Reading a Marian Keyes novel is like meeting an old friend after a long time and this was an enjoyable novel with a supporting cast of characters that were worthy of being the protagonists of their own novels. A ideal winter read or save for the summer as a beach companion.

Review: I adore Marian Keyes books and have from reader some of her latest books preferred her older ones but this one is great. This is laugh out loud funny. When you read this make sure you are not on a train or surrounded by people, there could be a few funny looks when you do laugh out loud. Marian has again created strong and real characters that you can relate too, something she is brilliant at. I really liked Amy who is our strong heroine. This plot makes you think about the choices you make and where they lead you to. A great book.

Sadly this didn’t live up to this aurthor’s previous novels. Wasn’t for me sadly.

Overall opinion of the book:

Although Marian Keyes is a popular, well known author, I've never read any of her books before. When I saw The Break on NetGalley I decided to request it to see what her books are like. I like Chick Lit and the synopses intrigued me. When I actually started reading the book, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I was disappointed to say the least, especially given how many great reviews I read on Goodreads and it's overall rating.

It just didn't seem to capture my attention in the way I thought it would and I struggled to make a connection with the characters. This could possibly be because of the age difference between me and the protagonist, Amy. I'm 23, unmarried with no children, and she is in her mid 40's, married with multiple children. I thought the age difference wouldn't make any difference to how much I enjoyed the book, but I think it did slightly. 

With this aside, for me there seemed to be too much going on in the book as a whole. On top of the main story arc of Amy and Hugh going on a break, the book also delves deeply into other issues that Amy's family is going through. Without giving too much of the plot away, these themes include mental health, divorce, family relationships, abortion and Ireland's stance on it, infidelity, alzheimers and her daughter's career. While these topics are interesting and can add depth to the main plot of a story, Keyes seems to be trying to cover too much in this book.

These topics are often discussed more than the main premise of the book and I felt like they took away from the main arc rather than complimenting it. These themes made the story a little confusing to follow at times as there are so many characters and situations mentioned. I understand these topics were discussed in order to show how complex life can be and that although Hugh has decided to take a break from it, life carries on. However, some of this was unnecessary and longwinded in my opinion. 

For me, the book was too much of a slow burner and quite often things were explained in a too much detail. Where some events could have been briefly explained, Keyes describes them in complete detail. While this is a great technique for some parts of the story, it felt repetitive in many places. The Break is a large book, almost 600 pages long and I personally think I would have enjoyed it more if it was half the length. If this was the case the story would have felt more fast paced and interesting to me.

I did struggle to feel empathy towards Amy and Hugh. I was angry at him leaving, but further into the story angry with Amy for some of the decisions she makes. Although you're led to think Hugh is a bad person, the question is flipped, which was interesting. I do feel as though Amy was a little too melodramatic and over reacted a lot in the book, which did irritate me. She tended to play a victim role, when this isn't entirely true. I often struggle to read a novel if I don't gel with the main protagonist, and unfortunately this is what happened with The Break.

In regards to mental health, I wasn't too keen with how it was depicted and approached in the novel. Many people may disagree with me if they've read the book, but I personally thought it could have been handled in a more sensitive manner. Instead it felt repetitive and briefly glossed over. I felt this way when the topic of Alzheimers was discussed also. It was approached in a way that was frank and real. While this isn't a bad thing as it describes how families deal with it, I think the language used could have been more sensitive as it may upset readers who are going through a similar situation.

I did enjoy parts of this book however, especially the last third of it. I was intrigued by how it would end and although it wasn't my favourite book to read, I still wanted to finish it. I was also quite content with the ending.

Keyes does capture the reality and complexity of life brilliantly in this book and I think she discusses abortion in a way that is appropriate and honest. It was eyeopening to read about Ireland's stance on the subject and the complete contrast between Ireland and the U.K.

The spelling, punctuation and grammar were all great and I don't remember there being any parts of the book that didn't seem to make sense. Although there was a lot to follow, Keyes did tie up every loose end before the end of the novel which I always like authors to do. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than having too many unanswered questions when you finish a book!

My favourite part of the book was following Amy's career as a PR. It was insightful, interesting and to be honest sounds like a fun job to do!

Although this wasn't the book for me, I can completely understand why slightly older readers who may be able to relate to the plot a little more would really enjoy this book. 


Final thoughts:

I personally wasn't a big fan of this book. It was too long and contained too many sub-plots which distracted from the main story arc. Although I can see why many people love Marian Keyes' books, I don't think they're for me. I didn't fully gel with any of the characters and apart from finding an interest in Amy's job as a PA, I struggled to find an interest in the story itself. I would still recommend this book to fans of Chick Lit that may be slightly older than I am however.

As expected from Marian Keyes but a far more grown up book, might be my own age making me read/see things with a different perspective but thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another gem in Marian Keyes’ chicklit crown. There’s so much heart in this story, with characters so realistic that there’s something you love and something that annoys you a bit about every single one... just like real people. For readers of Marian’s “Under the Duvet” books and “Making it up as I go Along”, a lot of the characterisation in this book will be familiar. Marian puts so much of herself in her stories, but more so than ever with this novel, and that is what makes them so relatable and realistic. A brilliant plot, with bag loads of humour but some incredibly tender moments too. I enjoyed this book so much that I’m almost missing the characters now I’ve finished it. It’s a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I have long been a fan of Marian Keyes and was delighted to have the opportunity to read The Break. It is a story of a family from Ireland, specifically, Amy, a 40 something woman whose husband is having something of a mid life crisis and decides to go off travelling for six months which throws her life into chaos.

As you would expect from Keyes, this is much more than your standard chick lit story as it touches on themes as dark as extra-marital affairs (both emotional and physical), dementia and abortions. But, as ever, she deals with these issues in a wonderfully witty manner while not making light of any of them. It's a gift that many authors strive for but few achieve..

My one complaint is that the ending felt a little bit too neat. I'm trying not to give anything away but with the development of the story and the main character of Amy, it seemed wrong to me that she made the choice she did. However, it's a tiny criticism in what was otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable page turner.

What’s it about?

Amy’s husband Hugh wants a break. He wants, no needs, six months off from their marriage so he can ‘find himself’, preferably in South-East Asia. And Amy has no say in the matter. Of course, it’s a break not a break-up, so when the six months are up, they’ll all just pick up where they left off. Well, in theory…

My thoughts

When I was a teenager, I devoured women’s fiction. I’d go to the library in my decidedly un-cosmopolitan hometown and find the brightest covers I could. I must’ve read hundreds, and satiated my need for them so comprehensively that I rarely pick them up now. The exception to that is always Marian Keyes. Her stories are always so much more than forgettable girl-meets-boy romances. They’re funny, brutally honest and most importantly, kind. Off the top of my head, her back catalogue deals with domestic abuse, alcoholism, depression and bereavement; all dealt with characteristic charm and humour.

This story is no exception. At its centre is a seemingly rock solid marriage, thrown into confusion by bereavement. From there, we encounter issues of (in)fidelity, abortion, family breakdown and how to care for someone with dementia.

So to the story. I’ll admit, the first section dragged for me. I knew the husband was going to bugger off, so I just wanted him to get on with it. I really felt like once he was gone things got moving a bit. In fact, I became so invested in the characters, that when something… emotional happened in the middle of the story, I audibly gasped. I tell you, I don’t easily get involved with characters to an audibly gasping extent.

That is also one of Keyes’s main strengths; she’s an excellent character creator. They are so real that it almost feels like they are people you know ‘in real life’ whose names you’ve forgotten. It’s also a sign of her skill as a writer that she can create a book stuffed with people, and each of them feels distinct, whereas other writers I’ve read recently struggle with three or four.

On the whole, I really liked this book. I read it when I was laid up with flu* and it really took me out of myself, which is saying something. It is funny, warm and makes you want to read more and more, which in the end, is all we really want from a book.

Would I recommend it?

Yes, for definite. Especially if you need a break. No pun intended. Well, maybe a little intended.

*Proper flu. No, not a flu-y cold. It’s not up for debate.

I am an avid reader of Marian and have read all her books. I found this one hard going. It was slow and there were so many characters that it was hard to remember who was who. I think that authors should remember that a lot of readers now read books on electronic devices and it is not as easy to go back in the book and double check who everyone is!
I didn't really care about any of the characters and maybe it would have been a bit more refreshing to read Hugh's side of the story too, rather than the main character going on and on, seemed like there was a lot of waffling going on about irrelevant topics. It only really got going about half way through and there was a lot of sex in it, which I think is from the backlash of books like Fifty Shades and I feel that Marian wanted to spice it up a bit as this usually isn't her style. Overall it was ok, but it took a long time for me to read it - definitely wasn't a page turner or even anywhere near as brilliant as her earlier stuff.

This was a good story but in my opinion way too long.
It was a real drag in places and a struggle to finish.

Fantastic read from a great author.. This book tells the story of marital breakdown which kept me gripped from start to finish. The story isn't just about the breakdown there are lots of issues and heartbreaks affecting the whole family. I highly recommended this book even though I don't agree with the husband going in the first place LOL

I always enjoy Marian Keyes' writing and this one was no different. Her books deal with everything, love, loss, family and the whole range of emotions. I liked Amy and her family and it was nice to see their relationships through the novel. Hugh was awful and I struggled to like him at all. The ending was a little predictable but that's to be expected I think.

I liked it.

I was sent a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amy's life is very turbulent and this is putting it lightly! She lives with her husband Hugh and daughters Neeve, Sofia and Kiara. Hugh's Dad has just died and then his best friend. He takes it very hard and decided to have a 'break' and go travelling for 6 months.
Amy is furious and busies herself in work and her family. She remembers a man she went on a couple dates with and starts to see him again. Hugh returns to the family earlier than expected and causes Amy to question the past year all over again. Can Hugh and Amy ever get over what they have done to each other?

What can I say...I've read every single one of Marian Keyes books and she never fails to deliver. Marian's constant take on everyday life and how people cope with situations is both illuminating and entertaining. I absolutely loved this book and read it in two days on holiday. Highly recommended!

This Book by Marion keyes ticked all the boxes for me.
I have always enjoyed other Marian Keyes books that i have read and so i was looking forward to reading "The Break " the story revolves around Amy and her husband Hugh ..the story is based in Dublin and London.
Hugh decides that he wants to have a break and trip to South East asia. He wants to be single and do his thing leaving Amy to pick up the pieces, tell the children. Amy's first child from her first marriage Neeve is living out her teenage angst vlogging and Amy's mum becoming vlogginh sensation. Her Daughters Kaira and niece sofie are well thought out characters and fill the house and extended family are such a good support to each other and to their mum Amy that she manages to lurch through the six months not sure if Hugh will come back.
I read the book over 24 hours and you sometimes felt like shaking Amy awake and give detention to the children. And when you get so involved with the characters of a book then the author has achieved their intention of gripping our attention completely. As excellent book once again by Marian Keyes. Thanks to Penguin and Net Galley for giving me the chance to read this book for a fair and honest review.

I am a huge Marian Keyes fan, but I have to admit the size of this book put me off reading it for a while.  Published last September, I chose the Christmas holidays as a good time to finally get stuck in.

Keyes books always have a wonderful mix of the very, very real and the incredibly witty and this book was no exception.  Set in Ireland and focusing on Amy - along with her large and loveable family - this was perhaps the most real book of Keyes I have read.  I wasn't that far in before I actually felt that these characters were real life friends of mine whilst also feeling like I was eavesdropping on conversations.

Amy goes on a huge journey in this book - although it is actually her husband who flies off to Thailand for months.  It was interesting to see her relationships with her daughters, family and friends shift and alter now she was 'on a break' from her marriage.  However, aside from Amy, the book also touched on the Irish law against abortion, its effects and consequences and people's attitudes to it, as well as dementia and its wider effects on the family.  All of which made this a poignant, thought-provoking, sophisticated novel that made me laugh (a lot!) and cry.

On finishing the book I felt a little bereft and almost wanted to phone or ask someone how are Amy and Huw getting on? What are they up to know?  If you haven't read a Marian Keyes book yet, then you need to fix that as soon as possible, and 'The Break' is a great one to start with.

Not my usual sort of novel, (I’m more of a literary fiction kind of person), but I was intrigued to read as I had heard Marian Keyes on the radio and been impressed by her wit, warmth and intelligence. I remember Marian Keyes saying she hated the kind of snobbery that sorts books into a hierarchy of genres, with hers often classed as “chicklit”, a horrible, dismissive and sexist term. So, with this in mind, I gave “The Break” a go. The wit, warmth and intelligence I’d heard on the radio was all in evidence in this well written novel. She is a natural storyteller, with a keen, yet compassionate eye for men and women’s weaknesses.

I read The Break at the right time - on a long haul flight, where it kept me entertained for a large part! Marian Keyes' books are always better than they can be described. Fundamentally, it's a story of a middle aged couple who are in the middle of a crisis. Or, more precisely, Hugh, is in the middle of a crisis. He wants to go and find himself, spend some time alone, away from Amy and the kids.
It sounds trite, and straightforward, and boring. It was definitely not any of those things - Keyes can write heart and soul into her characters which made me shed tears along with them, for happy and sad. If you enjoy and know Marian Keyes, you'll like this. If you enjoy stories of people dealing with complicated, human stuff with some light touches along the way - you'll like this.

Amy and Hugh are taking a break from their marriage, Hugh's choice. He feels he needs to take a break and travel to sort out his life. Amy is not happy about his decision but fails to persuade him to change his mind.

I found this book really good, mind you I would not have been so accepting of his decision, it would have been a permanent break as far as I am concerned!

I started this book not expecting much but found myself enjoying it quite a bit. I normally go for thrillers or crime novels so wanted a change and was pleasantly surprised. The story is about a woman who’s husband suddenly wants a break. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for her and ends up being an opportunity for her to explore a different life.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would definitely read about her by Marian Keyes.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.