by the million copy and Sunday Times bestselling author Ch...
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Rebel Sisters
Marita Conlon-McKennaThe No.1 bestselling novel from one of Ireland's most loved writers!With the threat of the First World War looming, tension simmers under the surface of Ireland. Bright, beautiful ...
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The Garden of Forgotten Wishes
Trisha AshleyThe delightful Sunday Times bestselling novel from Trisha Ashley'One of the best writers around!' Katie Fforde'Full of downtoearth humour.' Sophie KinsellaAll Marnie wants is somew...
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Meant to Be Mine
Hannah OrensteinFrom the author of the “funny, sexy, and absurdly entertaining” (Marie Claire) Playing with Matches, a sweeping love story in the vein of Rebecca Serle and Chloe Benjamin about a w...
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Spring Music
Elvi RhodesPerfect for fans of Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher, an emotional and powerful novel by multimillion copy seller Elvi Rhodes.READERS ARE LOVING SPRING MUSIC! "All round fantasti...
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The Right Place
Carla CarusoCan the past show you the way home?With her dreams of dominating Melbourne's fashion scene in tatters, Nella Martini has returned to the last place she wants to be – Torrente Blu, ...
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Five Farthings
Susan SallisIf you like Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher, you'll absolutely love this beautifully emotive and compelling novel of love and loss from The Sunday Times bestselling...
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The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay
Julie BrooksTwo women set sail for Australia, bound by a terrible truth. But only one will make it off the ship.'The writing is polished and evocative, the twists and turns are surprising, and...
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Where The Light Gets In
Lucy Dillon'Lucy Dillon's books never fail to make me happy' Jenny Colgan'Deeply moving' Sophie Kinsella'I felt bereft for having finished it' Milly JohnsonSometimes the cracks in your heart ...
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Nanny
Charlotte BinghamPowerful and heartwrenching; fans of Louise Douglas, Dinah Jefferies and Kristin Hannah will love this Edwardian saga by the million copy and Sunday Times bestselling author Charlo...
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The Transatlantic Book Club
Felicity Hayes-McCoyThe beloved author of The Mistletoe Matchmaker returns with an enchanting new novel, perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Nina George, and Nancy Thayer, about residents of Irel...
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The House on Willow Street
Cathy Kelly#1 international bestselling author Cathy Kelly’s writing is “warm, lyrical, and fascinating” (Marian Keyes) and “rich with the emerald allure of the Irish landscape” (Publis...
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The Love of Her Life
Harriet EvansFrom the author of A Hopeless Romantic and Going Home comes an engaging new novel about a young woman who suffers loss and heartbreakonly to regain a chance at happiness when she ...
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The Apple Barrel
Susan SallisReaders of Rosamunde Pilcher, Maeve Binchy and Fiona Valpy will simply love this utterly captivating, emotional and memorable novel from The Sunday Times bestselling author Susan S...