Reviews

The Break by Marian Keyes

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cassiecat's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

4.5⭐️

A new to me author chosen for the Irish narrator Aoife McMahon who is excellent.

It starts with Amy and Hugh’s marriage hitting a giant sized pot hole with Hugh needing to take a break to explore South East Asia alone.

It’s a long book, but has so much going on throughout it takes on some tough topics, it’s kept lighter as it’s done with humorous undertones. I loved both of the main characters both have their strengths and flaws which make them very relatable.

I found it such an easy enjoyable listen, I’d recommend it, and will look out for more books by this author. I’m in need of recommendations please.

keen23's review

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4.0

I really enjoy Marian Keyes. This isn't one of her slapstick books, but it's a more serious book about relationships (not as serious as This Magic Man, however). It's a grown-up book. And, there's lots of different story lines, some of which could become books on their own. I'd love to see Neeve and Kiara as grownups. I want to know more about Amy's brothers and sisters- especially Derry.

neilazaara's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Marian Keyes just have an innate ability to make complex, flawed and realistic characters. The way each feeling and emotion is depicted and the introspections into complicated human behaviour is really top notch.

I will have to admit that I couldn’t really understand the MC in this one and I really despised the ending. But I have to admit I couldn’t put it down and I was hooked from the very first page.

The story starts at Hugh announcing to Amy after years of marriage that he wants a 6 months break to find himself. We get flashbacks from Amy’s first time meeting Hugh and their relationship evolving over time. Although nothing could ever explain the need for that break, all the timelines fit perfectly together and complement each other. Amy was a quite endearing character. Hugh… not so much. He was presented in such a good light throughout most of the book and it honestly irritated me. I just wanted Amy to forget about him and move on with her life. Which I feel like it was the one thing that was lacking. Amy didn’t really get the time to move to a new life and it frustrated me a bit.

Overall, this isn’t a plot heavy book and it is mostly about Amy processing her feelings about the situation and thinking about her past relationships. Great character deep dive but not my favourite story.

aliceee3's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The pace was a little strange but felt like a realistic portrayal of someone’s life. There were passages and dialogue in the beginning that felt so relatable it hurt my heart. I also liked that it was unpredictable; for a while I genuinely had no idea who Amy would end up with or if she’d even end up with anyone at all, which was refreshing. The ending was pleasing. Easy to read chapters which I always like but it was a little too long & could have been much shorter.