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Chasing Marian
Four strangers, two cities, one chance online meeting. Jess is a yummy mummy of two whose life is slowly unravelling and who has recently separated from her husband. Ginger is a happily widowed granny with a salty tongue and a wicked sense of humour. The gorgeous and sensitive Matt is an almost-qualified psychologist, who still lives with his parents. And Queenie, a librarian from Cape Town, has an absent boyfriend and a secret writing habit.
What could these four strangers possibly have in common?
They are all die-hard Marian Keyes fans. And when they hear that Marian is due to visit South Africa to attend a literary festival, they are all desperate to meet her. Together they come up with a mad-cap plan. Will they succeed – or will life intervene?
What could these four strangers possibly have in common?
They are all die-hard Marian Keyes fans. And when they hear that Marian is due to visit South Africa to attend a literary festival, they are all desperate to meet her. Together they come up with a mad-cap plan. Will they succeed – or will life intervene?
- GenresFiction
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this funny and delightful book.
The four authors were able to write this story seamlessly and I loved the characters, particularly Ginger.
Local is definitely lekker so support South African authors and get your copy of this book.
The four authors were able to write this story seamlessly and I loved the characters, particularly Ginger.
Local is definitely lekker so support South African authors and get your copy of this book.
March 29, 2022
A delightful, easy read filled with a good mix of humour, adventure, friendship and reality. The characters were beautifully thought out and relatable and I loved being able to read a great booked based in South Africa, making it all the more relevant.
May 10, 2022
What a breath of fresh air. Local is definitely lekker in this lighthearted fun read. Was it a literary masterpiece? No. Was it a bloody good laugh that left me smiling after I closed the back page. Absolutely. Bravo to the authors. A happy lockdown story. What’s not to love? And being part of a book club myself made it that much more fun to see the dynamics play out. Now I want to meet you all in real life…
May 30, 2022
Disclaimer: Pan Macmillan SA kindly sent me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Chasing Marian must have been as fun to write as it was to read. Written by four South African authors during the pandemic lockdown, this is a novel about four strangers that become friends through the wonderful world of social media. Four strangers who not only become friends, and allies but who also have the same goal: to meet internationally renowned Irish author Marian Keyes.
Jess is from Johannesburg, has two children, and is married to Joe, an investment banker. Joe has moved out of the house after a series of problems at work. To while away the hours spent living a very privileged life, Jess drinks a little heavier than she should and has recently started reading Marian Keyes. She’s the only novice MK fan.
Ginger is a grandmother and widow married to a rather boring man named Roger for years. Now she’s on her own, and it’s taking all of her energy just to keep from telling her meddling daughters to stop constantly interfering in her life. Ginger is bold and brash, has a wicked sense of humor, and is completely loveable.
Matt is a man who loves reading Marian Keyes, and he is not gay, thank you very much! He’s in his mid-twenties and is still living at home whilst he finishes his degree in psychology. His dad is an alcoholic, and for years Matt has watched his mother enable her husband’s behavior. He hasn’t been romantically successful of late and is stuck in a platonic friendship with Sadie, who is a tad on the brash side.
Queenie is the only one who doesn’t live in Johannesburg. A librarian from Cape Town by day, Queenie indulges in a secret writing habit by night. She lives with her sister and is in a long-distance relationship with Kevin. She longs for adventure, and for a chance to leave her average life, and average relationship behind – perhaps that’s why she enjoys writing fiction so much.
The foursome meet on a Facebook group for South African fans of Marian Keyes, and when they hear the news that Keyes may be attending the Franschoek Literary Festival to promote her new book, the super-fans decide to join forces and make a plan to meet her in person.
Each of the characters has their own reason for wanting to meet MK, and despite being from completely different backgrounds and places in their lives, they manage to build a relationship with one another that transcends their mutual love of ‘chick lit’. Together they come up with ways not only to meet a celebrity but also ways to deal with life – because life always gets in the way.
“I think of Marian Keyes across the world in Ireland in what I imagine to be a cheerful, brightly colored home, hopefully typing diligently in enviable silk loungewear. What makes her resonate so much with South Africans? With me? Is it the shared violence in our national histories that has bred this dark yet emotionally vivid sense of humor?”
In many ways Chasing Marian is rather a ‘life imitating art imitating life’ sort of deal. Written by four authors who would meet on ZOOM to write this novel, the characters meet up on ZOOM to discuss their plans and share their love of books. One can’t help but compare their story to that of a Marian Keyes novel itself – it is witty, heart-breaking, heart-warming, and thoroughly entertaining. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a different character, and each character has been written by a different author making this novel an eclectically technical delight.
Much like Keyes‘ novels life is not easy, and there is a lot of raw and unedited pain to go through before the characters can reach the other side. There isn’t always a neat and happy ending either, and like any Marian Keyes novel, Chasing Marian’s characters will deal with an array of issues including alcoholism, depression, and the deeply terrifying experience of falling in love.
An enormously fun novel about friendship, finding our passion in life, realizing our strengths, and the glorious wonder that comes from loving books.
Chasing Marian must have been as fun to write as it was to read. Written by four South African authors during the pandemic lockdown, this is a novel about four strangers that become friends through the wonderful world of social media. Four strangers who not only become friends, and allies but who also have the same goal: to meet internationally renowned Irish author Marian Keyes.
Jess is from Johannesburg, has two children, and is married to Joe, an investment banker. Joe has moved out of the house after a series of problems at work. To while away the hours spent living a very privileged life, Jess drinks a little heavier than she should and has recently started reading Marian Keyes. She’s the only novice MK fan.
Ginger is a grandmother and widow married to a rather boring man named Roger for years. Now she’s on her own, and it’s taking all of her energy just to keep from telling her meddling daughters to stop constantly interfering in her life. Ginger is bold and brash, has a wicked sense of humor, and is completely loveable.
Matt is a man who loves reading Marian Keyes, and he is not gay, thank you very much! He’s in his mid-twenties and is still living at home whilst he finishes his degree in psychology. His dad is an alcoholic, and for years Matt has watched his mother enable her husband’s behavior. He hasn’t been romantically successful of late and is stuck in a platonic friendship with Sadie, who is a tad on the brash side.
Queenie is the only one who doesn’t live in Johannesburg. A librarian from Cape Town by day, Queenie indulges in a secret writing habit by night. She lives with her sister and is in a long-distance relationship with Kevin. She longs for adventure, and for a chance to leave her average life, and average relationship behind – perhaps that’s why she enjoys writing fiction so much.
The foursome meet on a Facebook group for South African fans of Marian Keyes, and when they hear the news that Keyes may be attending the Franschoek Literary Festival to promote her new book, the super-fans decide to join forces and make a plan to meet her in person.
Each of the characters has their own reason for wanting to meet MK, and despite being from completely different backgrounds and places in their lives, they manage to build a relationship with one another that transcends their mutual love of ‘chick lit’. Together they come up with ways not only to meet a celebrity but also ways to deal with life – because life always gets in the way.
“I think of Marian Keyes across the world in Ireland in what I imagine to be a cheerful, brightly colored home, hopefully typing diligently in enviable silk loungewear. What makes her resonate so much with South Africans? With me? Is it the shared violence in our national histories that has bred this dark yet emotionally vivid sense of humor?”
In many ways Chasing Marian is rather a ‘life imitating art imitating life’ sort of deal. Written by four authors who would meet on ZOOM to write this novel, the characters meet up on ZOOM to discuss their plans and share their love of books. One can’t help but compare their story to that of a Marian Keyes novel itself – it is witty, heart-breaking, heart-warming, and thoroughly entertaining. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a different character, and each character has been written by a different author making this novel an eclectically technical delight.
Much like Keyes‘ novels life is not easy, and there is a lot of raw and unedited pain to go through before the characters can reach the other side. There isn’t always a neat and happy ending either, and like any Marian Keyes novel, Chasing Marian’s characters will deal with an array of issues including alcoholism, depression, and the deeply terrifying experience of falling in love.
An enormously fun novel about friendship, finding our passion in life, realizing our strengths, and the glorious wonder that comes from loving books.
April 10, 2022
Such fun - the perfect read to make you feel that everything will work out OK in the end.
Four characters are brought together by their love of Marian Keyes, and hatch a mad-cap plan to meet the queen of chick lit. Matt is finishing is psychology studies and still living at home with complicated parents, Queenie is a librarian with a long-distance boyfriend and a hidden talent, Ginger is recently widowed with two children who give her a hard time, and Jess is facing a divorce and starting to find a little too much solace in alcohol.
The book is full of unexpected twists and turns (each character is written by a different South African author, and in some cases they must have been as surprised as the reader about the direction the story was taking), but the prevailing theme of the power of friendship is the north star guiding the characters to what's really important.
Four characters are brought together by their love of Marian Keyes, and hatch a mad-cap plan to meet the queen of chick lit. Matt is finishing is psychology studies and still living at home with complicated parents, Queenie is a librarian with a long-distance boyfriend and a hidden talent, Ginger is recently widowed with two children who give her a hard time, and Jess is facing a divorce and starting to find a little too much solace in alcohol.
The book is full of unexpected twists and turns (each character is written by a different South African author, and in some cases they must have been as surprised as the reader about the direction the story was taking), but the prevailing theme of the power of friendship is the north star guiding the characters to what's really important.
May 16, 2022
A delightful easy read, perfect companion to a cup of tea.
March 18, 2022
I was gifted this copy.
What I loved about reading Chasing Marian is that the little sayings, places, and weird doings I understand, related to, and know where it is. Why? Well, that is because Chasing Marian 4 Authors are all from South Africa. Which made this book just a bit more special.
Chasing Marian is told out of 4 different perspectives, Jess, the housewife. Ginger, the widow. Matt, the Sensitive guy. And Queenie, the fantasizer. These 4 characters have something in them where I can relate to each one of them.
What does this foursome have in common? They all love Marian Keyes. And when they here the rumor about her maybe coming to South Africa, the 4 strangers that met on the FB group, start their own little book club.
MK bookclub mission is to meet her. Each member has their own little agenda behind why they want to meet Marian. Together, they plot on how will they do this.
I have never read a Marian Keyes book, but after reading Chasing Marian, I am going to read Again, Rachel.
If you are a MK fan then you must defiantly read this. If you look for a book with laugh-out-loud moment – specially Gingers chapters. Then this book is a must.
I give Chasing Marian
★★★★ out of 5 Stars
What I loved about reading Chasing Marian is that the little sayings, places, and weird doings I understand, related to, and know where it is. Why? Well, that is because Chasing Marian 4 Authors are all from South Africa. Which made this book just a bit more special.
Chasing Marian is told out of 4 different perspectives, Jess, the housewife. Ginger, the widow. Matt, the Sensitive guy. And Queenie, the fantasizer. These 4 characters have something in them where I can relate to each one of them.
What does this foursome have in common? They all love Marian Keyes. And when they here the rumor about her maybe coming to South Africa, the 4 strangers that met on the FB group, start their own little book club.
MK bookclub mission is to meet her. Each member has their own little agenda behind why they want to meet Marian. Together, they plot on how will they do this.
I have never read a Marian Keyes book, but after reading Chasing Marian, I am going to read Again, Rachel.
If you are a MK fan then you must defiantly read this. If you look for a book with laugh-out-loud moment – specially Gingers chapters. Then this book is a must.
I give Chasing Marian
★★★★ out of 5 Stars
July 13, 2022
In this heartwarming story by four South African authors, Marian Keyes is coming to our shores and four super-fans (each with their own meaningful connection to the author’s words) are determined to meet her. They find each other through a Facebook group and their friendship progresses into DMs, Zoom calls and beyond.
Jess is separating from her husband while attempting to shelter her daughters from the scandal in their lives. She will do whatever she has to do to numb the trauma.
Queenie is a librarian with an errant boyfriend, a needy sister, an annoying boss, no budget for anything and a secret passion for writing.
Matt is a trainee psychologist with a sensitive soul, a stressed mum and a sadistic best friend.
Ginger is the wise owl of the group. Her husband is dead, may his boring old soul RIP, and it’s time for her to start living whether it bothers her moody daughters or not.
They each have their own trials and tribulations, but together they find solace in reading Marian Keyes novels. They form the Marian Keyes Book Club where they find not just a connection to each other, but newfound strength within themselves.
What better way to read about these characters’ lives intersecting than by reading Chasing Marian with a group of wonderful South African womxn. We had so much fun discussing which author penned which character, how they managed to make it all tie together so seamlessly and just how much fun they must have had! Their talents combined have created a wonderful story full of madcap adventures, poor life choices and positive reinforcement.
It’s moving, highly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. It shows that sometimes you find your people in the most unexpected of places. One thing I learned above all from this story and this buddy read: books are a powerful tool for connecting people.
What will these characters learn along the way? And will they ever meet Marian? To be sure, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Amy, Qarnita, Pamela and Gail...we’ve decided that we need more. Who will the MK Book Club be chasing next?
Jess is separating from her husband while attempting to shelter her daughters from the scandal in their lives. She will do whatever she has to do to numb the trauma.
Queenie is a librarian with an errant boyfriend, a needy sister, an annoying boss, no budget for anything and a secret passion for writing.
Matt is a trainee psychologist with a sensitive soul, a stressed mum and a sadistic best friend.
Ginger is the wise owl of the group. Her husband is dead, may his boring old soul RIP, and it’s time for her to start living whether it bothers her moody daughters or not.
They each have their own trials and tribulations, but together they find solace in reading Marian Keyes novels. They form the Marian Keyes Book Club where they find not just a connection to each other, but newfound strength within themselves.
What better way to read about these characters’ lives intersecting than by reading Chasing Marian with a group of wonderful South African womxn. We had so much fun discussing which author penned which character, how they managed to make it all tie together so seamlessly and just how much fun they must have had! Their talents combined have created a wonderful story full of madcap adventures, poor life choices and positive reinforcement.
It’s moving, highly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. It shows that sometimes you find your people in the most unexpected of places. One thing I learned above all from this story and this buddy read: books are a powerful tool for connecting people.
What will these characters learn along the way? And will they ever meet Marian? To be sure, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Amy, Qarnita, Pamela and Gail...we’ve decided that we need more. Who will the MK Book Club be chasing next?
February 27, 2022
Such a cute and funny read ! Each character now has become a friend to me ! A must read for all who love books ,belong to book clubs and who love Marian Keyes.
April 7, 2022
It’s difficult enough writing a book but when there are four authors contributing – how on earth do you offer a story that doesn’t scream of four different styles and lack cohesion. Someone has to be in charge!
I don’t know the answer to that but what i can tell you that Amy Heydenrych, Qarnita Loxton, Pamela Power and Gail Schimmel have seriously got it right with ‘Chasing Marian’. These four friends, driven by the thought of not seeing each other at the various literary festivals because of COVID, decided to collaborate on a novel and the result: A super -feel good, humorous and witty treat to bring you back to normality, or whatever we’re going to call it now.
It’s a wonderfully delicious slice of South African life that emphasises the important role of books, friends, making connections and taking a few risks in our lives! And that social media can be a positive game - changer! So who is the Marian? The very lovely Marian Keyes, whose shout out on the front cover “Warm, Funny and moving’ aptly describes what lies between the covers.
It’s a seamless story, with four wonderfully relatable characters for a delightful Sunday read. And while I’m guessing which author wrote which character…I suspect I’m way off beam!
You will know each one of the four protagonists: Up in Jozi there’s Jess, yummy mummy on the brink of divorce and seriously not in a good place; Widowed Ginger is leading a happy life, full of wisdom and fun - if only her daughters wouldn’t see her as decrepit, Matt is a gorgeous about–to-qualify clinical psychologist still living at home with his parents, (and not gay!) and down in Cape Town Queenie, the assistant librarian, with an absent boyfriend, a writing habit and looking for change.
What have they all got in common – a love for Marian Keyes!
How do they get together? - through social media.
Forming the MK book club – not to be confused with Imkhonto we Sizwe and armed with the knowledge that Marian is coming to South Africa to a literary festival they brew up a crazy scheme to meet their favourite author. Of course it’s not all plain sailing but the twists and turns take the reader on a reality check of our own lives and the risks we avoid or not- sometimes it’s time to throw caution to the winds and find something new and exciting. …like the casual meeting on Sea Point promenade, the IT specialist who’s not a young nerd, using social media to form solid friendships, and that at heart we are all so similar. It doesn’t matter where you come from when you make the right connections the world is a different place. I simply devoured this – it’s like a glass of champagne full of bubbles, tickling you in all the right places!. Entertaining, funny and a huge success. What a tonic!
I don’t know the answer to that but what i can tell you that Amy Heydenrych, Qarnita Loxton, Pamela Power and Gail Schimmel have seriously got it right with ‘Chasing Marian’. These four friends, driven by the thought of not seeing each other at the various literary festivals because of COVID, decided to collaborate on a novel and the result: A super -feel good, humorous and witty treat to bring you back to normality, or whatever we’re going to call it now.
It’s a wonderfully delicious slice of South African life that emphasises the important role of books, friends, making connections and taking a few risks in our lives! And that social media can be a positive game - changer! So who is the Marian? The very lovely Marian Keyes, whose shout out on the front cover “Warm, Funny and moving’ aptly describes what lies between the covers.
It’s a seamless story, with four wonderfully relatable characters for a delightful Sunday read. And while I’m guessing which author wrote which character…I suspect I’m way off beam!
You will know each one of the four protagonists: Up in Jozi there’s Jess, yummy mummy on the brink of divorce and seriously not in a good place; Widowed Ginger is leading a happy life, full of wisdom and fun - if only her daughters wouldn’t see her as decrepit, Matt is a gorgeous about–to-qualify clinical psychologist still living at home with his parents, (and not gay!) and down in Cape Town Queenie, the assistant librarian, with an absent boyfriend, a writing habit and looking for change.
What have they all got in common – a love for Marian Keyes!
How do they get together? - through social media.
Forming the MK book club – not to be confused with Imkhonto we Sizwe and armed with the knowledge that Marian is coming to South Africa to a literary festival they brew up a crazy scheme to meet their favourite author. Of course it’s not all plain sailing but the twists and turns take the reader on a reality check of our own lives and the risks we avoid or not- sometimes it’s time to throw caution to the winds and find something new and exciting. …like the casual meeting on Sea Point promenade, the IT specialist who’s not a young nerd, using social media to form solid friendships, and that at heart we are all so similar. It doesn’t matter where you come from when you make the right connections the world is a different place. I simply devoured this – it’s like a glass of champagne full of bubbles, tickling you in all the right places!. Entertaining, funny and a huge success. What a tonic!
August 12, 2022
Chasing Marian
Pan Macmillan
Amy Heydenrych, Gail Schimmel, Pamela Power,
Qarnita Loxton
Review: Karen Watkins
Four strangers hear a rumour that an Irish author is due to visit a local literacy festival.
From Cape Town and Johannesburg, they have one thing in common; they are all die-hard Marian Keyes fans.
Desperate to meet her for one reason or another, the pandemic throws a spanner in the works so they take to social media and form the MK book club.
Joining forces, they come up with a novel idea to meet their favourite author, and in the process form firm friendships and become allies to deal with techno jargon, a porn video and sex with a stranger in a unisex bathroom.
Jess is beautiful, kind and mum of two children whose life is slowly unravelling after recently separating from her investment banker husband.
Ginger is a happily widowed granny who was married to a boring man.
This brash, bold broad has a wicked sense of humour and instead of enjoying life, she has to deal with her meddling daughters who are constantly putting her down.
Matt is the only male and lives with an alcoholic dad and seriously ill mum while finishing his degree in psychology – which has nothing to do with the story.
He is having a “friends with physical benefits” relationship with Sadie while searching for love.
Queenie is a librarian in a long-distance relationship with Kevin and lives with her sister. She yearns to jump into new adventures and not just secretly write about them.
Each character has been written by a different author. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the characters.
Topics deal with issues of alcoholism, depression and falling in love.
It’s no literary masterpiece but if you are looking for a feel-good, humorous, entertaining read about the power of making connections, taking a few risks and the love of books, this is it.
Marian Keyes is an Irish author of 19 best-selling novels sold around the world.
Pan Macmillan
Amy Heydenrych, Gail Schimmel, Pamela Power,
Qarnita Loxton
Review: Karen Watkins
Four strangers hear a rumour that an Irish author is due to visit a local literacy festival.
From Cape Town and Johannesburg, they have one thing in common; they are all die-hard Marian Keyes fans.
Desperate to meet her for one reason or another, the pandemic throws a spanner in the works so they take to social media and form the MK book club.
Joining forces, they come up with a novel idea to meet their favourite author, and in the process form firm friendships and become allies to deal with techno jargon, a porn video and sex with a stranger in a unisex bathroom.
Jess is beautiful, kind and mum of two children whose life is slowly unravelling after recently separating from her investment banker husband.
Ginger is a happily widowed granny who was married to a boring man.
This brash, bold broad has a wicked sense of humour and instead of enjoying life, she has to deal with her meddling daughters who are constantly putting her down.
Matt is the only male and lives with an alcoholic dad and seriously ill mum while finishing his degree in psychology – which has nothing to do with the story.
He is having a “friends with physical benefits” relationship with Sadie while searching for love.
Queenie is a librarian in a long-distance relationship with Kevin and lives with her sister. She yearns to jump into new adventures and not just secretly write about them.
Each character has been written by a different author. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the characters.
Topics deal with issues of alcoholism, depression and falling in love.
It’s no literary masterpiece but if you are looking for a feel-good, humorous, entertaining read about the power of making connections, taking a few risks and the love of books, this is it.
Marian Keyes is an Irish author of 19 best-selling novels sold around the world.
April 29, 2022
Chasing Marian is a charming, feel-good story from four local authors – Amy Heydenrych, Qarnita Loxton, Pamela Power and Gail Schimmel.
The story centers around four strangers who connect over their fondness for international bestselling author Marian Keyes. Each character has their own reasons for wanting to meet their favourite author, but it is the common goal of meeting her that brings them together in friendship.
And so the members of The South African Marian Keyes Fan Club start plotting and pooling their resources to kick their plan into action. Along the way, however, the four friends discover unexpected things about one another, and step in to try and give advice, lend a helping hand or just be there to listen to their friends’ problems.
Jess is beautiful and kind, but behind her smile lies much pain after her recent separation from her husband and their new financial troubles. Ginger is a widow, often chastised by her daughters for not being more technologically savvy, but she’s about to show them that you’re never too old to learn a few new tricks. Matt is a sensitive and almost-qualified psychologist, although he’s not so well versed in love just yet he’s certainly willing to throw caution to the wind when it comes to his heart. Queenie is a reserved librarian who longs to jump into new adventures and not just secretly write about them.
South African readers will rejoice at the local references and language which make reading this book a delight. I loved getting to know the characters, seeing how online friendships formed real-life connections and how these friendships evolved.
Chasing Marian is a great holiday read, perfect for those who love reading Marian Keyes books!
The story centers around four strangers who connect over their fondness for international bestselling author Marian Keyes. Each character has their own reasons for wanting to meet their favourite author, but it is the common goal of meeting her that brings them together in friendship.
And so the members of The South African Marian Keyes Fan Club start plotting and pooling their resources to kick their plan into action. Along the way, however, the four friends discover unexpected things about one another, and step in to try and give advice, lend a helping hand or just be there to listen to their friends’ problems.
Jess is beautiful and kind, but behind her smile lies much pain after her recent separation from her husband and their new financial troubles. Ginger is a widow, often chastised by her daughters for not being more technologically savvy, but she’s about to show them that you’re never too old to learn a few new tricks. Matt is a sensitive and almost-qualified psychologist, although he’s not so well versed in love just yet he’s certainly willing to throw caution to the wind when it comes to his heart. Queenie is a reserved librarian who longs to jump into new adventures and not just secretly write about them.
South African readers will rejoice at the local references and language which make reading this book a delight. I loved getting to know the characters, seeing how online friendships formed real-life connections and how these friendships evolved.
Chasing Marian is a great holiday read, perfect for those who love reading Marian Keyes books!
May 26, 2024
Another great South African book!
Chasing Marian was the project that got authors Amy Heydenrych (@amyheydenrych) , Qarnita Loxton (@qarnitaloxton) , Pamela Power (@pamelapower.co.za) and Gail Schimmel (@therealgailschimmel) through lockdown after an event that would have had the great Marian Keyes visiting SA.
If they wouldn't get a chance to meet her, maybe four fictional characters could in this heartwarming story.
We have Jess, whose perfect life is not so perfect. We have Ginger, a sharp tongued granny with a heart of gold. We have Matt, a sensitive guy with lots of female trouble. And we have Queenie, a librarian with a secret writing habit.
All these characters collide when an opportunity to meet the obsession they have in common (aka Marian Keyes novels) presents itself.
I really liked this book and I loved these characters. Their chemistry felt real and engaging. So many laugh out loud moments. So many heartfelt moments. It's a quick, feel good read that it well worth your time and money and heart.
If I did have a critique, it's that I found the second half of the book too short, like everything wrapped up too quickly. The pacing of the first half was so lovely, that I would have been okay with more pages of these characters (which I think is a great testament to the writing).
Having said that, I would read this again and I have already told many others to read this. Including my great aunts who remind me a lot of Ginger!
Have you read this book? Have you read any of these authors books? Did you have a favourite character? Lemme know in the comments!
Chasing Marian was the project that got authors Amy Heydenrych (@amyheydenrych) , Qarnita Loxton (@qarnitaloxton) , Pamela Power (@pamelapower.co.za) and Gail Schimmel (@therealgailschimmel) through lockdown after an event that would have had the great Marian Keyes visiting SA.
If they wouldn't get a chance to meet her, maybe four fictional characters could in this heartwarming story.
We have Jess, whose perfect life is not so perfect. We have Ginger, a sharp tongued granny with a heart of gold. We have Matt, a sensitive guy with lots of female trouble. And we have Queenie, a librarian with a secret writing habit.
All these characters collide when an opportunity to meet the obsession they have in common (aka Marian Keyes novels) presents itself.
I really liked this book and I loved these characters. Their chemistry felt real and engaging. So many laugh out loud moments. So many heartfelt moments. It's a quick, feel good read that it well worth your time and money and heart.
If I did have a critique, it's that I found the second half of the book too short, like everything wrapped up too quickly. The pacing of the first half was so lovely, that I would have been okay with more pages of these characters (which I think is a great testament to the writing).
Having said that, I would read this again and I have already told many others to read this. Including my great aunts who remind me a lot of Ginger!
Have you read this book? Have you read any of these authors books? Did you have a favourite character? Lemme know in the comments!
March 13, 2025
Chasing Marian is written by four fabulous South African authors- @amyheydenrych, @qarnitaloxton, @pamelapower.co.za and @therealgailschimmel 🤩 It’s about four friends who meet over social media and make it their mission to meet Marian Keyes at the Franschhoek Literary Festival, but all does not go to plan…
It’s a beautiful book 🥰 A page-turner about finding friendship in unexpected places, falling and getting back up again, seeking adventures, and just ‘going for it.’ Apart from the humour, the scandal, and the complicated relationships, there was also the scenery 🥰 I loved that I was in Cape Town overlooking the sea, then I was in a leafy Joburg garden, then I was people-watching in Tasha’s, then I was drinking sundowners in the Pilanesberg ☀️
I suggest reading this with some shortbread and a cup of rooibos tea ☕️
It’s a beautiful book 🥰 A page-turner about finding friendship in unexpected places, falling and getting back up again, seeking adventures, and just ‘going for it.’ Apart from the humour, the scandal, and the complicated relationships, there was also the scenery 🥰 I loved that I was in Cape Town overlooking the sea, then I was in a leafy Joburg garden, then I was people-watching in Tasha’s, then I was drinking sundowners in the Pilanesberg ☀️
I suggest reading this with some shortbread and a cup of rooibos tea ☕️
July 30, 2024
Loved the hall of mirrors concept of this book, layers of the authors and the protagonists all going after the same goal, meeting Marian Keyes. And now I am reading one of her books, too. I'd forgotten how enjoyable and fun her books are.
The sheer South Africaness (if there is such a word) drew me in. From Sea Point promenade to Pilanesberg and the Tasha's cloakrooms (are they still there, I thought they had closed those years ago), not to mention Exclusive Books and Olives and Plates, it is really special reading books set in South Africa which are simply for relaxing reading pleasure.
The sheer South Africaness (if there is such a word) drew me in. From Sea Point promenade to Pilanesberg and the Tasha's cloakrooms (are they still there, I thought they had closed those years ago), not to mention Exclusive Books and Olives and Plates, it is really special reading books set in South Africa which are simply for relaxing reading pleasure.
October 15, 2022
“I hope you feel the joy with which this book was written” - Amy Heydenrych in the acknowledgments of this book.
Yes. Yes I did. What a stunning book. So fun, so lovely, and for a book written by 4 authors, so well put together.
I adored this book from start to finish, fell in love with all of the characters, and wish I could be a part of their WhatsApp group.
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. I’m genuinely sad it’s over. Highly recommend this book 💖
Yes. Yes I did. What a stunning book. So fun, so lovely, and for a book written by 4 authors, so well put together.
I adored this book from start to finish, fell in love with all of the characters, and wish I could be a part of their WhatsApp group.
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. I’m genuinely sad it’s over. Highly recommend this book 💖
April 24, 2023
I randomly bought this book one night at Exclusive Books in Hyde Park, which turned out to frequently be a setting IN the book! My hopes for a fun South African novel were entirely realized, and it was extremely fun to read this while staying in Joberg. I was impressed at how the authors were able to put the story together, and while the plot was sometimes a bit all over the place (and I was NOT a fan of hiding the infidelity that occurred), it was a fun and enjoyable read.
April 15, 2022
What a great read!
If the banter between the writers was anything like the “thank you’s” at the end, bringing this book to life must have been so much fun - and that has woven its way Into the story so beautifully!!
With just enough serious, sad, irritation etc in the mix to make this such a great read!!
When can we look out for the next one??
If the banter between the writers was anything like the “thank you’s” at the end, bringing this book to life must have been so much fun - and that has woven its way Into the story so beautifully!!
With just enough serious, sad, irritation etc in the mix to make this such a great read!!
When can we look out for the next one??
January 10, 2023
So this one was interseting. Loved the premise and the people at the start of the book. I thought it was really nice how they all got to know each other. Didn't love the one character's Jess actions - felt they were overdone (sleeping with the final guy was what did it for me - thought it could have been toned down). But it was one action in a very readable and great South African book
June 25, 2023
Enjoyable light reading, but more interesting for me was the back story of how local authors Amy Heydenrych, Qarnita Loxton, Pamela Power and Gail Schimmel collaborated to prepare a book during the Covid lockdown period. I had previously read Schimmel only, but I now want to look for the other three.
March 21, 2022
Endearing. The story was relatable and in a way, reminded me of my own friendships.
May 3, 2022
A lovely, light read ☺️
May 27, 2022
Absolutely loved this funny, sweet, charming book! Set in SA and jam packed with local humour - highly recommend this easy fun read!
May 28, 2022
Such a fun read. Loved the characters. There was a word Queenie said that I'd never imagined I'd read in a book - I had such a laugh!
June 5, 2022
Lots of fun
June 28, 2022
If you've never been to Tashas Hyde Park (or Le Parc), you won't have context for half the book. It's a nice read, but overall it lacked that extra something.
September 5, 2022
3 1/2.
Fun and easy to read and always great to read SA fiction and play spot that place 😀
Fun and easy to read and always great to read SA fiction and play spot that place 😀
January 1, 2023
A fun, easy read. I enjoyed the characters and the story line.
February 22, 2023
I absolutely loved this book with its laugh out loud moments. Highly recommend.
March 5, 2023
Just loved this book. Such fun, had me giggling all the way. A quick and easy read, for all us devoted Marian fans.
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