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Walsh Family #6
Again, Rachel
THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 2023 THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IN 2023!EVERY GENERATION HAS ONE GREAT LOVE STORY.THIS IS OURS.'Beautifully written. Clever, lively, funny, compelling' NINA STIBBE'Marian's most moving, emotive and brilliantly written book yet' 5***** READER REVIEW'Funny, heartbreaking, achingly real. Gorgeous. I absolutely loved it' JANE FALLON'Rachel and Luke's relationship is one of the best ever written' 5***** READER REVIEW'Beautifully written, funny, heart-breaking and always wise. A proper treat' DAILY MAIL'I laughed, I cried, I obsessed. Wonderful' 5***** READER REVIEW**THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022**______Losing the love of your life once is tragic. TWICE looks like carelessness . . .Rachel Walsh is a she survived rehab and the loss of her greatest love.These days everything in her life is good - good job, good dog, very good boyfriend. Then Luke - her ex of six years - shows up.Suddenly she's fragile and falling.They ended badly and neither can speak of the secret hurt which drove them apart.But is it fear of what happened? Or what might happen next?______'An entertaining, growingly poignant contemporary tale' SUNDAY TIMES'No other author marries heartbreak and hilarity so seamlessly' MAIL ON SUNDAY'Marian's mastery of story and character is as impressive as ever' HEAT 'BOOK OF THE YEAR'Why readers LOVE Again, Rachel!'Again, Rachel has all the ingredients that make Marian's books so uniquely special - warmth, humour, sadness and depth. It's absolutely perfect' 5* Reader Review'Marian Keyes is just the most talented writer. I adore her, and this book is a pinnacle. It left me sobbing with its beauty, and minutes later laughing out loud at the wit and wry humour of the deeply flawed and deeply human characters' 5* Reader Review'I devoured this book and lost myself in the characters that Marian makes so accessible, easy to identify with and so perfectly flawed' 5* Reader Review'I'm going to have to read it again because I can't bear to leave the characters behind. Wonderful!' 5* Reader Review
582 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2022
2821 people are currently reading
17160 people want to read
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 2,138 reviews
December 30, 2021
Twenty-five years ago, Rachels' Holiday was published and there are millions of us who were overjoyed when we learnt that Marian Keyes had penned the sequel. Whilst Rachel's Holiday was not the first book about the Walsh family; Watermelon takes that place and was published a couple of years prior to Rachel, there is no doubt that Rachel's Holiday was the book that really made us readers fall for the family.
Again, Rachel is an absolute triumph. It has everything that any Walsh family fan could wish for, and more. It is packed to the rafters with those familiar, hilarious sayings that are uttered by the magnificent Mammy Walsh, yet it will totally break the reader in places. Marian Keyes does not allow her characters to glide through life unscathed ... not at all.
I cannot tell you what has happened since we left Rachel at the end of Rachel's Holiday, and it's almost impossible to tell you about the events in this new story. Yes, I'm being vague, but it is not for me to spoil the story, you really do need to discover for yourselves.
I can tell you that Rachel seems to be in a very good place as the story begins; she has a great job as head counsellor at The Cloisters, she is in love, all of her family are around her and she's discovered a love for gardening. Addiction is a thing of the past, except for fancy trainers and a hankering after a Chanel handbag, but who doesn't share those loves?
It's a phone call that turns this story on its head. Readers will have come to some conclusions about things that may have happened in previous years, but that phone call confirms things. One very quick message will go on to make Rachel take stock of her current life, re-evaluate things that have happened in the past, and look very hard at where future Rachel may go.
I can talk about Rachels 'ducklings'; her client group at The Cloisters. Keyes very cleverly incorporates the lives of those who Rachel helps so very well into this novel. Each of them have their own wonderfully created story, and each of them shines a light on some of the darkest of issues. It's an ingenious way of dealing with social issues that can shatter lives, whilst doing so with the warm and belly-laugh humour that the author is so good at.
Again, Rachel is a wise and wonderful look at life today. It is incredibly perceptive whilst being so damn funny in places. I wept, I wept more than once. I also laughed so loud, I read out passages to my husband, I was totally and utterly bewitched by the story. It consumed every moment and I turned the final page with a little sob.
Thank you Marian Keyes. Thank you for bringing Rachel and the whole Walsh family back. What an absolute gift this is!
Again, Rachel is an absolute triumph. It has everything that any Walsh family fan could wish for, and more. It is packed to the rafters with those familiar, hilarious sayings that are uttered by the magnificent Mammy Walsh, yet it will totally break the reader in places. Marian Keyes does not allow her characters to glide through life unscathed ... not at all.
I cannot tell you what has happened since we left Rachel at the end of Rachel's Holiday, and it's almost impossible to tell you about the events in this new story. Yes, I'm being vague, but it is not for me to spoil the story, you really do need to discover for yourselves.
I can tell you that Rachel seems to be in a very good place as the story begins; she has a great job as head counsellor at The Cloisters, she is in love, all of her family are around her and she's discovered a love for gardening. Addiction is a thing of the past, except for fancy trainers and a hankering after a Chanel handbag, but who doesn't share those loves?
It's a phone call that turns this story on its head. Readers will have come to some conclusions about things that may have happened in previous years, but that phone call confirms things. One very quick message will go on to make Rachel take stock of her current life, re-evaluate things that have happened in the past, and look very hard at where future Rachel may go.
I can talk about Rachels 'ducklings'; her client group at The Cloisters. Keyes very cleverly incorporates the lives of those who Rachel helps so very well into this novel. Each of them have their own wonderfully created story, and each of them shines a light on some of the darkest of issues. It's an ingenious way of dealing with social issues that can shatter lives, whilst doing so with the warm and belly-laugh humour that the author is so good at.
Again, Rachel is a wise and wonderful look at life today. It is incredibly perceptive whilst being so damn funny in places. I wept, I wept more than once. I also laughed so loud, I read out passages to my husband, I was totally and utterly bewitched by the story. It consumed every moment and I turned the final page with a little sob.
Thank you Marian Keyes. Thank you for bringing Rachel and the whole Walsh family back. What an absolute gift this is!
April 3, 2022
Lovely, heart-warming story!! I have read one of Marian Keyes previous books in the Walsh family series and enjoyed it, so of course I decided to give this one a shot. I really enjoyed this novel. The writing is wonderful and kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters are all lovable and well developed! I especially loved Rachels strong, resilient, character so much. This book makes me want to go now and read all the other books in the series from beginning to end. Even though this is a series, I thought it read fine as a stand-alone though I’m sure reading the previous books would be helpful.
Thank you Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada for an ARC in return for my honest review.
April 15, 2022
Really touching addition to the Walsh family series.
I have been invested in the Walsh family ever since reading Watermelon oh so many years ago. This is a family of five sisters, all of whom have their issues and problems in life and relationships. This novel revisits the sister first featured in Rachel's Holiday, when Rachel went to rehab at the Cloisters due to her drug addiction. Now, it's 20 years later and Rachel is a counselor at the Cloisters. She gets news that her ex-husband Luke's mom has passed away and even though her life is settled and she has a great boyfriend, she feels the need to go and pay her respects to her former mother-in-law. Yet seeing Luke again brings up some feelings she has tried hard to put behind her, and she starts to put together that maybe she needs to get some closure on the past in order to move forward to the future.
The books in this series are heartwarming, humorous, but also meaningful and deep. I learned a huge amount about addiction recovery and how addiction can take on many forms and go through many pathways.
Although the author does a great job of tempering the more serious moments with humor, there are some heavier, sadder themes that might be a trigger for people. In this book, many forms of addiction are obviously discussed, but also there's a big section on pregnancy loss/stillbirth. I realize that this might be too difficult for some people to read about, it definitely made me tear up at times because the author conveys the depth of grief so perfectly. Everything in this book is just so real and believable.
You don't necessarily need to read these books in order to enjoy each one, but some things will be spoiled for you if you do decide to go back and read them later (and you'll want to!) So I recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in the order written.
Lovely book, highly recommended.
I have been invested in the Walsh family ever since reading Watermelon oh so many years ago. This is a family of five sisters, all of whom have their issues and problems in life and relationships. This novel revisits the sister first featured in Rachel's Holiday, when Rachel went to rehab at the Cloisters due to her drug addiction. Now, it's 20 years later and Rachel is a counselor at the Cloisters. She gets news that her ex-husband Luke's mom has passed away and even though her life is settled and she has a great boyfriend, she feels the need to go and pay her respects to her former mother-in-law. Yet seeing Luke again brings up some feelings she has tried hard to put behind her, and she starts to put together that maybe she needs to get some closure on the past in order to move forward to the future.
The books in this series are heartwarming, humorous, but also meaningful and deep. I learned a huge amount about addiction recovery and how addiction can take on many forms and go through many pathways.
Although the author does a great job of tempering the more serious moments with humor, there are some heavier, sadder themes that might be a trigger for people. In this book, many forms of addiction are obviously discussed, but also there's a big section on pregnancy loss/stillbirth. I realize that this might be too difficult for some people to read about, it definitely made me tear up at times because the author conveys the depth of grief so perfectly. Everything in this book is just so real and believable.
You don't necessarily need to read these books in order to enjoy each one, but some things will be spoiled for you if you do decide to go back and read them later (and you'll want to!) So I recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in the order written.
Lovely book, highly recommended.
July 7, 2022
Thank you GR friend Tania for reviewing “Again, Rachel” by Marian Keyes. You reminded me of a beloved author I haven’t read in a very long time. I akin reading anything of Keyes to playing with a big box of puppies. It is what this soul needed.
With all of Keyes main characters (they are big hot messes) Rachel is a character you can relate to, one you wished you could have as a friend. And her family, the Walsh family, well, you will want to get yourself involved with them toot-sweet.
Keyes expertly uses humor to soften her messages. In this one, Rachel is an addiction counsellor, and Keyes had a good time writing the group counselling scenes. She amuses us with the Walsh family inner dynamics, and this one is no different. Mommy Walsh has a surprise birthday party and that event alone had me snickering and snorting.
One of the more serious messages Keyes tackles involves miscarriages. She does not sugar-coat the devastation and life altering trauma of losing a baby. Yet she deftly illuminates the issues and problems that physically and emotionally arise after such a shattering event. Keyes messages are always thought-provoking.
I highly recommend “Again, Rachel”. You do not need to have read any of her other work. You will fall immediately in love with the Walsh family and Keyes’ superior writing ability.
I listened to the audio narrated by Marian Keyes herself. It’s over 17 hours, and you will enjoy every second of it. Listen to the end, as she provides important information and resources for those who have been touch by the tragedy of miscarriage.
With all of Keyes main characters (they are big hot messes) Rachel is a character you can relate to, one you wished you could have as a friend. And her family, the Walsh family, well, you will want to get yourself involved with them toot-sweet.
Keyes expertly uses humor to soften her messages. In this one, Rachel is an addiction counsellor, and Keyes had a good time writing the group counselling scenes. She amuses us with the Walsh family inner dynamics, and this one is no different. Mommy Walsh has a surprise birthday party and that event alone had me snickering and snorting.
One of the more serious messages Keyes tackles involves miscarriages. She does not sugar-coat the devastation and life altering trauma of losing a baby. Yet she deftly illuminates the issues and problems that physically and emotionally arise after such a shattering event. Keyes messages are always thought-provoking.
I highly recommend “Again, Rachel”. You do not need to have read any of her other work. You will fall immediately in love with the Walsh family and Keyes’ superior writing ability.
I listened to the audio narrated by Marian Keyes herself. It’s over 17 hours, and you will enjoy every second of it. Listen to the end, as she provides important information and resources for those who have been touch by the tragedy of miscarriage.
June 19, 2022
The thing I liked best about this book was the cover 😿
I was excited when this turned up at Book Club, as I had read and loved all her books in my twenties - although in retrospect, I preferred the stand-alones to the Walsh family’s stories. Still, I was very interested to see how the sisters have evolved into middle-age. Sadly, they haven’t - they’re as neurotic, vain, frivolous, immature and bitchy as ever, with the exception of Margaret, who barely features. I didn’t find it remotely funny, and was hugely disappointed by the messages it sends.
I’m going to hide this whole review behind the spoiler filter so recommend stopping here if you are planning on reading this book - although the big reveal about half-way through is heavily sign-posted so not a surprise, and neither is the ending.
Set in 2018 (to avoid the inconvenience of fitting in a global pandemic) this has Rachel, now 46, working as an addictions counsellor at The Cloisters - the same in-patient rehab unit she attended in 1997. She’s managed to stay clean despite divorcing her husband Luke six years earlier, and she’s now dating a smart, successful and attractive man who takes her to interesting places. Then she gets word that Luke is back in town for his mother’s funeral, and her world turns upside down.
What did I like? Well the writing was fine - Keyes writes good dialogue full of Irishisms, and as mentioned, the cover features a cute cartoon of Rachel and her dog, Crunchie, not to be confused with Chalkie, her favourite heroin addict, who actually gets more attention than the poor pooch does - she’s constantly leaving her with other people. It was also good to get the update on the other sisters’ lives.
The issue of (spoiler alert, you were warned) stillbirth was sensitively handled.
This is a long book - 579 pages in my doorstopper paperback, and about a third of that is fairly boring filler about Rachel’s work. There are a LOT of characters, the family tree at the beginning is useful, but with many similar names I missed my kindle’s search function because I was constantly thinking “hang in, who’s X again?” It’s all told from Rachel’s angsty first person past perspective - it’s over twenty years since I read Rachel’s Holiday but I assume that was the same. For a woman in her late forties, she remains depressingly shallow, obsessed with designer labels, cosmetics, peoples’ looks and weight, including her own (it’s subtly implied that she’s constantly on a diet) and the state of her hair. Claire is even worse. I know that at heart this is chick-lit, but I thought we might’ve got past spending so much energy, not to mention money, on such nonsense. Oh and don’t get me started on Mammy Walsh - she’s a monster.
The plot introduces a slew of characters all suffering from various addictions, and how Rachel works with them to break them down and get them on the path to recovery. She’s proud of her success rate, but as it turns out, she’s a complete hypocrite. Treatment slavishly follows and promotes the evangelical AA model - they seem completely okay with the fact that the clinic employs no doctors and dismisses essentially all medical treatments, which did not sit well with me. In the 21st century we have much more effective evidence-based therapies for helping addicts than expensive spells in rehab.
I also felt that the way Rachel’s loss of a baby late in pregnancy almost glamourised pathological grief. I need to be careful here lest I offend anyone, but many many parents lose children, it’s devastating, but it is a fact of life. Rachel and Luke idealise their baby, and, possibly/probably because neither goes on to have and raise another child, get stuck in an unrealistic form of permanent mourning that is presented as normal but really isn’t.
My biggest disappointment, however, was the romance. Instead of showing that you can actually move on from a broken heart and find love with a grown-up, or be happily single, Keyes cleaves to the myth of the “one true love” and (major spoiler) has Rachel getting back together with still-hot in leather trousers (of course) Luke. Would she have had the same happy ending if he had a receding hairline and beer belly? Her family all (well mostly) egg her on because of his hotness, despite the fact that he behaved abysmally towards her, and is not good, kind, smart or funny, he just looks great in tight jeans. This is all then retrofitted to provide the standard romance happy ending where it was all a misunderstanding. Aren’t we too old for this crap? She treats her boyfriend Quin appallingly, but it’s okay because conveniently he cheated first.
Now this book has more 5 star reviews than anything else, and it’s been out for four months, so those won’t be all naturally biased advance reviews, and clearly I’m in a minority of dissenting opinions. I did finish it, and am ambivalent about the time spent doing so - sometimes you really do need to make up your own mind - so I’m going with a generous two stars.
I was excited when this turned up at Book Club, as I had read and loved all her books in my twenties - although in retrospect, I preferred the stand-alones to the Walsh family’s stories. Still, I was very interested to see how the sisters have evolved into middle-age. Sadly, they haven’t - they’re as neurotic, vain, frivolous, immature and bitchy as ever, with the exception of Margaret, who barely features. I didn’t find it remotely funny, and was hugely disappointed by the messages it sends.
I’m going to hide this whole review behind the spoiler filter so recommend stopping here if you are planning on reading this book - although the big reveal about half-way through is heavily sign-posted so not a surprise, and neither is the ending.
Set in 2018 (to avoid the inconvenience of fitting in a global pandemic) this has Rachel, now 46, working as an addictions counsellor at The Cloisters - the same in-patient rehab unit she attended in 1997. She’s managed to stay clean despite divorcing her husband Luke six years earlier, and she’s now dating a smart, successful and attractive man who takes her to interesting places. Then she gets word that Luke is back in town for his mother’s funeral, and her world turns upside down.
What did I like? Well the writing was fine - Keyes writes good dialogue full of Irishisms, and as mentioned, the cover features a cute cartoon of Rachel and her dog, Crunchie, not to be confused with Chalkie, her favourite heroin addict, who actually gets more attention than the poor pooch does - she’s constantly leaving her with other people. It was also good to get the update on the other sisters’ lives.
The issue of (spoiler alert, you were warned) stillbirth was sensitively handled.
This is a long book - 579 pages in my doorstopper paperback, and about a third of that is fairly boring filler about Rachel’s work. There are a LOT of characters, the family tree at the beginning is useful, but with many similar names I missed my kindle’s search function because I was constantly thinking “hang in, who’s X again?” It’s all told from Rachel’s angsty first person past perspective - it’s over twenty years since I read Rachel’s Holiday but I assume that was the same. For a woman in her late forties, she remains depressingly shallow, obsessed with designer labels, cosmetics, peoples’ looks and weight, including her own (it’s subtly implied that she’s constantly on a diet) and the state of her hair. Claire is even worse. I know that at heart this is chick-lit, but I thought we might’ve got past spending so much energy, not to mention money, on such nonsense. Oh and don’t get me started on Mammy Walsh - she’s a monster.
The plot introduces a slew of characters all suffering from various addictions, and how Rachel works with them to break them down and get them on the path to recovery. She’s proud of her success rate, but as it turns out, she’s a complete hypocrite. Treatment slavishly follows and promotes the evangelical AA model - they seem completely okay with the fact that the clinic employs no doctors and dismisses essentially all medical treatments, which did not sit well with me. In the 21st century we have much more effective evidence-based therapies for helping addicts than expensive spells in rehab.
I also felt that the way Rachel’s loss of a baby late in pregnancy almost glamourised pathological grief. I need to be careful here lest I offend anyone, but many many parents lose children, it’s devastating, but it is a fact of life. Rachel and Luke idealise their baby, and, possibly/probably because neither goes on to have and raise another child, get stuck in an unrealistic form of permanent mourning that is presented as normal but really isn’t.
My biggest disappointment, however, was the romance. Instead of showing that you can actually move on from a broken heart and find love with a grown-up, or be happily single, Keyes cleaves to the myth of the “one true love” and (major spoiler) has Rachel getting back together with still-hot in leather trousers (of course) Luke. Would she have had the same happy ending if he had a receding hairline and beer belly? Her family all (well mostly) egg her on because of his hotness, despite the fact that he behaved abysmally towards her, and is not good, kind, smart or funny, he just looks great in tight jeans. This is all then retrofitted to provide the standard romance happy ending where it was all a misunderstanding. Aren’t we too old for this crap? She treats her boyfriend Quin appallingly, but it’s okay because conveniently he cheated first.
Now this book has more 5 star reviews than anything else, and it’s been out for four months, so those won’t be all naturally biased advance reviews, and clearly I’m in a minority of dissenting opinions. I did finish it, and am ambivalent about the time spent doing so - sometimes you really do need to make up your own mind - so I’m going with a generous two stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2022
Oh godddddd!
I wish this had ended about 3 hours before it did! Imagine the sentence 'I love Quinn, but it's just not the same as Luke...' said in 2987 different ways. That's the novel.
Rachel, Luke and pretty much everyone else gave me the boke by the end - I remember absolutely loving the first one, but everyone was so hateable this time.
I wish this had ended about 3 hours before it did! Imagine the sentence 'I love Quinn, but it's just not the same as Luke...' said in 2987 different ways. That's the novel.
Rachel, Luke and pretty much everyone else gave me the boke by the end - I remember absolutely loving the first one, but everyone was so hateable this time.
April 8, 2022
Rachel’s Holiday has the most special place in my heart and of course now this does too.
It was a privilege to be by Rachel’s side during this one. Please be careful and gentle with your hearts while reading this there are some triggers.
It was a privilege to be by Rachel’s side during this one. Please be careful and gentle with your hearts while reading this there are some triggers.
May 27, 2024
To me, this author is nothing but perfection. I think this instalment is my favourite of the series, as I believe the author has an innate skill in writing about the topic she knows the best. The natural comedy and wit embedded into the intricate messiness of character’s lives is something Marian Keyes is ridiculously good at.
The gregarious and rambunctious family made up of the Walsh daughters and their everyday yet floored parents, combined with their extended families and individual idiosyncrasies make for entertaining and engaging reading.
The audio experience was amazing, the ability of the author to narrate her own fiction adding yet another delicious layer to the experience. Added to this author’s arsenal of abilities is her cookbook laced with personal anecdotes and this book being her tool to re-enter life after debilitating depression. What can MK not do?!
This lived experience translates to the page perfectly, as we hear all about Rachel Walsh, the addict of the family, who managed to climb out of the hole she was in many years before at the Cloisters, refusing to admit there was a thing wrong with her. Now a senior counsellor there, much of the narrative forms around her charges, how much she cares for them, makes progress with them as if they were her own, and how this experience mirrors her own life.
As I read these books quite far apart, I had to reacquaint myself with the family, initially assuming I’d missed important events. I had not, and this story brings us up to date with Rachel, her stubborn addiction which she had ‘recovered’ from, a major loss in her life and some very serious life events.
In the background is a major party being planned for Mrs Walsh, this is hilarious, her foibles and nuttiness very funny. The way the sisters come together for this event heartwarming and hilarious. The sisters still form a pivotal role, with Rachel dispending wisdom and life advice. Rachel is a very smart woman, can she see in herself what she sees in others will be a very serious issue she is facing now, 20 years after her much-needed stint in The Cloisters.
I love the way Rachel’s dialogue is in equal measures hilarious and heartbreaking, and the journey she goes on, drawing in her much-loved family, and the important people from her past life.
Marian Keyes, I love your work, and I will still proclaim that only addicts will truly get it, because that’s what we’re like, aren’t we?!
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. I almost made the mistake of starting My Favourite Mistake as I was so excited the newest book had been released. I need to learn delayed gratification! My highest recommendation.
The gregarious and rambunctious family made up of the Walsh daughters and their everyday yet floored parents, combined with their extended families and individual idiosyncrasies make for entertaining and engaging reading.
The audio experience was amazing, the ability of the author to narrate her own fiction adding yet another delicious layer to the experience. Added to this author’s arsenal of abilities is her cookbook laced with personal anecdotes and this book being her tool to re-enter life after debilitating depression. What can MK not do?!
This lived experience translates to the page perfectly, as we hear all about Rachel Walsh, the addict of the family, who managed to climb out of the hole she was in many years before at the Cloisters, refusing to admit there was a thing wrong with her. Now a senior counsellor there, much of the narrative forms around her charges, how much she cares for them, makes progress with them as if they were her own, and how this experience mirrors her own life.
As I read these books quite far apart, I had to reacquaint myself with the family, initially assuming I’d missed important events. I had not, and this story brings us up to date with Rachel, her stubborn addiction which she had ‘recovered’ from, a major loss in her life and some very serious life events.
In the background is a major party being planned for Mrs Walsh, this is hilarious, her foibles and nuttiness very funny. The way the sisters come together for this event heartwarming and hilarious. The sisters still form a pivotal role, with Rachel dispending wisdom and life advice. Rachel is a very smart woman, can she see in herself what she sees in others will be a very serious issue she is facing now, 20 years after her much-needed stint in The Cloisters.
I love the way Rachel’s dialogue is in equal measures hilarious and heartbreaking, and the journey she goes on, drawing in her much-loved family, and the important people from her past life.
Marian Keyes, I love your work, and I will still proclaim that only addicts will truly get it, because that’s what we’re like, aren’t we?!
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. I almost made the mistake of starting My Favourite Mistake as I was so excited the newest book had been released. I need to learn delayed gratification! My highest recommendation.
March 3, 2022
The topics discussed in this book were certainly important but the book itself was long winded and become a struggle to read at times with so many different people in and out of the addiction center. The Walsh women were annoying at times with their problems . If they were teenagers some of their behaviours could have been tolerated but as mature women they were ridiculous at times. Rachael herself still had many addictions the main one being Luke. Even though she could see the problems in her clients she was unable to see her own. The ending was predictable but it certainly took a long time to get there.
June 15, 2023
An Post Irish Book Award 2022
Rachel is an addiction counselor dealing with all types of addicts and trying to keep herself clean at the same time. There is a mix of drama and laugh-out-loud moments that are quite delightful. The book is centered around those she counsels, her current partner, her family, and her ex and his family. Plenty to keep the reader entertained.
Set in Ireland.
4 out of 5 stars
Rachel is an addiction counselor dealing with all types of addicts and trying to keep herself clean at the same time. There is a mix of drama and laugh-out-loud moments that are quite delightful. The book is centered around those she counsels, her current partner, her family, and her ex and his family. Plenty to keep the reader entertained.
Set in Ireland.
4 out of 5 stars
April 9, 2022
Rachel Walsh’s first story, Rachel’s Holiday, was always my favorite of the Walsh sister stories, so it was a joy to return to her now that she’s 20 years sober and the head counselor at the place she got clean.
Though her divorce from Luke six years earlier shattered her, now she’s got a lovely man in her life, plus a dog and a garden. When Luke comes back to Ireland out of the blue, she’s rattled by the memories she has to face.
As ever, Keyes is mostly funny and sometimes sad but always a joy to read.
Though her divorce from Luke six years earlier shattered her, now she’s got a lovely man in her life, plus a dog and a garden. When Luke comes back to Ireland out of the blue, she’s rattled by the memories she has to face.
As ever, Keyes is mostly funny and sometimes sad but always a joy to read.
August 28, 2024
“Again Rachel” is another masterfully woven tale of love, loss, and redemption that takes readers on an emotional journey through the deeply relatable messiness of life. In this sequel to Rachel’s Holiday, Keyes brilliantly brings Rachel Walsh back to the forefront, now in her forties, navigating the complexities of her new normal—a life she’s worked so hard to rebuild after addiction, heartbreak, and family turmoil.
What strikes me most about Rachel’s story is how authentic and raw her character feels. Keyes writes her with such vulnerability that you can’t help but root for her, laugh with her, and cry alongside her. Rachel is not perfect—far from it. But that’s what makes her so real, so human. Her story is one of relapse—not into addiction but into old feelings, into past loves, into unresolved trauma—and how she claws her way back to the surface. It’s a story of second chances, not just in love but in finding oneself again after life knocks you down.
Keyes does what she does best here: blending humor with heartache. The novel is often funny in its depiction of Rachel’s family dynamics and the everyday absurdities of life. But it’s also deeply touching, particularly as Rachel confronts her painful past with Luke and the grief that still haunts her from past losses. There are moments that feel so tender, they linger with you long after you’ve closed the book.
What makes Again, Rachel truly special is its portrayal of hope and growth. It reminds us that healing isn’t linear and that it’s okay to stumble on the path toward wholeness. Marian Keyes doesn’t offer easy resolutions but instead gives readers a realistic glimpse into the messiness of life—and how it’s possible to find beauty in that chaos.
This book left me with a heavy heart yet an enduring sense of optimism. Rachel’s story, full of flaws and resilience, is one that many of us will see ourselves in. It’s not just a second chance for her; it’s a reminder that there is always the possibility of love and redemption, no matter how many times we fall. Again, Rachel is a story that will stay with me for a long time—a deeply moving, beautifully written exploration of love, loss, and the power of second chances.
I’m addicted to Walsh family, engaging, humorous and heartfelt creative writing of Marian Keyes. Rachel is special character for me who deserves more than second chances. I crossed my fingers so hard to find her way to Luke. I’m not telling you how her story will conclude because I don’t want it end. I need more Walsh family saga books, even seeing the sisters as elder women! As Marian Keyes keeps writing, I never stop addictively reading them.
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What strikes me most about Rachel’s story is how authentic and raw her character feels. Keyes writes her with such vulnerability that you can’t help but root for her, laugh with her, and cry alongside her. Rachel is not perfect—far from it. But that’s what makes her so real, so human. Her story is one of relapse—not into addiction but into old feelings, into past loves, into unresolved trauma—and how she claws her way back to the surface. It’s a story of second chances, not just in love but in finding oneself again after life knocks you down.
Keyes does what she does best here: blending humor with heartache. The novel is often funny in its depiction of Rachel’s family dynamics and the everyday absurdities of life. But it’s also deeply touching, particularly as Rachel confronts her painful past with Luke and the grief that still haunts her from past losses. There are moments that feel so tender, they linger with you long after you’ve closed the book.
What makes Again, Rachel truly special is its portrayal of hope and growth. It reminds us that healing isn’t linear and that it’s okay to stumble on the path toward wholeness. Marian Keyes doesn’t offer easy resolutions but instead gives readers a realistic glimpse into the messiness of life—and how it’s possible to find beauty in that chaos.
This book left me with a heavy heart yet an enduring sense of optimism. Rachel’s story, full of flaws and resilience, is one that many of us will see ourselves in. It’s not just a second chance for her; it’s a reminder that there is always the possibility of love and redemption, no matter how many times we fall. Again, Rachel is a story that will stay with me for a long time—a deeply moving, beautifully written exploration of love, loss, and the power of second chances.
I’m addicted to Walsh family, engaging, humorous and heartfelt creative writing of Marian Keyes. Rachel is special character for me who deserves more than second chances. I crossed my fingers so hard to find her way to Luke. I’m not telling you how her story will conclude because I don’t want it end. I need more Walsh family saga books, even seeing the sisters as elder women! As Marian Keyes keeps writing, I never stop addictively reading them.
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April 12, 2022
It pains me to admit it, but I struggled with this book. I was so excited when I found out there would be a new Walsh sisters book! But it was way too long and there were too many characters - and I cared about none of them, even Rachel and her sisters. And the ending was so disappointing!
March 10, 2022
Listening to the audio was such a wonderful experience. Initially I was worried because Aoife McMahon wasn't narrating, but once again it was proven that an author narrating their own work always adds something extra. This is my 17th book by Marian, and she is normally a solid 3.75 star author for me, but I think Again, Rachel offers so much more than her previous books.
As always, Marian manages to mix tragedy and comedy in such a way that quite often you'll find yourself smiling while the tears are still rolling down your cheeks. But what made this something special is the wisdom that the author shares throughout the story, her thoughts on acceptance being the ultimate goal in life, really made an impact on me.
Obviously it was great fun reuniting with the Walsh clan, but another added bonus was meeting all Rachel's patients at The Cloisters rehab center. Each of these patients had their own backstory, and I loved getting to know them all.
This funny, heartbreaking and wise book really showcase Marian Keyes' amazing talent as an author, and if you've not read her then definitely start with Rachel's Holiday so you can get to this one.
The Story: Back in the long ago nineties, Rachel Walsh was a mess. But a spell in rehab transformed everything. These days, Rachel has love, family, a great job as an addiction counsellor, she even gardens. Her only bad habit is a fondness for expensive trainers. But with the sudden reappearance of a man she'd once loved, her life wobbles.
As always, Marian manages to mix tragedy and comedy in such a way that quite often you'll find yourself smiling while the tears are still rolling down your cheeks. But what made this something special is the wisdom that the author shares throughout the story, her thoughts on acceptance being the ultimate goal in life, really made an impact on me.
Obviously it was great fun reuniting with the Walsh clan, but another added bonus was meeting all Rachel's patients at The Cloisters rehab center. Each of these patients had their own backstory, and I loved getting to know them all.
This funny, heartbreaking and wise book really showcase Marian Keyes' amazing talent as an author, and if you've not read her then definitely start with Rachel's Holiday so you can get to this one.
The Story: Back in the long ago nineties, Rachel Walsh was a mess. But a spell in rehab transformed everything. These days, Rachel has love, family, a great job as an addiction counsellor, she even gardens. Her only bad habit is a fondness for expensive trainers. But with the sudden reappearance of a man she'd once loved, her life wobbles.
February 7, 2022
When I first found out Keyes was working on another book in the Walsh Family series, I thought I was in the midst of a fever dream. When I found out it was centered around Rachel and it takes place 20 years after Rachel’s Holiday, I had to pinch myself to be sure. But it’s here! And it’s everything I hoped for! We first meet Rachel as a 27 year old hot mess and now she’s successful, sober, and approaching 50. But a phone call from a former love interest throws her life off balance. Romance, family dilemmas, self-realization, and growth is all present here and excellently done. As a recovering addict herself, Marian Keyes nails writing about addiction.
Oh, the tears and laughter. Marian Keyes writes with such authenticity and beautifully captures the hardships of life, all while making you giggle along the way. This one broke my heart just to build me back up again. I LOVED the ending and cried twice while reading. Give this book all the stars!
Do I think you can enjoy this as a standalone? I mean, technically you COULD. But you would be missing out on all of the background and emotional journeys these characters have gone through in the previous books. At the very least, you most definitely should read Rachel’s Holiday but Again, Rachel will spoil key parts of the other books if you plan on reading them. Keyes has been writing The Walsh Family series since the 90s and seeing where they are in the year 2018 was like visiting an old friend. Mammy Walsh is in full form in this one! The matriarch of the Walsh clan never fails to have me ugly laughing. I enjoyed where every Walsh Family member was at this stage of their life, particularly Claire because I feel she is the most absent in the other books.
I honestly cannot recommend this book and this series enough! Marian Keyes remains one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint. My personal Queen of Contemporary/Women’s Fiction.
A bit about the Walsh Family series: Each book is centered around one sibling (Claire, Rachel, Margaret, Anna, and Helen) in the Walsh family and they can be enjoyed as standalones but I highly recommend reading all of them for maximum enjoyment! I personally did not read them in order the first time I read them. All profoundly written, hilarious, and deals with each sibling going through a tumultuous time in their lives.
Favorite quotes:
“That was the great thing about being not-young: knowing through practical experience that feelings, even the worst of them, calm down and eventually ease. They’re probably not gone forever—that was another thing I’d learnt: the notion of ‘closure’ is unrealistic.”
“Menopause seemed like a strange country with some very odd practices and I did my best to pretend I’d never be old enough for it. As it happened, I could well have been perimenopausal, but it was hard to be sure, seeing as I already had several of the symptoms. Insomnia? Step right up! Tiredness? Well, that’s just modern life.”
“There was an edge to him that sparked something in the flat battery that was my heart.”
“With her unmanageable impatience and robust opinions, life was often difficult for her. For every person she enchanted, there were about ten more who became instant enemies. And the thing was, Helen would speak unpalatable truths when everyone else was too scared to open their mouths. The world needed more Helens”
“There was no point ever in me asking for something specific—Chanel bags, global cooling, green traffic lights all the way home—the only thing I had consistently been given was an eventual acceptance of my situation, whatever that was.”
“The people who care about addicts have it very hard. So much of their time they’re plagued by suspicion, fear, thwarted hope, frustration, anger, and then, when they’ve finally convinced their loved one to get help, they usually feel terrible guilt.”
“In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed woman is queen.”
“For once, I was entirely caught up on my work. My caseload was always heavy and my obsessive tendencies probably didn’t help—I usually researched my patients so thoroughly that I could have gone undercover and lived as them.”
“Tragedies could hit anyone, I knew I wasn’t immune, but still, to find myself on the wrong side of the divide, to be the object of everyone’s pity instead of being the one doing the consoling, felt all wrong.”
“You can stop but addiction is never cured,’ Bronte said. ‘It’s just under control.”
Oh, the tears and laughter. Marian Keyes writes with such authenticity and beautifully captures the hardships of life, all while making you giggle along the way. This one broke my heart just to build me back up again. I LOVED the ending and cried twice while reading. Give this book all the stars!
Do I think you can enjoy this as a standalone? I mean, technically you COULD. But you would be missing out on all of the background and emotional journeys these characters have gone through in the previous books. At the very least, you most definitely should read Rachel’s Holiday but Again, Rachel will spoil key parts of the other books if you plan on reading them. Keyes has been writing The Walsh Family series since the 90s and seeing where they are in the year 2018 was like visiting an old friend. Mammy Walsh is in full form in this one! The matriarch of the Walsh clan never fails to have me ugly laughing. I enjoyed where every Walsh Family member was at this stage of their life, particularly Claire because I feel she is the most absent in the other books.
I honestly cannot recommend this book and this series enough! Marian Keyes remains one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint. My personal Queen of Contemporary/Women’s Fiction.
A bit about the Walsh Family series: Each book is centered around one sibling (Claire, Rachel, Margaret, Anna, and Helen) in the Walsh family and they can be enjoyed as standalones but I highly recommend reading all of them for maximum enjoyment! I personally did not read them in order the first time I read them. All profoundly written, hilarious, and deals with each sibling going through a tumultuous time in their lives.
Favorite quotes:
“That was the great thing about being not-young: knowing through practical experience that feelings, even the worst of them, calm down and eventually ease. They’re probably not gone forever—that was another thing I’d learnt: the notion of ‘closure’ is unrealistic.”
“Menopause seemed like a strange country with some very odd practices and I did my best to pretend I’d never be old enough for it. As it happened, I could well have been perimenopausal, but it was hard to be sure, seeing as I already had several of the symptoms. Insomnia? Step right up! Tiredness? Well, that’s just modern life.”
“There was an edge to him that sparked something in the flat battery that was my heart.”
“With her unmanageable impatience and robust opinions, life was often difficult for her. For every person she enchanted, there were about ten more who became instant enemies. And the thing was, Helen would speak unpalatable truths when everyone else was too scared to open their mouths. The world needed more Helens”
“There was no point ever in me asking for something specific—Chanel bags, global cooling, green traffic lights all the way home—the only thing I had consistently been given was an eventual acceptance of my situation, whatever that was.”
“The people who care about addicts have it very hard. So much of their time they’re plagued by suspicion, fear, thwarted hope, frustration, anger, and then, when they’ve finally convinced their loved one to get help, they usually feel terrible guilt.”
“In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed woman is queen.”
“For once, I was entirely caught up on my work. My caseload was always heavy and my obsessive tendencies probably didn’t help—I usually researched my patients so thoroughly that I could have gone undercover and lived as them.”
“Tragedies could hit anyone, I knew I wasn’t immune, but still, to find myself on the wrong side of the divide, to be the object of everyone’s pity instead of being the one doing the consoling, felt all wrong.”
“You can stop but addiction is never cured,’ Bronte said. ‘It’s just under control.”
March 23, 2022
I loved Rachels Holiday and I have read it more times than I care to count so I was very excited to see that a sequel was being released.
I pre-ordered and when it arrived last month I jumped right in....
Fast forward 4 weeks later and I am genuinely struggling with this. I am up to chapter 30 something,, Rachel and Quin are having dinner with Claire and Adam and quite frankly - I am bored.
Nothing is happening!
I am waiting waiting waiting for all of the hilarious lines from her and her family but have nothing yet.
Its just dragging on and proving very, very difficult to keep reading.
So disappointed.
I pre-ordered and when it arrived last month I jumped right in....
Fast forward 4 weeks later and I am genuinely struggling with this. I am up to chapter 30 something,, Rachel and Quin are having dinner with Claire and Adam and quite frankly - I am bored.
Nothing is happening!
I am waiting waiting waiting for all of the hilarious lines from her and her family but have nothing yet.
Its just dragging on and proving very, very difficult to keep reading.
So disappointed.
March 29, 2022
I only read Rachel's Holiday last month in preparation for Again Rachel being the @tiredmammybookclub pick this month so I didn't have the pang of nostalgia that many did when going into this one.
At a meaty 570 pages, it was 200 pages too long in my opinion. It was nice to see where life has taken Rachel after 25 years but a lot of the story felt too dragged out to me. While I know they added a bit to Rachel's own story, I just didn't care enough about her clients at The Cloisters to want to read so much about them. I would have been happier just hearing about her personal life.
Also what was with Mammy Walsh?? Am I the only one who just thought she was awful in this book?! 🙈
There were many sensitive topics which were dealt with respectfully. On that note aside from the obvious topic of addiction, I'd give a trigger warning for child loss.
It was nice to see where Rachel's life took her and how things panned out for her but I'm not one of the OG fans who were fully invested in it so it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I've seen many of the original fans of Rachel's Holiday have loved this book, so if you enjoyed Rachel's story all those years ago I'm sure you will enjoy the trip down memory lane!
At a meaty 570 pages, it was 200 pages too long in my opinion. It was nice to see where life has taken Rachel after 25 years but a lot of the story felt too dragged out to me. While I know they added a bit to Rachel's own story, I just didn't care enough about her clients at The Cloisters to want to read so much about them. I would have been happier just hearing about her personal life.
Also what was with Mammy Walsh?? Am I the only one who just thought she was awful in this book?! 🙈
There were many sensitive topics which were dealt with respectfully. On that note aside from the obvious topic of addiction, I'd give a trigger warning for child loss.
It was nice to see where Rachel's life took her and how things panned out for her but I'm not one of the OG fans who were fully invested in it so it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I've seen many of the original fans of Rachel's Holiday have loved this book, so if you enjoyed Rachel's story all those years ago I'm sure you will enjoy the trip down memory lane!
March 25, 2022
My first 5 stars of the year!
In fact, I enjoyed this so much that for the last 5 days I tried to avoid listening to it because I didn’t want it to end.
I was introduced to the Walsh family probably 20 years ago and have been a forever fan since.
It was such a pleasure being reintroduced into the lives of the Walsh sisters (although I have to admit I cant remember the back story of each sister with 100% clarity)
The counselling sessions at the rehab facility where Rachel works was just as fabulous. Getting to know each patient in recovery was enlightening and funny at the same time. it could have been a book on its own.
As is this author’s style, there is hilarity and heartache intertwined in this story to create something very unique.
The audio is highly recommended, and as an added bonus there is a lovely interview with the author and Graham Norton at the end.
In fact, I enjoyed this so much that for the last 5 days I tried to avoid listening to it because I didn’t want it to end.
I was introduced to the Walsh family probably 20 years ago and have been a forever fan since.
It was such a pleasure being reintroduced into the lives of the Walsh sisters (although I have to admit I cant remember the back story of each sister with 100% clarity)
The counselling sessions at the rehab facility where Rachel works was just as fabulous. Getting to know each patient in recovery was enlightening and funny at the same time. it could have been a book on its own.
As is this author’s style, there is hilarity and heartache intertwined in this story to create something very unique.
The audio is highly recommended, and as an added bonus there is a lovely interview with the author and Graham Norton at the end.
February 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this, I hadn’t realised just how much I needed a return to Rachel and the Walsh family’s world but it came at the perfect time; everything I’ve read this month has been mostly depressing.
I gave a content warning for stillbirth in this book on Instagram and I’ll mark this review as a spoiler because of that. It’s quite a detailed exploration of grief and may be quite hard for a lot of people to read.
It really demonstrates the skill of Marian Keyes and what an excellent writer she is though, I was completely engrossed and devastated for the characters.
There’s also moments of levity and a few storyline tangents as always. Classic Keyes! Now I just want more Walsh sisters! Guess I’ll be re-reading all the rest of the series 😅
Loved it.
I gave a content warning for stillbirth in this book on Instagram and I’ll mark this review as a spoiler because of that. It’s quite a detailed exploration of grief and may be quite hard for a lot of people to read.
It really demonstrates the skill of Marian Keyes and what an excellent writer she is though, I was completely engrossed and devastated for the characters.
There’s also moments of levity and a few storyline tangents as always. Classic Keyes! Now I just want more Walsh sisters! Guess I’ll be re-reading all the rest of the series 😅
Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2022
I love Marian Keys and I generally think her writing is just getting better the older she gets. So I was excited to read her bewest book. I think this book is well written and thoughtful and as always I love the gentle humour and likable characters. But the further I got into the book, the more I found myself frustrated by Rachel's (and obviously Marian's) unquestioning true believer devotion to the AA philosophy of addiction and treatment.
For instance Rachel identifies a lifetime struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthines as an obstacle in her life journey. But she does not link that with her acceptance of the identity 'once an addict, always an addict' and her belief that she is not one of the 'normal' people. She also self flagellates in a way by refusing the benefits of much of modern medicine in case might trigger a relapse. Even when in real need and when recommended by her doctor.
It's sort of hard to question someone's personal testimony. And I take it that the Rachel's story is heavily inspired by Marian's own addiction story. And it seems AA did work out for her so I guess good for her that she found a solution that worked for her. But AA is a very old fashioned approach to addiction treatment. I understand it was the best that was on offer in its own time and is heavily based on religious principles rather than modern science as there was no real addiction science back then. But nowadays modern addiction research has disproven many of the central tenants of the AA philolosophy including the 'once an addict always an addict' thing. And science has cooked up some easier and more effective strategies to get over addiction that don't include all this self blame and insanely overpriced rehab stays.
The following is a good read on some of the issues with AA:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...
One last note. I listened to the audio version of the book which is read by the author and the narration was wonderful.
For instance Rachel identifies a lifetime struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthines as an obstacle in her life journey. But she does not link that with her acceptance of the identity 'once an addict, always an addict' and her belief that she is not one of the 'normal' people. She also self flagellates in a way by refusing the benefits of much of modern medicine in case might trigger a relapse. Even when in real need and when recommended by her doctor.
It's sort of hard to question someone's personal testimony. And I take it that the Rachel's story is heavily inspired by Marian's own addiction story. And it seems AA did work out for her so I guess good for her that she found a solution that worked for her. But AA is a very old fashioned approach to addiction treatment. I understand it was the best that was on offer in its own time and is heavily based on religious principles rather than modern science as there was no real addiction science back then. But nowadays modern addiction research has disproven many of the central tenants of the AA philolosophy including the 'once an addict always an addict' thing. And science has cooked up some easier and more effective strategies to get over addiction that don't include all this self blame and insanely overpriced rehab stays.
The following is a good read on some of the issues with AA:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...
One last note. I listened to the audio version of the book which is read by the author and the narration was wonderful.
August 17, 2023
Once again Marian Keyes knocks it out of the park. Does anyone know how to give more than five stars?
February 15, 2022
Nailing my colours to the mast here, I have been a fan of Marian Keyes since the get go. I have probably invested as much energy in the doings of the Walsh sisters as I have my own, flesh and blood family to be honest. I love them with all my heart and the news that there was to be a sequel to Rachel's Holiday had me lepping about the living room like a mad thing for several minutes until I had to sit down and have a biscuit.
In Rachel's Holiday, we meet Rachel Walsh as she finds herself unexpectedly a resident in The Cloisters, a rehab centre, where she is being treated for drug addiction. A drug addiction she is in massive denial about.
In Again, Rachel, we find her, decades on, still sober and now head counsellor at the very rehab centre where she found sobriety all those years ago. Her life, on paper, seems perfect. A great job, a nice house, a sensible hobby (gardening) and a ridey boyfriend with prospects.
And then Luke, her old love appears, in Ireland for his mother's funeral, and Rachel's world starts to spiral out of control once again.
This is funny, devastatingly sad, thrilling and brilliant altogether. Keyes is an absolute mistress of writing the very darkest things in the lightest manner. She never labours the point, but you are in no doubt as to the seriousness of the subjects she tackles. Throughout her career she has addressed issues such as domestic violence, abortion and depression to name but a few. It is her work on addiction however, which for me, stands out, and what makes this particular book so brilliant. She was, when Rachel's Holiday was published, one of the only women I know of who was writing about this issue from a woman's perspective and I know, from my own exciting life experiences, how on the money she is on this subject.
I watched the Imagine documentary about Marian and Val McDermid puts it perfectly when being interviewed about her books. She says that Keyes uses plot like a thriller writer. She ensures that you are hooked from the off and that you just have to keep reading to find out what happens next. It's why I finished this in two sittings, even though I tried to eke it out. I couldn't help myself. I laughed out loud a great deal and I cried my eyes out a few times too. I'm so sad it's finished.
In Rachel's Holiday, we meet Rachel Walsh as she finds herself unexpectedly a resident in The Cloisters, a rehab centre, where she is being treated for drug addiction. A drug addiction she is in massive denial about.
In Again, Rachel, we find her, decades on, still sober and now head counsellor at the very rehab centre where she found sobriety all those years ago. Her life, on paper, seems perfect. A great job, a nice house, a sensible hobby (gardening) and a ridey boyfriend with prospects.
And then Luke, her old love appears, in Ireland for his mother's funeral, and Rachel's world starts to spiral out of control once again.
This is funny, devastatingly sad, thrilling and brilliant altogether. Keyes is an absolute mistress of writing the very darkest things in the lightest manner. She never labours the point, but you are in no doubt as to the seriousness of the subjects she tackles. Throughout her career she has addressed issues such as domestic violence, abortion and depression to name but a few. It is her work on addiction however, which for me, stands out, and what makes this particular book so brilliant. She was, when Rachel's Holiday was published, one of the only women I know of who was writing about this issue from a woman's perspective and I know, from my own exciting life experiences, how on the money she is on this subject.
I watched the Imagine documentary about Marian and Val McDermid puts it perfectly when being interviewed about her books. She says that Keyes uses plot like a thriller writer. She ensures that you are hooked from the off and that you just have to keep reading to find out what happens next. It's why I finished this in two sittings, even though I tried to eke it out. I couldn't help myself. I laughed out loud a great deal and I cried my eyes out a few times too. I'm so sad it's finished.
February 20, 2022
5 stars
SO GOOD!! I'm giving it the maximum 5 stars but my real rating is more like a thousand stars!! LOL. Marian Keyes is so, so funny - dark and wry and off-the-cuff hilarious. She writes with such emotional intelligence. At times I was just in such complete awe at how deftly she layered the character development. The emotions are so raw and real and vibrant. Rachel is so well-written and memorable, a true joy to spend time with and watch her grow.
I'm so glad I read the two Rachel novels back-to-back. Despite the 20+ years between them, the one flows seamlessly into the other and Keyes has picked up Rachel's story decades on with such style and aplomb. Rachel is madcap, earnest, witty, giving and so sharply observant, and yet she also has the most enormous cognitive dissonance about herself. This is clear in both book one, when she is a deep-in-denial drug addict, and here in book two, when she is an older, wiser woman who is herself an addiction counsellor helping others, but who nonetheless has to take a painful journey to realise that as an addict she is never 'recovered' and always 'in recovery'.
This is chiefly in relation to the breakup of her relationship with Luke, who left her six years ago for reasons the novel takes slow and measured time to unfurl. Even when the painful, tragic story is revealed, Rachel's take on events differs to Luke's version, and it's wonderful to see how clever Keyes is in showing that neither of them is in the right or in the wrong, but more so, both of their versions fit together as one full truth, like pieces of a puzzle.
Rachel's relationship with Luke is one of the most intense and well-written romances I've come across in recent memory. Holy crap, some of the love scenes were on fire, again due to how well Keyes wielded emotions and sensations. I felt like I was literally there, the tension was insane, the buildup and longing so palpable. The two are middle-aged now and have spent years apart, but Keyes manages to emphasise their connection so powerfully that I, along with Rachel, went from hating him and being so cross with him, to slowly warming to him, to falling in love with him all over again.
I miss Rachel and her mad sisters and mother already, so I might be tempted into reading the other Walsh books just to get another chance to spend time with them all, though I fear none will surpass how wonderful this one was.
SO GOOD!! I'm giving it the maximum 5 stars but my real rating is more like a thousand stars!! LOL. Marian Keyes is so, so funny - dark and wry and off-the-cuff hilarious. She writes with such emotional intelligence. At times I was just in such complete awe at how deftly she layered the character development. The emotions are so raw and real and vibrant. Rachel is so well-written and memorable, a true joy to spend time with and watch her grow.
I'm so glad I read the two Rachel novels back-to-back. Despite the 20+ years between them, the one flows seamlessly into the other and Keyes has picked up Rachel's story decades on with such style and aplomb. Rachel is madcap, earnest, witty, giving and so sharply observant, and yet she also has the most enormous cognitive dissonance about herself. This is clear in both book one, when she is a deep-in-denial drug addict, and here in book two, when she is an older, wiser woman who is herself an addiction counsellor helping others, but who nonetheless has to take a painful journey to realise that as an addict she is never 'recovered' and always 'in recovery'.
This is chiefly in relation to the breakup of her relationship with Luke, who left her six years ago for reasons the novel takes slow and measured time to unfurl. Even when the painful, tragic story is revealed, Rachel's take on events differs to Luke's version, and it's wonderful to see how clever Keyes is in showing that neither of them is in the right or in the wrong, but more so, both of their versions fit together as one full truth, like pieces of a puzzle.
Rachel's relationship with Luke is one of the most intense and well-written romances I've come across in recent memory. Holy crap, some of the love scenes were on fire, again due to how well Keyes wielded emotions and sensations. I felt like I was literally there, the tension was insane, the buildup and longing so palpable. The two are middle-aged now and have spent years apart, but Keyes manages to emphasise their connection so powerfully that I, along with Rachel, went from hating him and being so cross with him, to slowly warming to him, to falling in love with him all over again.
I miss Rachel and her mad sisters and mother already, so I might be tempted into reading the other Walsh books just to get another chance to spend time with them all, though I fear none will surpass how wonderful this one was.
April 3, 2022
Ah, come on lads! This is a pretty awful book. I loved 'Rachel's Holiday ', thought it a fine book on addiction and have largely enjoyed Keyes in the intervening years, but.....somehow, she has lost humanity, humility, heart. The characters in this 'Rachel, Again' are pretty awful people, I got really tired of all the designer codology, nobody had money or health challenges or anxieties, and their obnoxious behaviour was not charming or funny. And Rachel has become ridiculous with her ludicrously positive outcomes in the addiction centre that bear no resemblance to real life outcomes from the chronic illness of addiction. And.....such a sellout, that Rachel could not be allowed to be sober and single and live ever after.
I thought it a disturbing and mean-spirited and depressing book.
I thought it a disturbing and mean-spirited and depressing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
"Again, Rachel" is book #7 in the Walsh Family series by my favorite Irish author, Marian Keyes. It picks up the threads of Rachel's journey from addiction to recovery that was first chronicled in "Rachel's Holiday" (book #2, published in 1997), to 2018 - 20 years later where we find Rachel to be a head counselor at the very same rehab center that she went to.
I read "Rachel's Holiday" in early 2000's, so this novel is a long awaited sequel and an exciting reunion with the Walsh Family. Addiction is a major theme throughout the book, and along with other important and sensitive subjects, the story made me sigh, cry, smile, contemplate, and laugh. In a true Marian Keyes's style, the book interweaves family drama, complex relationships, unique characters, social and mental health topics, splashed with a healthy dose of Irish humor. I enjoy every single page.
OK, my review is biased because I am a big fan, but what review isn't? During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic around early 2021, I found Marian Keyes on Instagram and learned that she conducted a free course on how to write a novel. Her live Q&A sessions were funny and entertaining, and I found her to be genuine and sweet.
Fast-forward to spring 2022, guess who won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway??? I couldn't believe my luck. :)
Alright, I shall wrap up this love letter. Thank you Ms. Keyes for writing another fabulous novel and Goodreads for the gifted copy. Publication date: February 2022.
I read "Rachel's Holiday" in early 2000's, so this novel is a long awaited sequel and an exciting reunion with the Walsh Family. Addiction is a major theme throughout the book, and along with other important and sensitive subjects, the story made me sigh, cry, smile, contemplate, and laugh. In a true Marian Keyes's style, the book interweaves family drama, complex relationships, unique characters, social and mental health topics, splashed with a healthy dose of Irish humor. I enjoy every single page.
OK, my review is biased because I am a big fan, but what review isn't? During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic around early 2021, I found Marian Keyes on Instagram and learned that she conducted a free course on how to write a novel. Her live Q&A sessions were funny and entertaining, and I found her to be genuine and sweet.
Fast-forward to spring 2022, guess who won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway??? I couldn't believe my luck. :)
Alright, I shall wrap up this love letter. Thank you Ms. Keyes for writing another fabulous novel and Goodreads for the gifted copy. Publication date: February 2022.
September 13, 2022
This book made me completely miserable. I don't think it was bad - probably too slow to untangle the story and I couldn't keep up with all Rachel's clients and nephews and nieces. But I think it was Keyes' regular, competent writing. She's obviously passionate about portraying addiction and other tough topics well.
But I couldn't handle this story - Rachel and Luke, the heartbreak, disappointment, fear, whatever was going on with Claire and Adam, made me feel so sad and uncomfortable. I want to peel off my skin and lay in a bath of acid to get these feelings off me. In summary, I think I had the equivalent of an allergic reaction to this book, rather than food poisoning. I suspect this book is safe and palatable to the vast majority of people; I just had a bad reaction to it.
But I couldn't handle this story - Rachel and Luke, the heartbreak, disappointment, fear, whatever was going on with Claire and Adam, made me feel so sad and uncomfortable. I want to peel off my skin and lay in a bath of acid to get these feelings off me. In summary, I think I had the equivalent of an allergic reaction to this book, rather than food poisoning. I suspect this book is safe and palatable to the vast majority of people; I just had a bad reaction to it.
May 15, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Thirty million copy bestselling author Marion Keyes returns with a huge sequel to delight fans. Again, Rachel is the much-awaited flow on chapter to Rachel’s Holiday, a smash hit novel that was published in 1998. A soulful tale, reminding us of just how charismatic Marion Keyes is as a storyteller, Again, Rachel is a story of love, humour, tragedy, love, loss, survival, fragility and family.
Meet Rachel Walsh, or for some this may be a case of reacquainting yourself with Rachel Walsh. Rachel has weathered many storms in her life, from a stint in rehab, to coming to terms with losing the love of her life and other obstacles. But Rachel is now content. She has a stable place of employment, a reliable boyfriend and an ordered life. However, this all comes crashing down when Rachel’s ex resurfaces after six years apart. The appearance of Luke sends Rachel into a downwards spiral. Rachel and Luke know that they didn’t resolve things all those years ago and the locked truths they kept from one another have continued to linger on. Will the future bring fear and anxiety, or the chance to finally be content?
With praise coming from the Daily Telegraph, Stylist, the Sunday Times and the Daily Express, I am also someone who will line up and pledge my admiration for Marion Keyes. It’s been some time since I picked up a Marion Keyes book. I can’t recall the last book I read by one of my favourite storytellers. The chance to read and review Again, Rachel in a recent Tandem Global Collective read along was a big win for me.
Set after the events of Rachel’s Holiday, one of Keyes’ most well-known novels, Again, Rachel allows us to access both the enigmatic Rachel Walsh and her charismatic family. I totally forgot how mad and unique this clan was but I didn’t take long for me to get myself reacquainted with this fun-loving family. Keyes includes some great characterisation and this is carried through for the length of the novel. Rachel was how I remembered her and I liked how her character was extended further in this latest Keyes release. The Walsh family were endearing and it was good to reconnect with this family circle. While some relationship elements weren’t exactly to my tastes or expectations, it was good to be involved. With a number of heavy topics (and possible triggers) surrounding addiction, alcohol abuse and loss, readers need to be open to this if they select Again, Rachel. It is told with Keyes’ original blend of tragedy and comedy.
It was a trip down memory lane for me as I read Again, Rachel. Again, Rachel is a great recovery tale filled with sage and witty moments.
*Thanks is extended to Penguin Books Australia/Tandem Global Collective for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
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3.5 stars
Thirty million copy bestselling author Marion Keyes returns with a huge sequel to delight fans. Again, Rachel is the much-awaited flow on chapter to Rachel’s Holiday, a smash hit novel that was published in 1998. A soulful tale, reminding us of just how charismatic Marion Keyes is as a storyteller, Again, Rachel is a story of love, humour, tragedy, love, loss, survival, fragility and family.
Meet Rachel Walsh, or for some this may be a case of reacquainting yourself with Rachel Walsh. Rachel has weathered many storms in her life, from a stint in rehab, to coming to terms with losing the love of her life and other obstacles. But Rachel is now content. She has a stable place of employment, a reliable boyfriend and an ordered life. However, this all comes crashing down when Rachel’s ex resurfaces after six years apart. The appearance of Luke sends Rachel into a downwards spiral. Rachel and Luke know that they didn’t resolve things all those years ago and the locked truths they kept from one another have continued to linger on. Will the future bring fear and anxiety, or the chance to finally be content?
With praise coming from the Daily Telegraph, Stylist, the Sunday Times and the Daily Express, I am also someone who will line up and pledge my admiration for Marion Keyes. It’s been some time since I picked up a Marion Keyes book. I can’t recall the last book I read by one of my favourite storytellers. The chance to read and review Again, Rachel in a recent Tandem Global Collective read along was a big win for me.
Set after the events of Rachel’s Holiday, one of Keyes’ most well-known novels, Again, Rachel allows us to access both the enigmatic Rachel Walsh and her charismatic family. I totally forgot how mad and unique this clan was but I didn’t take long for me to get myself reacquainted with this fun-loving family. Keyes includes some great characterisation and this is carried through for the length of the novel. Rachel was how I remembered her and I liked how her character was extended further in this latest Keyes release. The Walsh family were endearing and it was good to reconnect with this family circle. While some relationship elements weren’t exactly to my tastes or expectations, it was good to be involved. With a number of heavy topics (and possible triggers) surrounding addiction, alcohol abuse and loss, readers need to be open to this if they select Again, Rachel. It is told with Keyes’ original blend of tragedy and comedy.
It was a trip down memory lane for me as I read Again, Rachel. Again, Rachel is a great recovery tale filled with sage and witty moments.
*Thanks is extended to Penguin Books Australia/Tandem Global Collective for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
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March 25, 2022
I am new to Marian Keyes and new to the Walsh family. I feel like I've discovered a trunk of gold in my back garden - how did I not know about this! Under what rock have I been living! Don't worry if you've not read the first one, this books stands well on it's own.
Rachel is a recovering addict. It's been 20 years but she reminds herself daily how happy and proud she is to have faced her demons and come out whole. For the past 6 years she's also back home in Ireland with her large, mostly female family. And her life is lovely. A job she loves as addiction councilor at the Cloisters, a great guy in her life and a garden in which she loves to grow her little plants. But an old love unexpectedly back in her life throws her off her game and brings back painful memories.
This book was such an emotional journey. It is touching, tender and heartbreaking but with the right touch of humor and smiles to save it from being a tear jerker. The author handles some really tough, deep, emotional issues with such finesse. And overall there is always a thread of Hope, strength and kindness that I really connected with.
I loved the bits with Rachel's patients at the Cloisters, each one of them came fully into their own right and I felt connected to their journeys - even though they were not the main focus of the story.
The audible narration by the author was great, I was so addicted, I kept listening right through to the interview with Graham Norton at the end - a great little add-on.
Best part of only finding this now? Getting to gorge myself on Walsh stories over the next year!
Rachel is a recovering addict. It's been 20 years but she reminds herself daily how happy and proud she is to have faced her demons and come out whole. For the past 6 years she's also back home in Ireland with her large, mostly female family. And her life is lovely. A job she loves as addiction councilor at the Cloisters, a great guy in her life and a garden in which she loves to grow her little plants. But an old love unexpectedly back in her life throws her off her game and brings back painful memories.
This book was such an emotional journey. It is touching, tender and heartbreaking but with the right touch of humor and smiles to save it from being a tear jerker. The author handles some really tough, deep, emotional issues with such finesse. And overall there is always a thread of Hope, strength and kindness that I really connected with.
I loved the bits with Rachel's patients at the Cloisters, each one of them came fully into their own right and I felt connected to their journeys - even though they were not the main focus of the story.
The audible narration by the author was great, I was so addicted, I kept listening right through to the interview with Graham Norton at the end - a great little add-on.
Best part of only finding this now? Getting to gorge myself on Walsh stories over the next year!
January 23, 2024
‘ “The truth must dazzle gradually, Or every man be blind.” Emily Dickinson.’
I loved much of this book. First, The Walsh family is a main character here, with each of the sisters maintaining the personalities that we have come to know and love or not love as the case may be. I hate it when an author does a sequel or a series and personalities that were interesting and intriguing, that made you want to come back for more, have vanished and we have reconstituted versions. The people we were introduced to and came to know throughout the Walsh family chronicles are the same people, yet some have been allowed to grow and mature. And some haven’t.
Confidence was usually seen as a positive. But Mum was from that generation of Irishwomen who prided themselves on raising children with rock-bottom self-esteem. Nothing galled them as much as an offspring with confidence.I definitely need to re-read Watermelon and Angels. And maybe skip through Anna’s story to find references to Angelo. After the last book, my favorite sister is Helen and I loved her role in this.
Rachel is back. She is 20 years sober and the head counselor at The Cloisters, the rehab center that saved her life back in the late 90s. Marian brings back the patients and their heartbreaking yet entertaining stories that I found so involving in Rachel’s Holiday.
In here, clients gave only the most sanitized, tragic version of themselves. To get the full picture, you had to talk to everyone who knew them. It was a little like investigating a crime.
Readers of the previous books know that Rachel and Luke got married and now we learn they have been divorced for 6 years and he lives in Denver, Colorado. She is in a happy relationship with another man, Quin, who is not easy, but he is interesting and complex. In the beginning, Rachel is told that Luke’s mother has died and of course, Luke will be back for the funeral and to take care of his Dad’s affairs. Told largely in flashbacks we learn that, according to Rachel, Luke deserted her (but how can that be?) and we are taken through their heartbreaking story that led to that surprising circumstance. Meanwhile, we explore Rachel’s present life, her relationships, her work, and catch up with the Walsh family. And of course, Rachel and Luke are in the same country again. Rachel wants an explanation and apology from Luke but he is distant. It can’t be over for them, can it? But what about Quin? And what’s up with Luke’s long-time partner who came with him to Ireland?
In all of Marian Keyes's books, The heroines go through horrendous times before getting to the happy and uplifting. Sometimes through no fault of their own, sometimes of their own making, or circumstances out of their control but exacerbated by bad decisions and self-delusion. Rachel part II was more heartbreaking than usual. I had some problems with some aspects of Rachel’s story and some of it was a little hard to swallow. Yes, it was long and drawn out, but in order for everything to come right, it had to be. Could Rachel have had her epiphany a little sooner? Maybe. Could there have been more fair play with the Reader? Hmmm. Not sure. But the book was as insightful, involving, and as hilarious as usual. Marian is a master at balancing tragedy and comedy. And with a writer this good, the more words we are given, the better. so it was not too long for me.
After Anna's story, Anybody Out There? and Helen’s, the last sister’s, story there was an over 5-year gap. Right before Marian came out with The Mystery of Mercy Close, she wrote a refresher to catch everybody up with the Walshes and kind of get them up to speed. If like me, you have read Mammy Walshes A-Z of the Walsh Family, you can forget about what she told us about Luke and Rachel. This book completely retconns what we thought we knew about them. This is by way of fair warning. I wish I had had one.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
March 20, 2022
I have loved Marian Keyes books for as long as I can remember. I can’t even recall which one of hers was my first, because I devoured them all as soon as I discovered them.
There’s something about Marian’s style of writing that just gets into your soul. It’s funny, relatable, and adorable. There’s also times she goes on a deep dive into topics you don’t generally talk about, and you don’t even realise that’s where you’ve gone until you are there. And when it’s over, you are so glad it happened.
Again, Rachael was a joy for me to read. I took my time, savouring the stories, almost feeling like I was part of this family catching up on all the goss. Then as I got towards the end I was afraid I wasn’t going to like the ending. I couldn’t even think of an ending I would like, the way the story progressed. It made me toss and turn at night thinking about it, that’s how invested I was. And then I turned the last page, put the book down and sobbed. Perfection.
Again, Rachel has everything I ever want in a book. A true joy.
There’s something about Marian’s style of writing that just gets into your soul. It’s funny, relatable, and adorable. There’s also times she goes on a deep dive into topics you don’t generally talk about, and you don’t even realise that’s where you’ve gone until you are there. And when it’s over, you are so glad it happened.
Again, Rachael was a joy for me to read. I took my time, savouring the stories, almost feeling like I was part of this family catching up on all the goss. Then as I got towards the end I was afraid I wasn’t going to like the ending. I couldn’t even think of an ending I would like, the way the story progressed. It made me toss and turn at night thinking about it, that’s how invested I was. And then I turned the last page, put the book down and sobbed. Perfection.
Again, Rachel has everything I ever want in a book. A true joy.
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