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Walsh Family #2
Rachel's Holiday
Rachel Walsh is 27 and the miserable owner of size 8 feet. She has regular congress with Luke Costello, a man who wears his leather trousers tight. And she's fond - some might say too fond - of recreational drugs.
Until, that is, everything goes pear-shaped and she finds herself being frog-marched to the Cloisters - Dublin's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic. She's outraged. Surely she's not thin enough to be an addict?
Rachel isn't expecting plump, middle-aged men in brown jumpers, and more group therapy than you can shake a stick at. Heartsick and Lovesick, she seeks redemption in the shape of Chris - a man who might be more trouble than he's worth.
Until, that is, everything goes pear-shaped and she finds herself being frog-marched to the Cloisters - Dublin's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic. She's outraged. Surely she's not thin enough to be an addict?
Rachel isn't expecting plump, middle-aged men in brown jumpers, and more group therapy than you can shake a stick at. Heartsick and Lovesick, she seeks redemption in the shape of Chris - a man who might be more trouble than he's worth.
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First published January 1, 1997
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About the author
Marian Keyes
89 books11.7k followersMarian Keyes (born 10 September 1963) is an Irish novelist and non-fiction writer, best known for her work in women's literature. She is an Irish Book Awards winner. Over 22 million copies of her novels have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 32 languages. She became known worldwide for Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, and This Charming Man, with themes including domestic violence and alcoholism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,268 reviews
June 7, 2022
I think this is my favorite Walsh sister novel. It’s dark, depressive, sad but thanks to Ms. Keyes’ extraordinary sense of humor and witty but also realistic approach to the addiction, eating disorder, self-destruction and emotional insecurities hooks us from the beginning.
Rachel’s rehab journey and facing the truths about her life, family, sisterhood, her shame, faults, self-harming is remarkable story steals a special place of your heart.
And Ms. Keyes is still my favorite emotional rom-com author who is brave enough to bring out heavy issues with characters and make us accept and love them with their flaws and faults.
Rachel’s rehab journey and facing the truths about her life, family, sisterhood, her shame, faults, self-harming is remarkable story steals a special place of your heart.
And Ms. Keyes is still my favorite emotional rom-com author who is brave enough to bring out heavy issues with characters and make us accept and love them with their flaws and faults.
November 1, 2012
I waffled between five and four stars for all of ten seconds before deciding on five, simply because of my sheer inability to be rational about this novel.
I fell in love with Rachel, and I have no idea why. If I hadn't picked this up at a library sale when my impulse control was at it's lowest, I wouldn't have it at all. There's literally nothing about this book, from the cover, to the genre, to the jacket copy to make me think I'd enjoy it, or that it was my kind of book. Because it really isn't.
In fact, my first thought on opening the book on a whim a year after putting it on my shelf (not an uncommon phenomenon) was "oh, nice typeface." Rachel's story was convincing and compelling, if only because the reader is so well grounded in her mental state—she's all over the place emotionally and never seems to notice, but you still get a sense of who she really is under all the drugs. And even knowing that she's in more trouble than she thinks she is, Rachel's done a thorough job of hiding from herself, so as bad as it is, you're almost as shocked as she is when confronted.
Even that wouldn't be enough to give in five stars in my mental rating system, but when Rachel is forced to remember her early childhood, I abruptly found myself in tears. I haven't connected so strongly to a character in I don't know how long. And I don't know why it's Rachel, either. If I were anyone in this novel, I'd be Margaret, the 'brownose' But for Rachel, I spent much of the second half of the novel in tears for her, and was so proud of her recovery. Bizarre, but this unexpected total empathy is exactly why I read, and I haven't experienced it for a while.
I fell in love with Rachel, and I have no idea why. If I hadn't picked this up at a library sale when my impulse control was at it's lowest, I wouldn't have it at all. There's literally nothing about this book, from the cover, to the genre, to the jacket copy to make me think I'd enjoy it, or that it was my kind of book. Because it really isn't.
In fact, my first thought on opening the book on a whim a year after putting it on my shelf (not an uncommon phenomenon) was "oh, nice typeface." Rachel's story was convincing and compelling, if only because the reader is so well grounded in her mental state—she's all over the place emotionally and never seems to notice, but you still get a sense of who she really is under all the drugs. And even knowing that she's in more trouble than she thinks she is, Rachel's done a thorough job of hiding from herself, so as bad as it is, you're almost as shocked as she is when confronted.
Even that wouldn't be enough to give in five stars in my mental rating system, but when Rachel is forced to remember her early childhood, I abruptly found myself in tears. I haven't connected so strongly to a character in I don't know how long. And I don't know why it's Rachel, either. If I were anyone in this novel, I'd be Margaret, the 'brownose' But for Rachel, I spent much of the second half of the novel in tears for her, and was so proud of her recovery. Bizarre, but this unexpected total empathy is exactly why I read, and I haven't experienced it for a while.
December 12, 2021
I read this a long time ago, but remembered just how much I loved it then. Rereading Marian Keyes novels bought back all my memories of it, all the range of emotions I experienced, about the depiction of addiction, the toll that it takes, the character of Rachel, and her family's response. Despite it being about such a serious issue, Keyes will have you laughing as well as having you in tears. In New York, Rachel does not recognise she has a problem with drugs, she only dabbles in recreational drugs, the trouble is that she overdoses. Keyes memorably charts Rachel's pain and her path to coming to terms with the fact that she has been blinkered when it comes to her relationship with drugs as she enters rehab at Cloisters on her return to Ireland, funded by her family, until she finally begins to address her problems and connect with who she really is. There is a strong sense of authenticity in this novel, in the character of the unreliable Rachel, and the picture of drug addiction, yet the author makes it so much fun, it is such an entertaining and humorous read. A great reread! Many thanks to the publisher for the book.
January 25, 2008
I picked this up thinking, "Great - a fun book about a girl named Rachel who goes on vacation." Except not so much. Turns out, her "holiday" ; Marian Keyes is terrifically funny and she makes Rachel a sympathetic character and narrator.
The first person point of view is expertly employed to hide certain things from the reader, revealing them only as Rachel herself is forced to face the truth. (I'm not usually a fan of first person POV because it feels like sleight of hand or amateur hour all too often, but it's absolutely appropriate and effective here.)
I'm glad I stuck with this book even after my initial assumption proved to be ludicrously wrong. This is one of those reads that makes you look at the world - and your own life - a little bit differently after you put it down. (It also made me consider getting a therapist to excavate my emotional baggage but I chickened out.)
The first person point of view is expertly employed to hide certain things from the reader, revealing them only as Rachel herself is forced to face the truth. (I'm not usually a fan of first person POV because it feels like sleight of hand or amateur hour all too often, but it's absolutely appropriate and effective here.)
I'm glad I stuck with this book even after my initial assumption proved to be ludicrously wrong. This is one of those reads that makes you look at the world - and your own life - a little bit differently after you put it down. (It also made me consider getting a therapist to excavate my emotional baggage but I chickened out.)
January 26, 2022
I read this a long time ago, before I started keeping track. Love the Walsh family series and this is an interesting look at addiction and recovery.
July 10, 2012
(From my book blog)
I really hate the term “chick lit,” don’t you? It is utterly dismissive and totally misleading. Take a look at this book cover. It looks like chick lit. It was written by a woman. IT MUST BE FLUFFY AND RIDICULOUS, RIGHT?
No. No it is not. This book is devastating. I know she wasn’t the first one, but I blame Sophie Kinsella and her godawful Shopaholic books with their stupid pink covers for starting the whole chick lit thing. Have I mentioned that I really fucking hate those books? I hate them so much that my hatred of them is totally derailing this review. I’ll get back to them eventually.
Rachel’s Holiday came very highly recommended by my friends Jana and Ali, both of whom mentioned that this was one of the few books that has been with them many years, through various moves, bookshelf cleanouts, etc. Both of their copies were falling apart. They said it was amazing. And it WAS.
As you may have guessed, the leading lady is Rachel, an Irish 20-something living the party life in New York. In the first few pages, she overdoses on pills and has to get her stomach pumped. Through a “huge misunderstanding,” she is deemed a drug addict and sent back to Ireland for rehab.
That’s all I want to say about the plot, because one of the great pleasures of this book is the way it unfolds. It’s written in first person from Rachel’s POV, and seeing her life fall apart through her eyes is insane. It’s soul-crushing. You think everything is going just fine, and then Marian Keyes slips in these little bombs. Remember when you took 10th grade English and you studied Poe and your teacher talked to you about unreliable narrators? And you never thought you would ever talk about that sort of thing again unless you were a huge nerd like me? Well, saddle up and get ready to check your facts, because we are talking about unreliable narrators RIGHT. FUCKING. NOW. It makes the whole book ten times more interesting than a regular story of transformation and growth and all that shit.
I would not expect that “soul-crushing” and “maddeningly addictive” would describe the same book, but here we are. I furiously texted Jana while I was on a fucking treadmill at the gym, where I was running and also reading Rachel’s Holiday on Kindle. I was texing Ali “OH MY GOD DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?” while I was trying to read and cook dinner at the same time (Warning: Do not try this at home unless you want a shitty dinner).
So, yeah, I loved this book. I give it an A++++++++. I worship Marian Keyes for proving that chick lit (or, alternately, a book written by a woman for a largely female audience) doesn’t have to suck.
I really hate the term “chick lit,” don’t you? It is utterly dismissive and totally misleading. Take a look at this book cover. It looks like chick lit. It was written by a woman. IT MUST BE FLUFFY AND RIDICULOUS, RIGHT?
No. No it is not. This book is devastating. I know she wasn’t the first one, but I blame Sophie Kinsella and her godawful Shopaholic books with their stupid pink covers for starting the whole chick lit thing. Have I mentioned that I really fucking hate those books? I hate them so much that my hatred of them is totally derailing this review. I’ll get back to them eventually.
Rachel’s Holiday came very highly recommended by my friends Jana and Ali, both of whom mentioned that this was one of the few books that has been with them many years, through various moves, bookshelf cleanouts, etc. Both of their copies were falling apart. They said it was amazing. And it WAS.
As you may have guessed, the leading lady is Rachel, an Irish 20-something living the party life in New York. In the first few pages, she overdoses on pills and has to get her stomach pumped. Through a “huge misunderstanding,” she is deemed a drug addict and sent back to Ireland for rehab.
That’s all I want to say about the plot, because one of the great pleasures of this book is the way it unfolds. It’s written in first person from Rachel’s POV, and seeing her life fall apart through her eyes is insane. It’s soul-crushing. You think everything is going just fine, and then Marian Keyes slips in these little bombs. Remember when you took 10th grade English and you studied Poe and your teacher talked to you about unreliable narrators? And you never thought you would ever talk about that sort of thing again unless you were a huge nerd like me? Well, saddle up and get ready to check your facts, because we are talking about unreliable narrators RIGHT. FUCKING. NOW. It makes the whole book ten times more interesting than a regular story of transformation and growth and all that shit.
I would not expect that “soul-crushing” and “maddeningly addictive” would describe the same book, but here we are. I furiously texted Jana while I was on a fucking treadmill at the gym, where I was running and also reading Rachel’s Holiday on Kindle. I was texing Ali “OH MY GOD DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?” while I was trying to read and cook dinner at the same time (Warning: Do not try this at home unless you want a shitty dinner).
So, yeah, I loved this book. I give it an A++++++++. I worship Marian Keyes for proving that chick lit (or, alternately, a book written by a woman for a largely female audience) doesn’t have to suck.
April 18, 2023
I loved this book. Marian Keyes is real and raw and knows what she’s talking about, having walked the talk. It makes me feel the same way as when journalists write crime fiction, I know I am in safe hands. Having gotten sober herself in rehab, her writing has flourished since.
This is a fun series centred on the Irish Walsh family. The parents love their daughters, but in many ways, life many of us, have gotten many things wrong.
Rachel ends up in rehab, after a close overdose. Of course she thinks this is a statement gone overboard, and all she needs is a rest. Possibly some massage, sauna, good food and a stay in a Betty Ford type clinic her family have talked her into attending back home in Ireland. Rachel things New York suits her, always up for a party, drugs anywhere she can 'take' them from, and booze also anywhere she can get her hands on it. Friends are fed up, as is her long suffering boyfriend. She changes in personality when she is on it, and everyone has had enough. Rachel is amazing, outlandish and simply undeniably adorable when off her head. Or so she thinks.
Keyes writes perfectly of the addict who is 'not like the others', Rachel is just visiting, those poor people have it bad, they are fat, skinny, they are addicts with terrible problems - unlike her. Who just likes a party, and wondering when the bloody hell the renovations are going to be completed at the treatment centre, surely the lino is temporary?
The group therapy is harsh, even more so is the inclusion of loved ones filling in forms as to the worst behaviour of the patients - and these intimate details being open for discussion in a group setting! How dare her ex boyfriend and parents say these dreadful and untrue things?!
The therapist in this story is full on, she knows what to say to the clients, can find the 'reason' straight away, whilst teasing these out gently and getting each individual to finally get to the bottom of the root cause, seemingly without her assistance. These stories may seem unecessary to the heart of the story, but go a long way in a solid base for ending up in establishments such as these, and showing our dear Rachel she is not the only one.
It was hard seeing how Rachel was developed as a child, with treatment from her parents being mildly traumatic; they are a messy, loud and imperfect family of daughters and parents each doing their best to survive. But as is often the case, problems lead to addiciton.
I am already on to and enjoying number 3. This is a dysfuncitonal, rambunctious, yet appealing family all doing their best, laid out to us with a good mix of humour and serious. I very much recommend this series.
This is a fun series centred on the Irish Walsh family. The parents love their daughters, but in many ways, life many of us, have gotten many things wrong.
Rachel ends up in rehab, after a close overdose. Of course she thinks this is a statement gone overboard, and all she needs is a rest. Possibly some massage, sauna, good food and a stay in a Betty Ford type clinic her family have talked her into attending back home in Ireland. Rachel things New York suits her, always up for a party, drugs anywhere she can 'take' them from, and booze also anywhere she can get her hands on it. Friends are fed up, as is her long suffering boyfriend. She changes in personality when she is on it, and everyone has had enough. Rachel is amazing, outlandish and simply undeniably adorable when off her head. Or so she thinks.
Keyes writes perfectly of the addict who is 'not like the others', Rachel is just visiting, those poor people have it bad, they are fat, skinny, they are addicts with terrible problems - unlike her. Who just likes a party, and wondering when the bloody hell the renovations are going to be completed at the treatment centre, surely the lino is temporary?
The group therapy is harsh, even more so is the inclusion of loved ones filling in forms as to the worst behaviour of the patients - and these intimate details being open for discussion in a group setting! How dare her ex boyfriend and parents say these dreadful and untrue things?!
The therapist in this story is full on, she knows what to say to the clients, can find the 'reason' straight away, whilst teasing these out gently and getting each individual to finally get to the bottom of the root cause, seemingly without her assistance. These stories may seem unecessary to the heart of the story, but go a long way in a solid base for ending up in establishments such as these, and showing our dear Rachel she is not the only one.
It was hard seeing how Rachel was developed as a child, with treatment from her parents being mildly traumatic; they are a messy, loud and imperfect family of daughters and parents each doing their best to survive. But as is often the case, problems lead to addiciton.
I am already on to and enjoying number 3. This is a dysfuncitonal, rambunctious, yet appealing family all doing their best, laid out to us with a good mix of humour and serious. I very much recommend this series.
August 9, 2011
This book was not at all what I was expecting... I thought it would be light, fluffy and trivial and what I got in reality was a horrible glimpse into the mirror of addiction and saw myself staring back.
Rachel's Holiday follows 27 year old Rachel who lives in New York and parties like there's no tomorrow... until there almost isn't one. She's shipped off back to Ireland by her loopy family, where she finds herself in a drug treatment centre.
I found this to be an unexpectedly good read on many levels. For one, the subject matter was much darker than I thought it would be. Two, the way Keyes allows the reader to glimpse more and more of Rachel, slowly twisting the way you see her from Rachel's own perspective to that of an outsider looking in on a drug addicts descent and subsequent rise from addiction.
The novel touched a lot of nerves for me, and some of the descriptions of what it is like to be an addict made me cry with recognition. A painful read, but one I am so glad I finished.
Rachel's Holiday follows 27 year old Rachel who lives in New York and parties like there's no tomorrow... until there almost isn't one. She's shipped off back to Ireland by her loopy family, where she finds herself in a drug treatment centre.
I found this to be an unexpectedly good read on many levels. For one, the subject matter was much darker than I thought it would be. Two, the way Keyes allows the reader to glimpse more and more of Rachel, slowly twisting the way you see her from Rachel's own perspective to that of an outsider looking in on a drug addicts descent and subsequent rise from addiction.
The novel touched a lot of nerves for me, and some of the descriptions of what it is like to be an addict made me cry with recognition. A painful read, but one I am so glad I finished.
April 14, 2023
Book two in the Walsh Family series and I really love this family and their dynamics. Having three sisters myself this is very relatable!
This is such a good entry in the series and tackling some issues which for this time period, I hadn't seen in women's fiction.
Four stars.
I'm very pleased there's now a direct sequel to this book.
This is such a good entry in the series and tackling some issues which for this time period, I hadn't seen in women's fiction.
Four stars.
I'm very pleased there's now a direct sequel to this book.
March 11, 2008
Whatever Mairan Keyes is selling....I'm buying. Rachel's Holiday was wonderful and touching. It is a talent to take subjects that are so seriouse and bring laughter and humor to them. What a quirky, fun sense of humor Marian must have. This book delved into the world of addicts. It was honest, insightful, and very human. I felt a great attatchment to Rachel (the heroin). I would laugh with her, and then find myself crying over her heartache. I think I understood her. She had a lot of similar feelings and thoughts that I sometimes have.--It's hard to live in this world, when you want to please everybody.--I couldn't put this book down, and yet I knew that I didn't want to come to the last page. Really great.
July 27, 2010
This was not the light chick lit read that I was expecting, and as I started reading it, and getting more and more IRRITATED by this character's addiction and denial and self-destructive behaviour....I thought that I HATED this book.
However, I actually quite loved it. First of all, I have no sympathy for addicts and I am not even shameful about that. I was raised surrounded by addicts. I find the behaviour selfish and irresponsible and just altogether frustrating. I spent my childhood by myself, raising myself and my brother, and dealing with violence, neglect, a lack of fundamental necessities....all things that have led me to be an adult that is decidedly NOT SYMPATHETIC to addiction.
As an adult, I now find that I am expected to take care of those people that were supposed to have taken care of me as a child. I'm supposed to be sympathetic to liver failure, emphysemia, financial ruin, and constant RELAPSES and it's just too much.
I say all of this to put into context my reasons for really hating Rachel. Her predicament was just too familiar for my tastes.
But I found myself inexorably drawn into her story. I couldn't put the book down. I was seriously absorbed. I HAD to find out how she was going to resolve her life. I HAD to know if she was going to come out of denial, if she was going to realize what a stupid beeyatch she was....I really needed there to be resolution for this story.
What's interesting is that this writer didn't make the process light and fluffy. Rachel had a painful and slow road to recovery. Her process of denial was EXCRUCIATING for me, but I came to understand her. I came to see why she had been such an idiotic idiot head!
This book is what the genre of chick lit is supposed to be about: painful productive growth. I loved it.
However, I actually quite loved it. First of all, I have no sympathy for addicts and I am not even shameful about that. I was raised surrounded by addicts. I find the behaviour selfish and irresponsible and just altogether frustrating. I spent my childhood by myself, raising myself and my brother, and dealing with violence, neglect, a lack of fundamental necessities....all things that have led me to be an adult that is decidedly NOT SYMPATHETIC to addiction.
As an adult, I now find that I am expected to take care of those people that were supposed to have taken care of me as a child. I'm supposed to be sympathetic to liver failure, emphysemia, financial ruin, and constant RELAPSES and it's just too much.
I say all of this to put into context my reasons for really hating Rachel. Her predicament was just too familiar for my tastes.
But I found myself inexorably drawn into her story. I couldn't put the book down. I was seriously absorbed. I HAD to find out how she was going to resolve her life. I HAD to know if she was going to come out of denial, if she was going to realize what a stupid beeyatch she was....I really needed there to be resolution for this story.
What's interesting is that this writer didn't make the process light and fluffy. Rachel had a painful and slow road to recovery. Her process of denial was EXCRUCIATING for me, but I came to understand her. I came to see why she had been such an idiotic idiot head!
This book is what the genre of chick lit is supposed to be about: painful productive growth. I loved it.
October 30, 2011
I think Marian Keyes is probably the most underrated author in the chick-lit section.
My first book by her was "Lucy Sullivan is getting married" and it took me 2 attempts to finish it. From there, enjoying "Rachel's Holiday" was easy. It's by far my favourite Marian Keyes book. If you've never read anything by her, I suggest starting with this one. If you don't like it, I would think chances are slim you will change your mind reading the rest of them.
Rachel's Holiday is Marian Keyes at her best. No other writer manages to combine the sad and the hilarious as well as she does, making you laugh and cry within the same paragraph.
I'm not usually someone to try and guess how a story will end and find it much more enjoyable to just follow wherever the author leads me, but if you're not like me and you're looking for surprising twists and turns, then maybe this is not for you.
I read these books in my late teens, early twenties, and I can honestly say I learned a great deal about life and relationships (especially what not to do ;).
If you enjoy light-hearted entertainment, a special sense of humour but want more than a shop-o-holic piling up credit card debt or an office girl obsessing about her weight, Marian Keyes is your woman!
My first book by her was "Lucy Sullivan is getting married" and it took me 2 attempts to finish it. From there, enjoying "Rachel's Holiday" was easy. It's by far my favourite Marian Keyes book. If you've never read anything by her, I suggest starting with this one. If you don't like it, I would think chances are slim you will change your mind reading the rest of them.
Rachel's Holiday is Marian Keyes at her best. No other writer manages to combine the sad and the hilarious as well as she does, making you laugh and cry within the same paragraph.
I'm not usually someone to try and guess how a story will end and find it much more enjoyable to just follow wherever the author leads me, but if you're not like me and you're looking for surprising twists and turns, then maybe this is not for you.
I read these books in my late teens, early twenties, and I can honestly say I learned a great deal about life and relationships (especially what not to do ;).
If you enjoy light-hearted entertainment, a special sense of humour but want more than a shop-o-holic piling up credit card debt or an office girl obsessing about her weight, Marian Keyes is your woman!
October 14, 2013
I hate to dismiss an author completely but this may be the book that makes me put Marian Keyes on my "do not read" list. I read Sushi For Beginners years ago and didn't like it but gave the first book in the "Walsh family" series a try (this was years after reading that other book). I liked it well enough to try the second, Rachel's Holiday, and regret it. I honestly do not understand why this book has such glowing reviews. I wish I had gone with my instinct and decided that I'd had an OK time with the Walsh family and I was ready to let them go on without me because it really was just OK that first time.
It's not that I'm offended by the subject matter. I'm a grown-up and can take the serious stuff. It's not that I expected it to be a fluffy chick lit book. It's what happened to me on page 284 (how bad is it when you remember the exact page?). I was reading this long, long book...I normally LOVE long books...and all I could think was "my god, when does this get better?" The answer? When it ended. Not because it was such a fantastic ending but because it was over. The story dragged on and on and on. Feel free to skip whole chapters because it's pretty much the same thing you've already read. And it's not just one or two chapters that drag on. It's just about every chapter.
So goodbye for now, possibly forever, Marian Keyes. I would be willing to try another book from you but honestly, after reading so many great reviews of this book and disliking it SO MUCH I think we must say goodbye because I can't take my chances when the books are way too expensive for e-books that were originally published years ago. Maybe if I find you in a used bookstore I might, just might, decide I want to know what happens to the Walsh family. But I doubt it.
It's not that I'm offended by the subject matter. I'm a grown-up and can take the serious stuff. It's not that I expected it to be a fluffy chick lit book. It's what happened to me on page 284 (how bad is it when you remember the exact page?). I was reading this long, long book...I normally LOVE long books...and all I could think was "my god, when does this get better?" The answer? When it ended. Not because it was such a fantastic ending but because it was over. The story dragged on and on and on. Feel free to skip whole chapters because it's pretty much the same thing you've already read. And it's not just one or two chapters that drag on. It's just about every chapter.
So goodbye for now, possibly forever, Marian Keyes. I would be willing to try another book from you but honestly, after reading so many great reviews of this book and disliking it SO MUCH I think we must say goodbye because I can't take my chances when the books are way too expensive for e-books that were originally published years ago. Maybe if I find you in a used bookstore I might, just might, decide I want to know what happens to the Walsh family. But I doubt it.
May 13, 2008
Marian Keys is the novelist that I turn to for my fluff novels. Her books are fun, mindless, silly and sometimes shallow and I guiltily eat them all up!
This one was different.
It had the same qualities the other ones did, but this one, whether intentional or not, set itself apart from her other books.
It has been years since I have actually read this book but it left an impression on me. Maybe it’s because I went into it with such low expectations as far as depth or content, I can’t be certain. What I can be sure of though is that the emotional reaction I had to this character was surprisingly genuine and compassionate.
I’m not saying its Pulitzer material, but it’s worth taking a second look at whether or not you have a disposition for “chicklets”.
This one was different.
It had the same qualities the other ones did, but this one, whether intentional or not, set itself apart from her other books.
It has been years since I have actually read this book but it left an impression on me. Maybe it’s because I went into it with such low expectations as far as depth or content, I can’t be certain. What I can be sure of though is that the emotional reaction I had to this character was surprisingly genuine and compassionate.
I’m not saying its Pulitzer material, but it’s worth taking a second look at whether or not you have a disposition for “chicklets”.
November 29, 2007
While MK writes in her usual hilarious manner, this novel touched on the very serious topic of drug/alcohol addiction. It was interesting and most definitely entertaining but I felt that she pigeonholed Rachel's character to an irritating degree. The psychological analysis of Rachel's childhood was far too pat and I didn't believe that she could so readily accept her tenure as an addict. I enjoyed this book mainly for MK's typical sharp wit and rollicking anecdotes but overall I believe that this novel of hers is my least favorite.
July 4, 2020
Having recently reread many of Rainbow Rowell’s books, I picked up Rachel’s Holiday, based on Rowell’s recommendation. As a student currently studying Abnormal Psychology, the topic of addiction being covered piqued my interest, as well.
The negative depiction of counsellors and psychotherapist in this book worries me, however. I would recommend reading any of Irvin Yalom’s books to get an accurate (and easy to read) depiction of what therapy and seeking help really entails. This book’s only saving grace was this line that puts into words my ongoing dilemma with books:
“I was embarrassed by my book ‘collection’ – eight books don’t really amount to a collection. But the thing was I didn’t need any more. I rarely found a book that spoke to me and even when I did it took me about a year to read it. And then I reread it. And then I read it again. Then I read another of the ones I’d already read a million times. And then I came back to the first one. And read it again. I knew this wasn’t the usual approach to literature, but I couldn’t help it.”
Oh, and the Irish characters made it fun to imagine thanks to the Derry Girls
Check it out here:
This review and more can be found on my blog.
The negative depiction of counsellors and psychotherapist in this book worries me, however. I would recommend reading any of Irvin Yalom’s books to get an accurate (and easy to read) depiction of what therapy and seeking help really entails. This book’s only saving grace was this line that puts into words my ongoing dilemma with books:
“I was embarrassed by my book ‘collection’ – eight books don’t really amount to a collection. But the thing was I didn’t need any more. I rarely found a book that spoke to me and even when I did it took me about a year to read it. And then I reread it. And then I read it again. Then I read another of the ones I’d already read a million times. And then I came back to the first one. And read it again. I knew this wasn’t the usual approach to literature, but I couldn’t help it.”
Oh, and the Irish characters made it fun to imagine thanks to the Derry Girls
Check it out here:
This review and more can be found on my blog.
November 2, 2022
I think I got this for free from apple books years ago as part of a Christmas giveaway. I really wasn't expecting to like it but I was very wrong.
We follow Rachel, a drug addict who is very much in denial. After an accidental overdose, her family send her to a rehab facility. She only agreed to go because she thinks it will be like a relaxing spa.
While the story could be a little trite at times, I thought the author did a very good job of making the book witty, despite the potentially heavy subject matter. The ending was a little too breezy for me as well but overall I loved this book. 4.5 stars
We follow Rachel, a drug addict who is very much in denial. After an accidental overdose, her family send her to a rehab facility. She only agreed to go because she thinks it will be like a relaxing spa.
While the story could be a little trite at times, I thought the author did a very good job of making the book witty, despite the potentially heavy subject matter. The ending was a little too breezy for me as well but overall I loved this book. 4.5 stars
Read
October 4, 2020Rachel's Holiday is about Rachel, a 27-year-old party girl who’s in denial about her drug habit. She’s forced into rehab, largely against her will, and undergoes the most incredible transformation. There are dark moments in the book as she comes to terms with her behaviour but what lifts it into a joyful read is Marian Keyes’ clever way with words and her extraordinary wit. I listened to Rachel’s Holiday during lockdown dog walks and lost count of the number of times people stared at me as I laughed to myself.
May 19, 2020
OMG MARIAN IS WRITING A SEQUEL TO RACHEL'S HOLIDAY.
4.5 ★
Marian Keyes was the first author I fell in love with and I consequently fell in love with reading as a result, so she will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. I’ve been a bit slumpy of late and the only books that have made me happy are by Mhairi McFarlane. I’ve had this niggle in the back of my mind, telling me: that I think Keyes and McFarlane have some things in common, but it's been too long since I’ve read her older stuff. Turns out I was right, they both just seem to deliver things to match the rhythm of my weird soul.
My name is Rachel. I’m twenty-seven. I’m not an anorexic, but thank you for asking, naturally I’m flattered. No, I haven’t always been tall, I was slightly shorter the day I was born.
I reread Watermelon a few years back so I kicked right off with a reread of Rachel’s Holiday. While I called it my favourite for many years, I had mostly forgotten it. I am SO pleasantly surprised at how relevant it still is to my tastes, even more so now I’m older and wiser. I AM dry humour, Marian is dry humour and this book is all dry humour. It’s about some very dark topics but it’s a true comedy, GET THAT for talent. I was laughing, mostly, and also laughing through my tears, because this was very sad.
It’s weird that someone (me) who has never taken drugs could enjoy a book about drug addicts, but here we are. It was 600+ pages and it was brilliant. There was immeasurable character development not just for our lead, but for all of the addicts at the Cloisters. It was confronting and important to think about the lives people may have had, and how they feel substance abuse is the only way out. Rachel’s rock bottom was a scary place, she was in a state of denial so bad, the truth was revealed as slowly to readers as it was to her. I related to Rachel’s lack of self-worth and her childhood hangups to the point of uncomfortableness. I have done so much work on myself but I am ultimately glass half empty, like her, so the tone of the book was perfect for me.
'Not your fault, some people are born with, for example bad eyesight, others are born with sensitive emotions, And you were traumatised by the arrival of a new sister at an age when you were easily damaged.'
Rachel was very real, it was ugly inside her head and I know some people will hate her (I get it), but I loved her aside from the obvious character flaws (Like Lukey boy). She was just really, really funny. Now, I’m always sniffing out romance and it’s no wonder I used to sing Rachel's Holiday's praises. I have to say I’m shocked at how great the connection was written in this. It included all the good details. Luke was really sexy and swoony, I just adored him. There was a sick scene that would satisfy THG lovers. The way things played out between them—flashback style—was so unique and fresh, it kept the book moving until its gorgeous end.
Like a magnet, Luke drew lots of me to the surface, so that I told him things I'd never tell a man that I fancied.
Lastly, The Walsh family, they are something to be truly experienced. I have read that some hated Helen in this, but she was an absolute scream, like always and like they all are in their own way. I can’t wait to continue.
4.5 ★
Marian Keyes was the first author I fell in love with and I consequently fell in love with reading as a result, so she will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. I’ve been a bit slumpy of late and the only books that have made me happy are by Mhairi McFarlane. I’ve had this niggle in the back of my mind, telling me: that I think Keyes and McFarlane have some things in common, but it's been too long since I’ve read her older stuff. Turns out I was right, they both just seem to deliver things to match the rhythm of my weird soul.
My name is Rachel. I’m twenty-seven. I’m not an anorexic, but thank you for asking, naturally I’m flattered. No, I haven’t always been tall, I was slightly shorter the day I was born.
I reread Watermelon a few years back so I kicked right off with a reread of Rachel’s Holiday. While I called it my favourite for many years, I had mostly forgotten it. I am SO pleasantly surprised at how relevant it still is to my tastes, even more so now I’m older and wiser. I AM dry humour, Marian is dry humour and this book is all dry humour. It’s about some very dark topics but it’s a true comedy, GET THAT for talent. I was laughing, mostly, and also laughing through my tears, because this was very sad.
It’s weird that someone (me) who has never taken drugs could enjoy a book about drug addicts, but here we are. It was 600+ pages and it was brilliant. There was immeasurable character development not just for our lead, but for all of the addicts at the Cloisters. It was confronting and important to think about the lives people may have had, and how they feel substance abuse is the only way out. Rachel’s rock bottom was a scary place, she was in a state of denial so bad, the truth was revealed as slowly to readers as it was to her. I related to Rachel’s lack of self-worth and her childhood hangups to the point of uncomfortableness. I have done so much work on myself but I am ultimately glass half empty, like her, so the tone of the book was perfect for me.
'Not your fault, some people are born with, for example bad eyesight, others are born with sensitive emotions, And you were traumatised by the arrival of a new sister at an age when you were easily damaged.'
Rachel was very real, it was ugly inside her head and I know some people will hate her (I get it), but I loved her aside from the obvious character flaws (Like Lukey boy). She was just really, really funny. Now, I’m always sniffing out romance and it’s no wonder I used to sing Rachel's Holiday's praises. I have to say I’m shocked at how great the connection was written in this. It included all the good details. Luke was really sexy and swoony, I just adored him. There was a sick scene that would satisfy THG lovers. The way things played out between them—flashback style—was so unique and fresh, it kept the book moving until its gorgeous end.
Like a magnet, Luke drew lots of me to the surface, so that I told him things I'd never tell a man that I fancied.
Lastly, The Walsh family, they are something to be truly experienced. I have read that some hated Helen in this, but she was an absolute scream, like always and like they all are in their own way. I can’t wait to continue.
July 21, 2010
Rachel's Holiday was one of the best books I've read in a very long while. It was one of those books that leads you to a place in a very humorous way, and then offers you the chance to review your own life in a way you might not have before. Rachel has just accidently overdosed, ended up in the hospital, and been railroaded by her family, roommate, and boyfriend into treatment. She can't believe that they think she has a problem, because, of course, she doesn't. Watching her come to grips with what remains of her life in New York, seen in the flashbacks Rachel has during treatment, is both very funny and very sad. We see Rachel come to the realization of what and who she is. We also see the seduction of Lady Denial, and this is very powerful, subtle and eye-opening to the reader. Anyone who has "overdone" any substance may recognize themselves in the aftermath of papering over the wrongs and hurt feelings. All this in a book that is easy to read, mostly delightful, and very honest. I read it in a day, couldn't put it down, and was sorry to see it end. I hope we see another book about this family (Watermelon was the first) so I can see how Rachel is doing. This is a definate keeper!
January 18, 2012
Could have done with being about 200 pages shorter. Second book I've read about the Walsh sisters. The other one was better. Did feel like I'd read this before but if I had then it didn't make much of an impression on me. I was cheering Marian for not ending the book in the way you expected but it was short lived as this was before I'd read Epilogue. It does end like you expect it to. Not the worst chick lit book in the world but there are much better ones out there.
April 4, 2020
This was excellent. Full on got me through my first three weeks of quarantine. Also a lot more impactful than I expected. I wish I had read it earlier.
October 12, 2020
Was not expecting this thicc book to be so moving and powerful. Stunning job, Marian.
July 31, 2012
I just wanted to read romance.
Romance. You know, in that care-free chick-lit way, since I've had dissatisfaction towards the ending of other books recently.
Okay. You probably don't trust me. I've been throwing 4 and 5 stars around like it's Christmas. But I feel it's like Christmas, because I've suddenly been opened to a whole new genre that's not UF or PNR, and suddenly, everything is new and fresh and wonderful.
So did I get romance with Rachel's Holiday? Not really- not in the way I wanted. In fact, if I wanted to read romance, reading this book could possibly the worst way to go. Because... Because Rachel's Holiday was about a woman who suffered from a drug addiction.
I've seen no mention of a love interest, since the blurb mentions she was dumped by "a boyfriend she adores". How can that be? So, what happened was, instead of reading a nice light romance, I spent most of the book pissed off at Luke. He should be with her during the lowest time of her life. Even after discovering the horrors of her betrayal and her disloyalty, I was still determined to be pissed of at him. Yes, I find that I am disgustingly loyal to my main characters. So sue me.
I cried. In fact, it was more like weeping. I actually considered rating this 3 stars, because what I wanted was to read a book that would make me laugh, but what happened was the entire time I was reading, the tears just wouldn't stop. Until it was about finished. I mean, why would I rate a book that made me cry to much so high? Was I nuts??
Thinking more carefully, this book really was something. There has to be something special about a book that has touched me so deeply. So, this shall be the 5-star book not because it made me laugh so hard, but because it had made me cry so hard. It wasn't because it was particularly sad, but maybe because I feel as though I'd been with Rachel through her worst.
Now the ending. It more than made up for my expectations because my recent reads just didn't satisfy me enough. Rachel's Holiday's way of handling everything and the resolution just made me satisfied. Actually, I was horrified when I was close to the ending--you know,
So that's it. Don't judge this book by its cover, it has depth. It may even change your life, you never know. It touches of issues of feelings of inferiority, being broke and unemployed and not knowing your direction in life. Rachel's story is one of heart-break, healing and finding your own personal success, and has personally, wormed its way into my heart.
Romance. You know, in that care-free chick-lit way, since I've had dissatisfaction towards the ending of other books recently.
Okay. You probably don't trust me. I've been throwing 4 and 5 stars around like it's Christmas. But I feel it's like Christmas, because I've suddenly been opened to a whole new genre that's not UF or PNR, and suddenly, everything is new and fresh and wonderful.
So did I get romance with Rachel's Holiday? Not really- not in the way I wanted. In fact, if I wanted to read romance, reading this book could possibly the worst way to go. Because... Because Rachel's Holiday was about a woman who suffered from a drug addiction.
I've seen no mention of a love interest, since the blurb mentions she was dumped by "a boyfriend she adores". How can that be? So, what happened was, instead of reading a nice light romance, I spent most of the book pissed off at Luke. He should be with her during the lowest time of her life. Even after discovering the horrors of her betrayal and her disloyalty, I was still determined to be pissed of at him. Yes, I find that I am disgustingly loyal to my main characters. So sue me.
I cried. In fact, it was more like weeping. I actually considered rating this 3 stars, because what I wanted was to read a book that would make me laugh, but what happened was the entire time I was reading, the tears just wouldn't stop. Until it was about finished. I mean, why would I rate a book that made me cry to much so high? Was I nuts??
Thinking more carefully, this book really was something. There has to be something special about a book that has touched me so deeply. So, this shall be the 5-star book not because it made me laugh so hard, but because it had made me cry so hard. It wasn't because it was particularly sad, but maybe because I feel as though I'd been with Rachel through her worst.
Now the ending. It more than made up for my expectations because my recent reads just didn't satisfy me enough. Rachel's Holiday's way of handling everything and the resolution just made me satisfied. Actually, I was horrified when I was close to the ending--you know,
So that's it. Don't judge this book by its cover, it has depth. It may even change your life, you never know. It touches of issues of feelings of inferiority, being broke and unemployed and not knowing your direction in life. Rachel's story is one of heart-break, healing and finding your own personal success, and has personally, wormed its way into my heart.
Read
February 13, 2022Marian Keyes is one of my favourite Irish authors. Her books are classified as chick-lits but they are so much more than that. I think because she is so funny and writes with such wit that you tend to forget what serious issues are sandwiched in between the laughs. If you never read chick-lit, Marian Keyes books are ones where I think you should forget about genres and just give it a chance.
Rachel’s Holiday is a classic example. It’s not about Rachel going on a holiday! It’s about Rachel spending a little time in an Irish drying-out clinic at the insistence of her parents. Rachel doesn’t mind too much, she thinks it will be like a little spa holiday and she might even drop a few pounds too but she wasn’t bargaining for the harsh realities ahead of her.
At the start of the book, we are in denial as to the extent of her drug addiction problems and just think her family are being ott. Then gradually as it dawns on Rachel just how far she has fallen, our eyes are opened too and her addiction is exposed in all its ugliness. Marian Keyes has described her own battle with alcoholism and you just know she is drawing on her own experiences here. The clinic and group therapy classes have a ring of truth about them and for all the hilarity there are lines that dart straight to your heart and make you think about your own addictions.
It’s not a depressing book though. Far from it, it’s one of the funniest books I own. It’s one of those don’t-read-in-public-books as there is no way to keep the laughs in. Marian has a way of writing about the normal, everyday stuff that we all do but showing the absurd in it. Her phrasing is chatty, fun and cracks me up. When I need a good belly laugh, these are the books I turn to.
I have also found that her books have stood the test of time. I read my first one in the late 90′s but I often pluck one from the shelf for a reread. They are great books to settle down with for a bookish reunion with characters I love.
“They say the path of true love never runs smooth. Well, Luke and my true love’s path didn’t run at all, it limped along in new boots that were chafing its heels. Blistered and cut, red and raw, every hopping, lopsided step, a little slice of agony.”
There are 5 books about the 5 dysfunctional but lovable Walsh sisters. I can’t recommend them highly enough with Rachel’s holiday at the very top of my list.
Rachel’s Holiday is a classic example. It’s not about Rachel going on a holiday! It’s about Rachel spending a little time in an Irish drying-out clinic at the insistence of her parents. Rachel doesn’t mind too much, she thinks it will be like a little spa holiday and she might even drop a few pounds too but she wasn’t bargaining for the harsh realities ahead of her.
At the start of the book, we are in denial as to the extent of her drug addiction problems and just think her family are being ott. Then gradually as it dawns on Rachel just how far she has fallen, our eyes are opened too and her addiction is exposed in all its ugliness. Marian Keyes has described her own battle with alcoholism and you just know she is drawing on her own experiences here. The clinic and group therapy classes have a ring of truth about them and for all the hilarity there are lines that dart straight to your heart and make you think about your own addictions.
It’s not a depressing book though. Far from it, it’s one of the funniest books I own. It’s one of those don’t-read-in-public-books as there is no way to keep the laughs in. Marian has a way of writing about the normal, everyday stuff that we all do but showing the absurd in it. Her phrasing is chatty, fun and cracks me up. When I need a good belly laugh, these are the books I turn to.
I have also found that her books have stood the test of time. I read my first one in the late 90′s but I often pluck one from the shelf for a reread. They are great books to settle down with for a bookish reunion with characters I love.
“They say the path of true love never runs smooth. Well, Luke and my true love’s path didn’t run at all, it limped along in new boots that were chafing its heels. Blistered and cut, red and raw, every hopping, lopsided step, a little slice of agony.”
There are 5 books about the 5 dysfunctional but lovable Walsh sisters. I can’t recommend them highly enough with Rachel’s holiday at the very top of my list.
October 11, 2021
"This book gave me hope during a dark time in my life."
I read this book while I was in rehab myself, so I could totally relate to all of it. EVERY SINGLE WORD! This books captures the recovery experience perfectly, and I found myself laughing hysterically at times, but also shedding some tears. Such a fantastic read which I have now read multiple times and loved it every single time.
I read this book while I was in rehab myself, so I could totally relate to all of it. EVERY SINGLE WORD! This books captures the recovery experience perfectly, and I found myself laughing hysterically at times, but also shedding some tears. Such a fantastic read which I have now read multiple times and loved it every single time.
November 10, 2025
#️⃣6️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 🌠☔
Date Read: Sunday, November 9, 2025
2️⃣🌟, i'm starting to think that Marian Keyes is just a one hit wonder because idk once again, for the second book in a row by this author, this is too long for what it's worth
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
12th read in "Lush and Beautiful Reads" November🌃
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊★˚ .• *
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
┊ ┊ ︎✧
┊ . ˚ ˚✩
┊
┊
┊
┊
⋆｡˚ ✩ ˚｡⋆
This is the third book that i've read where does author and i am now kind of believing that when she writes something a little bit too long... It falls apart pretty quickly as 9 times out of 10 it might just have so many unnecessary scenes and random things that doesn't even relate to the story. There's not truly any good excuse for this to be so long as even if the plot and the synopsis is pretty interesting (and with it almost, but just a little bit reminding me of Fight Club, dunno how Fight Club got into this book and how I just broke the rule of not talking about fight club) probably because the like group sessions you're very important in this book and a prominent part of Rachel Walsh's character development. Well at least there's a character development that happens, so many other books don't even have that. It's just that the process on how she becomes organized and essentially now managing to take care of all of her responsibilities in life accordingly is getting repetitive as this book could've been shortened to 300 pages and would still be the exact same.
Luke is a very pleasant character to read though. He is the better written character in here and is possibly the one that drives most of the tention and the drama that exists through his personal struggles. Somehow i find his character even more interesting than Rachel Walsh 😭😭😭. He just has problems that are more real than like — "accidentally" being accused of using drugs. It's a very complicated explanation on Rachel Walsh's relationship with drugs but this book tackles the topic in a very lighthearted manner in which... Drugs are definitely not a lighthearted theme to explore so 😐😐😐😐.
Date Read: Sunday, November 9, 2025
2️⃣🌟, i'm starting to think that Marian Keyes is just a one hit wonder because idk once again, for the second book in a row by this author, this is too long for what it's worth
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
12th read in "Lush and Beautiful Reads" November🌃
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊★˚ .• *
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
┊ ┊ ︎✧
┊ . ˚ ˚✩
┊
┊
┊
┊
⋆｡˚ ✩ ˚｡⋆
This is the third book that i've read where does author and i am now kind of believing that when she writes something a little bit too long... It falls apart pretty quickly as 9 times out of 10 it might just have so many unnecessary scenes and random things that doesn't even relate to the story. There's not truly any good excuse for this to be so long as even if the plot and the synopsis is pretty interesting (and with it almost, but just a little bit reminding me of Fight Club, dunno how Fight Club got into this book and how I just broke the rule of not talking about fight club) probably because the like group sessions you're very important in this book and a prominent part of Rachel Walsh's character development. Well at least there's a character development that happens, so many other books don't even have that. It's just that the process on how she becomes organized and essentially now managing to take care of all of her responsibilities in life accordingly is getting repetitive as this book could've been shortened to 300 pages and would still be the exact same.
Luke is a very pleasant character to read though. He is the better written character in here and is possibly the one that drives most of the tention and the drama that exists through his personal struggles. Somehow i find his character even more interesting than Rachel Walsh 😭😭😭. He just has problems that are more real than like — "accidentally" being accused of using drugs. It's a very complicated explanation on Rachel Walsh's relationship with drugs but this book tackles the topic in a very lighthearted manner in which... Drugs are definitely not a lighthearted theme to explore so 😐😐😐😐.
June 3, 2019
I definitely liked "Rachel's Holiday" a lot more than "Watermelon." Maybe because this one more expressly shows the flaws in the Walsh family matriarch and father. Also, I still disliked Helen in this one too. Anna seems mostly harmless and cares. We also get to see/hear more about Maggie(one of the 5 sisters). I felt sorry for Rachel who is in the midst of addiction and doesn't even want to admit what has been going on with her. And unlike with Claire in the last book, Rachel even though she goes through a series of missteps, realizes that no man is going to be able to save her, she's going to have to save herself.
"Rachel's Holiday" is Walsh Family #2. Rachel Walsh has been living in New York with her best friend. Though Rachel has a pretty terrible job (she works at a rundown hotel as a maid) she has a great guy in her life named Luke (though she doesn't want to call him her boyfriend). When Rachel has a hard time waking up one day, she finds herself at the hospital getting her stomach pumped. Her parents send her sister and husband to get her and bring her back to Ireland. Rachel only agrees to go back since her father wants to send her to a rehab center in Ireland called the Cloisters where the rich and famous go. Rachel of course blithely thinks nothing is wrong. When Luke cruelly dumps her, Rachel is determined she will find someone else, though she still has thoughts of Luke. Once Rachel is at the Cloisters she finally comes face to face with her past and what her present course was taking her.
So I watched "Rocketman" this weekend and that movie dealt very well with addiction. I thought that "Rachel's Holiday" did as well. I think Keyes telling the story via first person was smart. Because you get to see Rachel's side to everything. And until Rachel is brutally confronted with her past and why she's at the Cloisters part of you may wonder is she really an addict, or had some bad times.
I thought that the why behind Rachel's addiction was so good though too. Rachel wanting someone or anything to blame wasn't the point. The point was what was she going to do now.
Keyes develops so many of the secondary characters that Rachel meets very well too like Jackie, Luke, and others. We also have pop-ins by the Walsh family who I swear would have me changing my name and going into witness protection.
The writing was top-notch. I am guessing that Keyes did extensive research on rehabs and addiction because everything read as spot on to me. I have one brother who has finally sought alcohol treatment and several members of my family I had to unfortunately cut off once I realized their addiction wasn't going to change if I didn't stop enabling them. This book definitely had me wincing a bit along with laughing and even feeling tears. Definitely not a typical chick-lit book considering the subject matter. However, the romance that started with Luke and his real he-man group was hilarious and I thought the sex scenes were great.
The flow was the one issue that caused me to give it four stars though. The book dragged in a few places here and there. Mostly towards the middle and end I thought.
The book setting moves between New York, the Cloisters, and then Rachel at home with her family. I thought the New York and Cloister scenes were done so well. I felt for a Rachel that so wanted to impress all these women and rich people surrounding her because she just didn't feel good enough.
The ending was great. I loved that we see Rachel in a new stage of her life and she's focused on being a better person.
"Rachel's Holiday" is Walsh Family #2. Rachel Walsh has been living in New York with her best friend. Though Rachel has a pretty terrible job (she works at a rundown hotel as a maid) she has a great guy in her life named Luke (though she doesn't want to call him her boyfriend). When Rachel has a hard time waking up one day, she finds herself at the hospital getting her stomach pumped. Her parents send her sister and husband to get her and bring her back to Ireland. Rachel only agrees to go back since her father wants to send her to a rehab center in Ireland called the Cloisters where the rich and famous go. Rachel of course blithely thinks nothing is wrong. When Luke cruelly dumps her, Rachel is determined she will find someone else, though she still has thoughts of Luke. Once Rachel is at the Cloisters she finally comes face to face with her past and what her present course was taking her.
So I watched "Rocketman" this weekend and that movie dealt very well with addiction. I thought that "Rachel's Holiday" did as well. I think Keyes telling the story via first person was smart. Because you get to see Rachel's side to everything. And until Rachel is brutally confronted with her past and why she's at the Cloisters part of you may wonder is she really an addict, or had some bad times.
I thought that the why behind Rachel's addiction was so good though too. Rachel wanting someone or anything to blame wasn't the point. The point was what was she going to do now.
Keyes develops so many of the secondary characters that Rachel meets very well too like Jackie, Luke, and others. We also have pop-ins by the Walsh family who I swear would have me changing my name and going into witness protection.
The writing was top-notch. I am guessing that Keyes did extensive research on rehabs and addiction because everything read as spot on to me. I have one brother who has finally sought alcohol treatment and several members of my family I had to unfortunately cut off once I realized their addiction wasn't going to change if I didn't stop enabling them. This book definitely had me wincing a bit along with laughing and even feeling tears. Definitely not a typical chick-lit book considering the subject matter. However, the romance that started with Luke and his real he-man group was hilarious and I thought the sex scenes were great.
The flow was the one issue that caused me to give it four stars though. The book dragged in a few places here and there. Mostly towards the middle and end I thought.
The book setting moves between New York, the Cloisters, and then Rachel at home with her family. I thought the New York and Cloister scenes were done so well. I felt for a Rachel that so wanted to impress all these women and rich people surrounding her because she just didn't feel good enough.
The ending was great. I loved that we see Rachel in a new stage of her life and she's focused on being a better person.
August 6, 2011
This has been my favorite of all the Marian Keyes books I have read thus far! It is truly amazing to see how all her characters go through the toughest times or sometimes find themselves in the funniest situations. The best being when both emotions happen in the same scene!
The story line is once again done brilliantly, from start to finish. Her books have become synonymous 'glued to the hands with butt on the seat' gut wrenching, tear jerking (because of the funny bits) and riveting brilliance.
The story of Rachel is a tale that one can identify with, even if you don't use drugs or drink excessively; this based on the ignorance and stupidity that most of us experience at some point in our lives, and silly as it might sound this book was also in a sense motivational. I don't personally have the same exact issues as Rachel, but we all have our little addictions that most of us don't even know about or choose not to admit. The book really gets the veil lifted even if for just short intervals and because on some level one identifies with the characters, you feel the emotion so much more. For anyone that says this book did nothing for them, my response to them would be that, in my opinion, you are just more in denial than the rest of us!
This is a MUST read!
The story line is once again done brilliantly, from start to finish. Her books have become synonymous 'glued to the hands with butt on the seat' gut wrenching, tear jerking (because of the funny bits) and riveting brilliance.
The story of Rachel is a tale that one can identify with, even if you don't use drugs or drink excessively; this based on the ignorance and stupidity that most of us experience at some point in our lives, and silly as it might sound this book was also in a sense motivational. I don't personally have the same exact issues as Rachel, but we all have our little addictions that most of us don't even know about or choose not to admit. The book really gets the veil lifted even if for just short intervals and because on some level one identifies with the characters, you feel the emotion so much more. For anyone that says this book did nothing for them, my response to them would be that, in my opinion, you are just more in denial than the rest of us!
This is a MUST read!
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