What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brightest Star in the Sky
Welcome to 66 Star Street . . . In the top-floor flat lives music exec Katie. She spends her days fighting off has-been rock stars and wondering how much cheesecake you'd need to eat yourself to death. Below her, a pair of muscular Poles share with a streetwise cabbie named Lydia, who has a sharp tongue, an even sharper brain but some unexpected soft spots. On the first floor is Fionn - a gardener who prefers the company of parsnips to people. But he looks like a fairy-tale prince and when he's offered his own television show, he's suddenly thrust into the limelight. And at the bottom of the house live Matt and Maeve, who are Very Much In Love and who stave off despair by doing random acts of kindness. But a mysterious visitor has just landed at 66 Star Street, bringing love, friendship and heartbreak, and a new-found optimism. Old secrets are working their way to the surface and all their lives are about to change in the most unexpected of ways . . .
466 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Marian Keyes
85 books10.5k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,723 reviews
December 5, 2009
The residents of 66 Star Street in Dublin are all being watched… but by what? Maeve and Matt seem happy enough to anybody looking in, but behind the facade is a truth that neither of them wants to be made public. Katie and Conall have a love/hate relationship, but how will the arrival of TV gardener Fionn affect their relationship?
Lydia lives with Polish men Andrei and Jan, but can’t stand either of them… not to mention the problems Lydia is having with her own mother as well. And Jemima lives with her lovely dog Gurudge, but is sure she feels the presence of something hanging around the house of 66 Star Street. Just what, or who, is watching these people? And will the secrets that bind them ever come out?
Marian Keyes is one of the most successful chick-lit authors of all time, yet strangely I have only read 2 of her books. I loved Watermelon, one of her earliest books, but her last release This Charming Man just didn’t do it for me. So it was with trepidation that I decided to try out her latest offering which has probably been the most anticipated books of 2009. It’s had numerous cover designs posted all over the net (some loved, some hated), but finally the book had its British release at the end of last month, and I couldn’t go into a bookshop with seeing Marian’s gold shiny book everywhere. I got my copy from the library as I don’t buy hardbacks and quickly sat down to read it.
I have to admit this book was a real struggle for me. At over 600 pages long, it’s a very large book that requires the reader to put in a lot of time and concentration to read, so I was hoping it would be good enough to hold my attention that long, but I was sure it would because it was Marian! But straight away, I disliked it, and sadly that continued throughout the whole book until the last 50 or so pages when I felt the whole things managed to pick up a bit but enough to move the book into 4 star territory for me. It seems authors are trying to branch out in their material to try something different, and Keyes has almost taken the lead from Cecelia Ahern by introducing a magical element into the book, but I just felt it didn’t work here at all.
The narrator, who we don’t find out the identity of until almost the end of the book, is somewhat creepy and doesn’t feel magical at all, just somehow wrong. It adds to the creepy and unsettling tone of the whole book – there is not a whole lot of happiness in this book at all and I think that is what made me struggle to complete it. I knew nothing good was going to happen, only that things would get worse for the characters. I found Matt and Maeve’s story in particular quite harrowing to read, and the shocking conclusion of it all was a bit too much for me. Katie, my favourite character of the book was the only good thing for me, and the only believable character. Conall was unlikeable, and I bet most readers will struggle to identify with him. Fionn was an awful character, Rosie was easily forgetable (I actually did forget her in parts), and Jemima was another of the greats, but they just weren’t enough to save this book.
There were too many characters to keep track of throughout the book, and I wasn’t entirely sure why there was a countdown of days throughout the book. Clearly we were headed towards day 1 but why – what was going to happen? I wasn’t altogether sure I cared that much, and that’s a fundamental flaw here. I hadn’t guessed the narrator until the point I think we were supposed to realise but many have claimed they guessed it – when I did realise, I was a bit flummoxed by it because it was slightly odd and seemed like it had come out of nowhere to be honest. The chapters are relatively short so the story keeps going at a good enough pace, but I do feel it could have been 200 pages shorter and therefore more succinct and perhaps better reading.
Yes, I have to admit I am really disappointed with the latest offering from one of Ireland’s greatest authors, and I am glad I decided to wait to get a copy from my library. It isn’t something I can recommend you go and buy, but if you’re a fan of Keyes, you’ll want to read this. However, if you’ve never read Marian before – DO NOT start with this one, you probably won’t want to pick up another of her books. Amazon reviewers also seem split on this – some love it and some hate it, and sadly I just couldn’t get on with it at all. It was just too depressing and painful to read, and while elements of the book showed promise, it just didn’t work for me. Such a pity!
Lydia lives with Polish men Andrei and Jan, but can’t stand either of them… not to mention the problems Lydia is having with her own mother as well. And Jemima lives with her lovely dog Gurudge, but is sure she feels the presence of something hanging around the house of 66 Star Street. Just what, or who, is watching these people? And will the secrets that bind them ever come out?
Marian Keyes is one of the most successful chick-lit authors of all time, yet strangely I have only read 2 of her books. I loved Watermelon, one of her earliest books, but her last release This Charming Man just didn’t do it for me. So it was with trepidation that I decided to try out her latest offering which has probably been the most anticipated books of 2009. It’s had numerous cover designs posted all over the net (some loved, some hated), but finally the book had its British release at the end of last month, and I couldn’t go into a bookshop with seeing Marian’s gold shiny book everywhere. I got my copy from the library as I don’t buy hardbacks and quickly sat down to read it.
I have to admit this book was a real struggle for me. At over 600 pages long, it’s a very large book that requires the reader to put in a lot of time and concentration to read, so I was hoping it would be good enough to hold my attention that long, but I was sure it would because it was Marian! But straight away, I disliked it, and sadly that continued throughout the whole book until the last 50 or so pages when I felt the whole things managed to pick up a bit but enough to move the book into 4 star territory for me. It seems authors are trying to branch out in their material to try something different, and Keyes has almost taken the lead from Cecelia Ahern by introducing a magical element into the book, but I just felt it didn’t work here at all.
The narrator, who we don’t find out the identity of until almost the end of the book, is somewhat creepy and doesn’t feel magical at all, just somehow wrong. It adds to the creepy and unsettling tone of the whole book – there is not a whole lot of happiness in this book at all and I think that is what made me struggle to complete it. I knew nothing good was going to happen, only that things would get worse for the characters. I found Matt and Maeve’s story in particular quite harrowing to read, and the shocking conclusion of it all was a bit too much for me. Katie, my favourite character of the book was the only good thing for me, and the only believable character. Conall was unlikeable, and I bet most readers will struggle to identify with him. Fionn was an awful character, Rosie was easily forgetable (I actually did forget her in parts), and Jemima was another of the greats, but they just weren’t enough to save this book.
There were too many characters to keep track of throughout the book, and I wasn’t entirely sure why there was a countdown of days throughout the book. Clearly we were headed towards day 1 but why – what was going to happen? I wasn’t altogether sure I cared that much, and that’s a fundamental flaw here. I hadn’t guessed the narrator until the point I think we were supposed to realise but many have claimed they guessed it – when I did realise, I was a bit flummoxed by it because it was slightly odd and seemed like it had come out of nowhere to be honest. The chapters are relatively short so the story keeps going at a good enough pace, but I do feel it could have been 200 pages shorter and therefore more succinct and perhaps better reading.
Yes, I have to admit I am really disappointed with the latest offering from one of Ireland’s greatest authors, and I am glad I decided to wait to get a copy from my library. It isn’t something I can recommend you go and buy, but if you’re a fan of Keyes, you’ll want to read this. However, if you’ve never read Marian before – DO NOT start with this one, you probably won’t want to pick up another of her books. Amazon reviewers also seem split on this – some love it and some hate it, and sadly I just couldn’t get on with it at all. It was just too depressing and painful to read, and while elements of the book showed promise, it just didn’t work for me. Such a pity!
November 14, 2015
Why did I read this book? I was waiting in the library and it looked interesting.
Am I regretting it? No, I'm not. Not really.
The thing is, if this book had held on to the atmosphere and narration from the beginning, it would have gotten 4 stars. I would have thoroughly enjoyed it. Instead it suddenly turns from "oh, warm, cozy book about love and loss and finding yourself in a world of turmoil" to "PAIN AND ANGER . Seriously? Changing your style in the middle of everything is not cool. Not cool at all. Especially if you do it after half a book. We're already sucked in, thinking this is a nice little story about ordinary people, with a little bit of magic and problems thrown in, and suddenly BAM, cold shower of darkness you didn't sign up for. You can't spring shit like that on us, just to go back to your fluffy ways and fix it all with a brush of your wizard stick. We're not gonna buy it.
There's a stark difference between the two styles, and she doesn't manage to mix them well.
Still, I did give it 3 stars, and that's because Keyes writes some great characters and because I rather enjoyed the beginning. I love the idea of what the narrator is, and Katie is kind of a kindred spirit. Well, apart from the high heels, but eating yourself to death in cake is a splendid idea.
Now I'm gonna talk about something that contains a spoiler.
(I'm not hiding it because it's important and none of you are gonna read this book anyway).
I really respect Marian Keyes for writing the rape scene and the suicide attempt, because it's portrayed realistically and it's a very important issue. It wasn't as rough (but still unpleasant) reading the rape as it was reading about doctors and policemen blaming the victim and not taking the issue seriously afterwards. It made my wanna fucking break faces, god it was infuriating. And that's why it bothers me that she put it in this book, because it's not the place for it. It probably helped enlighten a few people and shed light on a terrible taboo, but it didn't fit in and it's a shame, because it's strongly and bravely written. She should have saved it for another story. It's too easy to ignore or skip past in this one. But it carries a strong message: Life does go on, and your body belongs to you.
Am I regretting it? No, I'm not. Not really.
The thing is, if this book had held on to the atmosphere and narration from the beginning, it would have gotten 4 stars. I would have thoroughly enjoyed it. Instead it suddenly turns from "oh, warm, cozy book about love and loss and finding yourself in a world of turmoil" to "PAIN AND ANGER . Seriously? Changing your style in the middle of everything is not cool. Not cool at all. Especially if you do it after half a book. We're already sucked in, thinking this is a nice little story about ordinary people, with a little bit of magic and problems thrown in, and suddenly BAM, cold shower of darkness you didn't sign up for. You can't spring shit like that on us, just to go back to your fluffy ways and fix it all with a brush of your wizard stick. We're not gonna buy it.
There's a stark difference between the two styles, and she doesn't manage to mix them well.
Still, I did give it 3 stars, and that's because Keyes writes some great characters and because I rather enjoyed the beginning. I love the idea of what the narrator is, and Katie is kind of a kindred spirit. Well, apart from the high heels, but eating yourself to death in cake is a splendid idea.
Now I'm gonna talk about something that contains a spoiler.
(I'm not hiding it because it's important and none of you are gonna read this book anyway).
I really respect Marian Keyes for writing the rape scene and the suicide attempt, because it's portrayed realistically and it's a very important issue. It wasn't as rough (but still unpleasant) reading the rape as it was reading about doctors and policemen blaming the victim and not taking the issue seriously afterwards. It made my wanna fucking break faces, god it was infuriating. And that's why it bothers me that she put it in this book, because it's not the place for it. It probably helped enlighten a few people and shed light on a terrible taboo, but it didn't fit in and it's a shame, because it's strongly and bravely written. She should have saved it for another story. It's too easy to ignore or skip past in this one. But it carries a strong message: Life does go on, and your body belongs to you.
May 13, 2023
66 Star Street! A very memorable building.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and getting to know all the residents in the various flats.
Five stars.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and getting to know all the residents in the various flats.
Five stars.
October 11, 2023
Third read with my daughter, which made it that much better ❤️
If you need a laugh and you don’t mind a book dealing with dark issues, this could work for you. The audiobook is read by the author’s sister and she is fantastic. Many LOL moments.
There are dark, heavy issues here but it ends well and there is always humor, in fact, for most of the book, much more humor than darkness.
Highly recommended.
<><><><><><>
Second read - even better the 2nd time around. I love this book!
I didn’t want this book to ever end, so I made it last as long as I could. It was my first by this author. It won’t be my last.
Reasons to love it:
1. It was funny but also tackled some serious issues, such as mental illness, dementia, and others but I don’t want to throw spoilers.
2. It was really funny at times. Her humor is just that perfect sardonic humor that I love so much.
3. I was so happy with how she wrapped it up. From the start, you know there is a spirit floating through various apartments in one building but you have to wait quite a while to understand why. I loved the resolution and would actually love if she followed up this novel with a sequel.
4. I really loved a few of the characters. Which is why I’d love to know more about them. They’re interesting people, with depth and even tho this is technically chick lit, they do surprise you more than once. I love a spunky, confident female character and there are a couple in here.
5. The audio narration was done by another Keyes. The author’s sister? I don’t know but she did a tremendous job. I could go back to the beginning and listen to this again, just to enjoy the performance (and to re-experience the story now that I know why the spirit is there).
6. She addresses a women’s issue that I won’t mention bc I don’t want to throw spoilers but I believe it needs a bright spotlight shown on it, so well done her for doing that.
Honestly the reason this gets a five is the humor mainly and secondarily, the ending. I just love the way it resolved and the climax genuinely surprised me. I’d have never predicted it. Really loved this and I will truly miss escaping to this one.
If you need a laugh and you don’t mind a book dealing with dark issues, this could work for you. The audiobook is read by the author’s sister and she is fantastic. Many LOL moments.
There are dark, heavy issues here but it ends well and there is always humor, in fact, for most of the book, much more humor than darkness.
Highly recommended.
<><><><><><>
Second read - even better the 2nd time around. I love this book!
I didn’t want this book to ever end, so I made it last as long as I could. It was my first by this author. It won’t be my last.
Reasons to love it:
1. It was funny but also tackled some serious issues, such as mental illness, dementia, and others but I don’t want to throw spoilers.
2. It was really funny at times. Her humor is just that perfect sardonic humor that I love so much.
3. I was so happy with how she wrapped it up. From the start, you know there is a spirit floating through various apartments in one building but you have to wait quite a while to understand why. I loved the resolution and would actually love if she followed up this novel with a sequel.
4. I really loved a few of the characters. Which is why I’d love to know more about them. They’re interesting people, with depth and even tho this is technically chick lit, they do surprise you more than once. I love a spunky, confident female character and there are a couple in here.
5. The audio narration was done by another Keyes. The author’s sister? I don’t know but she did a tremendous job. I could go back to the beginning and listen to this again, just to enjoy the performance (and to re-experience the story now that I know why the spirit is there).
6. She addresses a women’s issue that I won’t mention bc I don’t want to throw spoilers but I believe it needs a bright spotlight shown on it, so well done her for doing that.
Honestly the reason this gets a five is the humor mainly and secondarily, the ending. I just love the way it resolved and the climax genuinely surprised me. I’d have never predicted it. Really loved this and I will truly miss escaping to this one.
February 4, 2023
This is a re-read for me - I first read it years ago and I'm happy to say I still loved it!
As always I love the black humour / lol humour. The slice of life style of Marian Keyes's books is just brilliant and I always relate to the various issues she explores (some mundane, some serious).
Multiple characters and POV's as always. I think the thing people most struggle with in this particular story is that it's told by an unknown entity that follows the characters around (and provides acerbic commentry) in a ghostly manner.
I didn't mind this and my lips are sealed as to what it's all about as there is a purpose to be revealed - it's not my favourite part of the narrative but doesn't interfere with the main focus which is the various shenanigans of the people that live in 66 Star Street...v entertaining!
As always I love the black humour / lol humour. The slice of life style of Marian Keyes's books is just brilliant and I always relate to the various issues she explores (some mundane, some serious).
Multiple characters and POV's as always. I think the thing people most struggle with in this particular story is that it's told by an unknown entity that follows the characters around (and provides acerbic commentry) in a ghostly manner.
I didn't mind this and my lips are sealed as to what it's all about as there is a purpose to be revealed - it's not my favourite part of the narrative but doesn't interfere with the main focus which is the various shenanigans of the people that live in 66 Star Street...v entertaining!
February 17, 2018
If the first few reviews you saw was the "I usually love Marian Keys, but I'm rewarding this one star"-kind, I'm happy to tell you those unfortunates read this book all wrong. Quite the contrary, it has all the traits and character (and characters) that makes me adore Ms Keyes books unreservedly.
Yes, there is a very odd, seemingly omnipresent (but certainly not omniscient) narrator in this one - and that detracts nothing from the warm and engaging story. This is not the first time this author has pulled me back from the brink of a reading slump and going back over my reviews, I find that I've given her 4s and 5s only. I'm not surprised in the least.
Yes, there is a very odd, seemingly omnipresent (but certainly not omniscient) narrator in this one - and that detracts nothing from the warm and engaging story. This is not the first time this author has pulled me back from the brink of a reading slump and going back over my reviews, I find that I've given her 4s and 5s only. I'm not surprised in the least.
March 21, 2021
A little odd but also rather delightful, while dealing with some serious themes. I can't wait to read more Marian Keyes.
September 25, 2009
Ahh, another gem from Marian Keyes. I didn't even know she had another book coming out so it was like an unexpected gift, so exciting!
I didn't like her last one ("This Charming Man") so much but this one was back up to her usual top standard. I spent a lovely day in bed racing through it and enjoying every minute. I love the way she writes, I always find her characters so endearingly excitable and quirky (possibly because M.K. herself is like that? Anyway I certainly am: it's nice to know I am not alone in being easily excited by random things) I loved Katie's enthusiasm for chemists ("they're such a force for good!") and Lydia's fascination with Polish towns ending in 'sk' ("they sounded like swear words, only far hissier and snakier.")
For a while I thought that the whole thing with Death and Life (or the spirit of the future baby or whatever it was) watching everyone's lives and commenting was a bit weird and distracting, but by the end of it I was quite enjoying their bits, ESPECIALLY David getting squashed by the flying block of ice, HA! Rarely have I seen a villain come to such a delightfully satisfying end.
I loved Matt and Maeve's story, although I found it a bit frustrating not knowing what had gone wrong for them. I think I will enjoy this book more in subsequent readings of it. I often find that, actually. Mysteries frustrate me - I like to KNOW.
For some reason halfway through I started picturing Conall as Mr Big from Sex and the City. Something about the way he was described. After that I couldn't respect him as much: I loathe Mr Big and all that he stands for.
I was slightly disappointed that nothing ended up happening between Lydia and HOT Andrei, although there were hints at the end that there might be something in the future for them. Boo! I loved all the scenes between them, SUCH great chemistry.
Anyway - all in all a fantastic read! Yay Marian Keyes!
I didn't like her last one ("This Charming Man") so much but this one was back up to her usual top standard. I spent a lovely day in bed racing through it and enjoying every minute. I love the way she writes, I always find her characters so endearingly excitable and quirky (possibly because M.K. herself is like that? Anyway I certainly am: it's nice to know I am not alone in being easily excited by random things) I loved Katie's enthusiasm for chemists ("they're such a force for good!") and Lydia's fascination with Polish towns ending in 'sk' ("they sounded like swear words, only far hissier and snakier.")
For a while I thought that the whole thing with Death and Life (or the spirit of the future baby or whatever it was) watching everyone's lives and commenting was a bit weird and distracting, but by the end of it I was quite enjoying their bits, ESPECIALLY David getting squashed by the flying block of ice, HA! Rarely have I seen a villain come to such a delightfully satisfying end.
I loved Matt and Maeve's story, although I found it a bit frustrating not knowing what had gone wrong for them. I think I will enjoy this book more in subsequent readings of it. I often find that, actually. Mysteries frustrate me - I like to KNOW.
For some reason halfway through I started picturing Conall as Mr Big from Sex and the City. Something about the way he was described. After that I couldn't respect him as much: I loathe Mr Big and all that he stands for.
I was slightly disappointed that nothing ended up happening between Lydia and HOT Andrei, although there were hints at the end that there might be something in the future for them. Boo! I loved all the scenes between them, SUCH great chemistry.
Anyway - all in all a fantastic read! Yay Marian Keyes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2012
I found the characters well rounded and despite their diverse personalities they were for the most part likeable - with one very large exception.
Although the story jumps about a fair amount, it is still quite easy to follow once you adapt to the style.
From a negative point of view, I did not enjoy the story, and found the book quite a distressing read.
****Contains Spoilers****
Suitable for ages 18 + due to explicit content and distressing scenes
Although the story jumps about a fair amount, it is still quite easy to follow once you adapt to the style.
From a negative point of view, I did not enjoy the story, and found the book quite a distressing read.
****Contains Spoilers****
Suitable for ages 18 + due to explicit content and distressing scenes
May 22, 2015
It pains me to give this one star (and I'd prefer to give it 1.5 but I just can't) as I love Marian Keyes, but this book took me by surprise - and not in a good way. I figured out the "big secret" with Maeve early on, but I'm not sure whether that was due to it being obvious, or more a recognition of subtle signs, so maybe not everyone would work it out so quickly.
While I understand that having any warning as to what had happened would essentially take away any suspense in the story, if I had known what the book would focus on I most certainly would not have read it. I guess there is a reason that the statement "trigger warning" has become so used online, and a book like this could really use one... Marian usually handles difficult subject matter well, but not here. I finished the book feeling sad and lost, and even the cheesy - and unlikely - happy ending was not enough to change that.
While I understand that having any warning as to what had happened would essentially take away any suspense in the story, if I had known what the book would focus on I most certainly would not have read it. I guess there is a reason that the statement "trigger warning" has become so used online, and a book like this could really use one... Marian usually handles difficult subject matter well, but not here. I finished the book feeling sad and lost, and even the cheesy - and unlikely - happy ending was not enough to change that.
May 3, 2012
Just finished reading the book fifteen minutes ago, and am slightly scarred by the ending. Very graphic and dramatic and the just-desserts for David seemed unbelievable. However, the writing was good and it was an enjoyable read, if you're in the mood for something heavy. Let me clarify that this is not in any way a beach read, particularly the final 50 or so pages. Many characters - Rosie in particular - I really wanted to slap. She's like an annoying neighbour that pops over unannounced and stays for hours... And the relationship between Lydia and Andrei should never have been written. if he was going to end up with Rosie as a beaten man anyway, why waste time with Lydia? Their zinging connection, the sexual tension, ripping each others' clothes off and going at it over and over. Something should've happened between them!! Not just mindless sex. I would've liked it if Andrei had grown a pair and tolf Rosie to eff off - pardon my language - back to her nunnery. This coming from someone who isn't having sex till marriage, due to my religion. Sure, I follow my religion, but I don't go around rubbing it into people's faces with Rosie's Holier-than-thou bullshit (again, sorry for swearing, but oh she annoyed me so)! The narrator - once I realised who it was - creeped me out slightly, but I know what Marian was trying to do and it was sweet. I wouldn't recommend this book for youngsters (I'd classify that as people below the age of 18) because the themes of sex, rape and death are just too vivid and somewhat disturbing. Plus, now that I really think about it, what in god's name was Dr. Shrigley ON, telling Maeve to do Acts of Kindness and Trios and Blessings and all that yoke????? To a rape victim, seriously?? It all seemed so new-agey and made it seem like Shrigley was dealing with a rape victim with a hearts-and-flowers approach, and that did not seem appropriate. Prescribing antidepressants seemed more realistic, but... I found the Trios of Blessings particularly hard to take. It almost seems like Shrigley is taking the piss. But it was effective in terms of storytelling, because it showed how damaged Matt and Maeve's relationship was.
Before I started reading this book, I'd just finished reading last Chance Saloon (another one of Marian's books) and I felt slightly frustrated with Katie's character - she seemed like all three of the protagonists (discounting the gay best friend) combined with all that whining about never finding a man again and her body turning into a museum and all that. I was glad when she met Fionn, but irritated by his immaturity. Conall's character was a bit under-developed in a way - all I really knew about him from the first 300-odd pages was that he was a workaholic who continually disappointed his girlfriend. He came across as a cookie-cutter character, the workaholic boyfriend who realises the error of his ways and subsequently changes himself. Furthermore, another bug bear of mine had been the "best friends" of the characters. Marian, you've already included so many protagonists (Lydia, Katie, Conall, Matt, Maeve, Fionn, Jemima, Andrei, Jan, Grudge, the narrator, etc.) including best friends just made the story difficult to follow at times. I often found myself wondering "Who's Alex? Who's Sissy? Who's Russ? Who's Bronagh?" even now, aside from Sissy (because she was included in the final 50 or so pages), I can't remember any of Lydia's friends. Katie's friends are all a blur to me... Was there a guy called "Danno" who loved coffee or red bull, who had a very high frequency, or am I thinking about Last Chance Saloon?
All in all, this book was an enjoyable read and kept me interested, despite its length. I'd recommend it to people, sure. However, it is far from my favourite Marian - that spot might be reserved for Angels or This Charming Man.
Before I started reading this book, I'd just finished reading last Chance Saloon (another one of Marian's books) and I felt slightly frustrated with Katie's character - she seemed like all three of the protagonists (discounting the gay best friend) combined with all that whining about never finding a man again and her body turning into a museum and all that. I was glad when she met Fionn, but irritated by his immaturity. Conall's character was a bit under-developed in a way - all I really knew about him from the first 300-odd pages was that he was a workaholic who continually disappointed his girlfriend. He came across as a cookie-cutter character, the workaholic boyfriend who realises the error of his ways and subsequently changes himself. Furthermore, another bug bear of mine had been the "best friends" of the characters. Marian, you've already included so many protagonists (Lydia, Katie, Conall, Matt, Maeve, Fionn, Jemima, Andrei, Jan, Grudge, the narrator, etc.) including best friends just made the story difficult to follow at times. I often found myself wondering "Who's Alex? Who's Sissy? Who's Russ? Who's Bronagh?" even now, aside from Sissy (because she was included in the final 50 or so pages), I can't remember any of Lydia's friends. Katie's friends are all a blur to me... Was there a guy called "Danno" who loved coffee or red bull, who had a very high frequency, or am I thinking about Last Chance Saloon?
All in all, this book was an enjoyable read and kept me interested, despite its length. I'd recommend it to people, sure. However, it is far from my favourite Marian - that spot might be reserved for Angels or This Charming Man.
November 20, 2021
I enjoyed this story, i found interesting but strange at the same time. Im glad Matt and Meave we’re able to work through their struggles. The side stories were interesting and i really loved the character development with Connell and how his life experiences after Katie ended their relationship shaped his life for the better and brought them back together. I did wonder through more than half the book what the ‘presence’ was and found the notion, once revealed, that it was a baby finding his or her perfect parents, charming. Over all a good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2015
A real disappointment. It is over 600 pages and I got 150 pages in before I threw the towel in. The story centres around a block of flats in Dublin and its various inhabitants and it switches from character to character with lots of flashbacks so that you get to know them all, but it does get a little confusing trying to get each one straight in your mind.
There is some mysterious “ghostly” type of invisible entity hovering over the flats and its inhabitants which keeps saying that “everything is about to change” but I can’t wait any longer. I have really enjoyed Marian Keyes’ books before but this one is just leaving me stone cold.
There is some mysterious “ghostly” type of invisible entity hovering over the flats and its inhabitants which keeps saying that “everything is about to change” but I can’t wait any longer. I have really enjoyed Marian Keyes’ books before but this one is just leaving me stone cold.
July 3, 2023
Outstanding. I cried, I laughed, I cheered at someone’s head being smashed in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 28, 2009I've been a massive Marian Keyes fan since way back in 1995 when I read 'Watermelon', and I've read every one of her book since then, some have been better than others, especially those that feature the Walsh family, but I've enjoyed all of them.
Marian Keyes' books always contain hilarious one-liners, wittily drawn characters that are warm and that the reader cares about whilst usually dealing with quite serious and often serious issues.
To me, this almost feels like s lagging off one of my best mates, but The Brightest Star in the Sky really has been a big let-down. Whilst still dealing with some difficult and very emotional topics, this novel just didnt engage me at all. I found the concept of the novel just so very strange - for some reason she has decided to have a narrator who is not of this earth - the Brightest Star of the title. The time line of the novel is so confusing - it starts on Day 60 something, then jumps back day by day, then jumps back a few years - which becomes really confusing. The very short chapters concentrate on one of the many characters in the story, which again becomes quite difficult to follow - there are just too many characters, some of them are pretty one-dimensional and to be honest, I just didnt really care about them at all. The characters all revolve around 66 Star Street in Dublin - their lives become mixed up together, but it felt as though a few of the relationships were just so outrageous and had been added to the story purely for effect.
There are still some quite funny parts of the novel, and a few good plots, but on the whole - this really is a massive disappointment and I think that most die-hard Keyes fans will feel the same way.
It's a massive tome of a book with over 600 pages and I was determined to make it to the end in the hope that maybe it would all pull together in the end, but sadly, I closed the book after finishing it with just a sigh of relief.
I dont know why Marian Keyes has chosen this concept for the novel, maybe she's seen the success of Cecilia Ahern? The concept of the story is very similar to Ahern's book called If You Could See Me Now (which I also really disliked). I really hope that this was an experiment for Keyes and that her next book is back to her usual standards - personally, I'd love to see another book about the Walsh family.
Marian Keyes' books always contain hilarious one-liners, wittily drawn characters that are warm and that the reader cares about whilst usually dealing with quite serious and often serious issues.
To me, this almost feels like s lagging off one of my best mates, but The Brightest Star in the Sky really has been a big let-down. Whilst still dealing with some difficult and very emotional topics, this novel just didnt engage me at all. I found the concept of the novel just so very strange - for some reason she has decided to have a narrator who is not of this earth - the Brightest Star of the title. The time line of the novel is so confusing - it starts on Day 60 something, then jumps back day by day, then jumps back a few years - which becomes really confusing. The very short chapters concentrate on one of the many characters in the story, which again becomes quite difficult to follow - there are just too many characters, some of them are pretty one-dimensional and to be honest, I just didnt really care about them at all. The characters all revolve around 66 Star Street in Dublin - their lives become mixed up together, but it felt as though a few of the relationships were just so outrageous and had been added to the story purely for effect.
There are still some quite funny parts of the novel, and a few good plots, but on the whole - this really is a massive disappointment and I think that most die-hard Keyes fans will feel the same way.
It's a massive tome of a book with over 600 pages and I was determined to make it to the end in the hope that maybe it would all pull together in the end, but sadly, I closed the book after finishing it with just a sigh of relief.
I dont know why Marian Keyes has chosen this concept for the novel, maybe she's seen the success of Cecilia Ahern? The concept of the story is very similar to Ahern's book called If You Could See Me Now (which I also really disliked). I really hope that this was an experiment for Keyes and that her next book is back to her usual standards - personally, I'd love to see another book about the Walsh family.
January 22, 2010
I've read several of Marian Keyes's novels in recent years. It seems that I continue to pick up better and better novels. I originally thought she was a fluff chick-lit author after reading Angels and Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, but was pleasantly surprised by Anybody Out There? Given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel, I jumped at the chance.
A great asset to this book are the levels of mystery that begin right on the first page. The chapters are labeled as days and serve as a countdown to an unspecified event. Narration throughout the book is provided by an unidentified spirit. These two elements drew me in immediately, as I wanted to read more to learn what these items represented.
In addition, I really enjoyed the organization of this novel. Many characters were introduced, and Keyes effortlessly moved from storyline to storyline, helping the reader understand the characters' personalities and ultimately how their lives intertwined with one another.
While I have read several page turners recently, it has been awhile since I've eagerly worked to finish a novel and felt satisfied at the end. The elements of mystery kept me guessing until the end (and Keyes did a great job of throwing in elements of foreshadowing to give the reader opportunities to solve the mysteries). The storylines were resolved at the end in a way that may be considered predictable; however, I found the resolutions incredibly satisfying.
For those who are Keyes fans, I do not think you will be disappointed by this book. For those new to her writing, of the four novels I've read, this is definitely some of her finest writing.
A great asset to this book are the levels of mystery that begin right on the first page. The chapters are labeled as days and serve as a countdown to an unspecified event. Narration throughout the book is provided by an unidentified spirit. These two elements drew me in immediately, as I wanted to read more to learn what these items represented.
In addition, I really enjoyed the organization of this novel. Many characters were introduced, and Keyes effortlessly moved from storyline to storyline, helping the reader understand the characters' personalities and ultimately how their lives intertwined with one another.
While I have read several page turners recently, it has been awhile since I've eagerly worked to finish a novel and felt satisfied at the end. The elements of mystery kept me guessing until the end (and Keyes did a great job of throwing in elements of foreshadowing to give the reader opportunities to solve the mysteries). The storylines were resolved at the end in a way that may be considered predictable; however, I found the resolutions incredibly satisfying.
For those who are Keyes fans, I do not think you will be disappointed by this book. For those new to her writing, of the four novels I've read, this is definitely some of her finest writing.
April 10, 2019
Very mixed feelings about this book as a whole.
I actually liked a lot of things about the premise. An apartment which houses various people is being watched and whispered to by an ever present spirit of some sort. This spirit sees humans as bundles of energy and heartbeats, moving synergistically in and out of each other’s lives.
I liked that voice and enjoyed the idea of such an energy driven narrative, but quickly the book shifts into massive amounts of information about everyone in the apartment and everyone they interact with. It was just so much going on, and while some of it did come into play as the stories began to come to a conclusion a lot of writing and dialogue felt like filler. I hate it when I feel like I’m being drawn along for no reason, so that started to wear me out.
Occasionally there were some odd happenings (ice chunks falling from the sky ? What the???) that felt out of place -
But wait, the author has a use for these unpredictable giant ice cubes, which may I add felt so contrived and so random it really detracted from the feeling of the ending.
Too bad this book had not been better edited and given the once or twice over a little more aggressively, because it had a lot of good things going for it. An easy feeling chick - lit type of read where lovers bounce around trying to find the right mate and this overwatching spirit hurriedly hopes to accomplish its assigned task. Not a total loss, and there’s plenty to keep your brain thinking about the characters, but due to clunky length and odd plot elements it ended up sitting very average. 3 stars
I actually liked a lot of things about the premise. An apartment which houses various people is being watched and whispered to by an ever present spirit of some sort. This spirit sees humans as bundles of energy and heartbeats, moving synergistically in and out of each other’s lives.
I liked that voice and enjoyed the idea of such an energy driven narrative, but quickly the book shifts into massive amounts of information about everyone in the apartment and everyone they interact with. It was just so much going on, and while some of it did come into play as the stories began to come to a conclusion a lot of writing and dialogue felt like filler. I hate it when I feel like I’m being drawn along for no reason, so that started to wear me out.
Occasionally there were some odd happenings (ice chunks falling from the sky ? What the???) that felt out of place -
But wait, the author has a use for these unpredictable giant ice cubes, which may I add felt so contrived and so random it really detracted from the feeling of the ending.
Too bad this book had not been better edited and given the once or twice over a little more aggressively, because it had a lot of good things going for it. An easy feeling chick - lit type of read where lovers bounce around trying to find the right mate and this overwatching spirit hurriedly hopes to accomplish its assigned task. Not a total loss, and there’s plenty to keep your brain thinking about the characters, but due to clunky length and odd plot elements it ended up sitting very average. 3 stars
May 25, 2017
Somewhat standard Marian Keyes novel - funny and lighthearted whilst simultaneously poignant, moving and a little sad.
An ensemble cast of very different characters, all of whom you can't help but like (at least eventually).
Not one of her best IMO, but I think I'll always have an automatic bias for the first few I read (Watermelon, Rachel's Holiday, Sushi for Beginners).
Like all Marian Keyes books, it makes me want to start speaking with an Irish influence. That'd be grand, like. 🍀
An ensemble cast of very different characters, all of whom you can't help but like (at least eventually).
Not one of her best IMO, but I think I'll always have an automatic bias for the first few I read (Watermelon, Rachel's Holiday, Sushi for Beginners).
Like all Marian Keyes books, it makes me want to start speaking with an Irish influence. That'd be grand, like. 🍀
April 24, 2010
The magic of Marian? I didn't particularly like this book but still enjoyed reading it.
To start from the good things: Marian is good at characters. I always love her sympathetic characters. That's why I more or less enjoy reading her books regardless of my other objections. Even if I don't like the story, I want to know what happens to the characters. Other good points are that Marian is always light reading and always humorous and funny.
But. Otherwise Marian's books have deteriorated in standard the last years. One of the problems is that she insists on having so many main characters and main story likes, like in this book. This book is about the building 66 Star Street which has 4 flats and each of them has their own storyline. So there's 4 main storylines that intervene somewhat. As for main characters, there's more than 4, maybe 8 or more, I'm not even sure who to define as a main character. The problem is that it doesn't get deep enough when you try to tell too many stories. I would have wanted to know more about the characters, or preferably about one or two. The way it is, it just becomes so all over the place and in the end kind of forced.
The thing I hate most about this book is the supernatural element, a storytelling voice that the reader doesn't know what it is. Only at the very end we find out and I think it's so cheesy and annoying. I want to stay at a realistic level and not get some mysterious "magic" imaginings.
Marian is great, she has proven that in her early books. She can write good and lightly about serious issues. This time she takes on some serious issues too: dementia, depression, rape, suicide. That's all good, but such issues really require deepness, and you should focus at one at a time. Adding lighter issues such as workaholism and wannabe fame to the mess makes the focus still blurrier.
To start from the good things: Marian is good at characters. I always love her sympathetic characters. That's why I more or less enjoy reading her books regardless of my other objections. Even if I don't like the story, I want to know what happens to the characters. Other good points are that Marian is always light reading and always humorous and funny.
But. Otherwise Marian's books have deteriorated in standard the last years. One of the problems is that she insists on having so many main characters and main story likes, like in this book. This book is about the building 66 Star Street which has 4 flats and each of them has their own storyline. So there's 4 main storylines that intervene somewhat. As for main characters, there's more than 4, maybe 8 or more, I'm not even sure who to define as a main character. The problem is that it doesn't get deep enough when you try to tell too many stories. I would have wanted to know more about the characters, or preferably about one or two. The way it is, it just becomes so all over the place and in the end kind of forced.
The thing I hate most about this book is the supernatural element, a storytelling voice that the reader doesn't know what it is. Only at the very end we find out and I think it's so cheesy and annoying. I want to stay at a realistic level and not get some mysterious "magic" imaginings.
Marian is great, she has proven that in her early books. She can write good and lightly about serious issues. This time she takes on some serious issues too: dementia, depression, rape, suicide. That's all good, but such issues really require deepness, and you should focus at one at a time. Adding lighter issues such as workaholism and wannabe fame to the mess makes the focus still blurrier.
November 16, 2011
As with all of her books, The Brightest Star in the Sky hooked me early on. Mind you I wasn’t very sure what exactly was going on at the start, or who the unusual narrator was but Marian’s typical wit and flair for comedy kept me turning the pages. I even missed Desperate Housewives because I had my head stuck in the book and I should probably thank Ms. Keyes for this also.
There are so many fun and varied characters to get to grips with and as is usual with Keyes, her women have strong personalities that vibrate from the page. Katie is the sophisticated and independent woman we all want to be, living a hectic but entertaining lifestyle working in the music industry, while the feisty Lydia is coming to grips with having to become a responsible adult. Then we have Jemima who is hilarious as a telephone psychic and finally the quiet, still-waters-run-deep Maeve who is married to Matt; they are a couple with obvious affection for each other yet deeply troubled. Their story is handled with sensitivity.
Fast-paced & fun. This proved a great read. Oh and the blob of ice was a lovely touch!
There are so many fun and varied characters to get to grips with and as is usual with Keyes, her women have strong personalities that vibrate from the page. Katie is the sophisticated and independent woman we all want to be, living a hectic but entertaining lifestyle working in the music industry, while the feisty Lydia is coming to grips with having to become a responsible adult. Then we have Jemima who is hilarious as a telephone psychic and finally the quiet, still-waters-run-deep Maeve who is married to Matt; they are a couple with obvious affection for each other yet deeply troubled. Their story is handled with sensitivity.
Fast-paced & fun. This proved a great read. Oh and the blob of ice was a lovely touch!
March 4, 2018
It has been a while since I last read a book by Marian Keyes, so I really wasn't sure what to expect from this one. Since I was reading on my kindle I initially didn't quite realise just how long it was. For at 640 pages it is certainly one of the longest books I have read in a long while.
Despite the length my attention was caught pretty much from the beginning where the book started on Day 61 and counted down to Day 0 - so the whole story took place over the course of two months and it featured the lives of everyone living at No. 66 Star Street.
It is a large mix of people and their circumstances were all really different, it is always fascinating to see what goes on behind closed doors in numerous residences at the same time. Also curious to see just how their lives all intersected.
But what captured my interest the most, and what kept me reading and reading to find out more, was just what the omniscient voice was - was it a ghost, a spirit, a figment of someone's imagination, a fly on the wall or all of that and more?
This is a rather clever book that at times will make you laugh, and at others make you want to cry. However of the books I have read by this talented author, it is still the books in the Walsh Family series that are my favourites.
There was just too much to this one, some of the characters took me absolutely ages to warm to, and with the viewpoints changing rapidly I'm just impressed I didn't tend to get them confused as they all had distinct personalities and voices.
Despite the length my attention was caught pretty much from the beginning where the book started on Day 61 and counted down to Day 0 - so the whole story took place over the course of two months and it featured the lives of everyone living at No. 66 Star Street.
It is a large mix of people and their circumstances were all really different, it is always fascinating to see what goes on behind closed doors in numerous residences at the same time. Also curious to see just how their lives all intersected.
But what captured my interest the most, and what kept me reading and reading to find out more, was just what the omniscient voice was - was it a ghost, a spirit, a figment of someone's imagination, a fly on the wall or all of that and more?
This is a rather clever book that at times will make you laugh, and at others make you want to cry. However of the books I have read by this talented author, it is still the books in the Walsh Family series that are my favourites.
There was just too much to this one, some of the characters took me absolutely ages to warm to, and with the viewpoints changing rapidly I'm just impressed I didn't tend to get them confused as they all had distinct personalities and voices.
September 16, 2017
3.5 stars
January 19, 2016
It took me a while to get into this book, but I'm so glad I finally did. As always, Marian deals with upsetting subjects with good humour and understanding. Whilst many tough issues are explored, the book definitely has a positive and optimistic tone.
The book does take place from multiple points of view, which I think attributed to me taking so long to get into the book. It was a bit annoying when you started to get attached to one characters storyline for it o suddenly change. As the book progressed and I got used to the multiple POVs I actually really liked it. It was especially good when breaking up the upsetting chapters with more upbeat stories. My favourite characters were Katie and Lydia, as I found the chapters involving them really funny and entertaining.
Another massive plus for me was the strong female characters. The book handled feminist issues really well and contained lots of female friendships. This was really refreshing as so many "chick lit" books purely focus on romantic relationships.
The plot was also very original, which made sure I had to keep reading even when I was struggling at the beginning.
Overall, The Brightest Star in the Sky is an interesting, heartwarming read.
The book does take place from multiple points of view, which I think attributed to me taking so long to get into the book. It was a bit annoying when you started to get attached to one characters storyline for it o suddenly change. As the book progressed and I got used to the multiple POVs I actually really liked it. It was especially good when breaking up the upsetting chapters with more upbeat stories. My favourite characters were Katie and Lydia, as I found the chapters involving them really funny and entertaining.
Another massive plus for me was the strong female characters. The book handled feminist issues really well and contained lots of female friendships. This was really refreshing as so many "chick lit" books purely focus on romantic relationships.
The plot was also very original, which made sure I had to keep reading even when I was struggling at the beginning.
Overall, The Brightest Star in the Sky is an interesting, heartwarming read.
January 20, 2013
This was a quirky fun read involving a third person narrator who comes to "check in" on the residents of 66 Star Street. All of the characters are funny and each is faced with their own sets of probelms.
For me, this carried on a bit too long for my taste, and the majority of the story could've been accomplished and written in half the number of pages that it was. I did enjoy glancing in on people's lives and how they interacted and were attracted to one another.
For me, this carried on a bit too long for my taste, and the majority of the story could've been accomplished and written in half the number of pages that it was. I did enjoy glancing in on people's lives and how they interacted and were attracted to one another.
January 3, 2023
Marian Keyes es mi madre, mi hija y mi espíritu santo.
September 22, 2023
La verdad es que no soy imparcial con esta autora. De Marian Keyes me leería hasta la lista de la compra. Enmarcaría la lista de la compra y la colgaría en mi salón para presumir delante se las visitas. Simplemente la adoro. Pero sí debo decir que este libro es ligeramente diferente a sus otros libros. Es mucho más duro, hay escenas tremendas, más crudo y quizás con menos dosis de ese humor chispeante típico de ella. Es probable que coincidiera con una mala época que pasó la propia Marian, sufrió depresión, e inevitablemente escribiera sobre sus propios pensamientos y sentimientos. Pero da igual porque el libro es maravilloso y, pese a todo, sigue teniendo su buena dosis de esperanza y optimismo que te hace creer que aunque el mundo es una mierda también es extraordinario y esto último gana a lo primero.
May 22, 2013
I definitely needed to read a novel like this! It's been some time since I read something happy-go-lucky and it provided just that kind of entertainment.
I laughed and smiled all through reading this book, Marian Keyes has such an easy-going language and writes her characters so wonderfully cynical and sarcastic that I can't help but feeling intimately connected to them. We have so much in common! I'm still smiling.
I laughed and smiled all through reading this book, Marian Keyes has such an easy-going language and writes her characters so wonderfully cynical and sarcastic that I can't help but feeling intimately connected to them. We have so much in common! I'm still smiling.
November 15, 2021
Pues no sé muy bien qué decir de esta novela... Me he reído muchísimo con novelas anteriores de Marian Keyes, así que esperaba algo similar y me he encontrado con una historia entretenida (aunque quizá demasiado larga), pero con más puntos amargos que divertidos o dulces. No sé, no me ha acabado de convencer.
December 26, 2023
I have so much to say about this book. There will be major spoilers in this review.
Plot: There's this spirit thing that no one can see but some of the characters can sense it. This spirit has traveled to this apartment building with four floors and you find out later that it is the spirit of a baby. This baby is trying to find a family in the apartment. It doesn't yet know which couple/person it will end up deciding to be with but it has 61 days to choose. The people who live in the apartment building is: Katie(top floor); Lydia and Andrei and Jan (third floor); Jemima, Grudge and Fion (second floor); Matt and Maeve (ground floor). The spirit ends up choosing Matt and Maeve.
Characters: Katie - I love her so much. She is just so... real. She doesn't care about anything but at the same time she's really sensitive to what people say about and to her. In the beginning of the book she was dating a really rich guy named Conall but then they broke up, but in the epilogue they got back together and a baby spirit chose them.
Lydia - UGH. She was my favourite in the beginning but then she got to be too much. She cheated on her boyfriend and when they broke up (because she told him) she was surprised. She then starts going out with Conall (Katie had broken up with him) and treats him like shit honestly, to be fair he was being a bit of a creep. She then also cheats on Conall. She cheated on her boyfriends with the same guy (Andrei) even though they hate one another. She does have it rough though. Her mom had undiagnosed dementia and every time she tried to bring it up her brothers and even the doctor denied it.
Andrei and Jan - they are two Polish men who live in the same apartment as Lydia. Jan is kind of dumb. He doesn't play a huge role. Andrei doesn't really play a huge role either except for the fact that he slept with Lydia multiple times while he was dating someone else.
Jemima and Fion- she is an old lady in her late 80s. She is psychic even though she denies it. She has a foster son who is Fion. He does not live in Dublin (where the book mainly takes place) but he lives with Jemima for a bit because he is shooting a gardening show. Jemima's dog, Grudge, does not like Fion. Fion is really freaking self absorbed and he wants everyone to love him.
Maeve - in the beginning of the book I thought she was cheating on Matt, but the reality was so much worse. In the beginning of the book this couple was really boring, but the more I read the more I got the feeling that something was not right. It turns out she was raped. She was raped by her ex because he was upset that she was in love with Matt. Really f*cked up. That whole ordeal traumatised her (understandably) and what makes the whole situation worse was that no one (except Matt) believed her. Towards the end of the book she started having suicidal thoughts but never acted on them. I got so angry when I read the bit about her going to the police and reporting the rape but the police man and woman didn't believe her. Not even her friends.
Matt - I honestly thought I had him figured out by page two. I was wrong. This guy hid behind smiles and somewhat optimistic ideas. Towards the end of the book he tries to kill himself because he doesn't feel like he is helping Maeve at all. Luckily the tenants of the apartment manage to save him. I really believe him and Maeve have a lot to work through but they know that and they are working on it.
My thoughts: So much happens in this book it's slightly overwhelming. I did enjoy it though and found it very interesting. I really enjoyed the authors writing style. It makes you feel like you're the little spirit looking for a family to join. It did have a few moments where I was so bored I wanted to skip but the end product/message of the book is so worth it. It did get immensely dark at points but I feel like that just adds something more... interesting... realistic... to the story.
3.5 stars
Plot: There's this spirit thing that no one can see but some of the characters can sense it. This spirit has traveled to this apartment building with four floors and you find out later that it is the spirit of a baby. This baby is trying to find a family in the apartment. It doesn't yet know which couple/person it will end up deciding to be with but it has 61 days to choose. The people who live in the apartment building is: Katie(top floor); Lydia and Andrei and Jan (third floor); Jemima, Grudge and Fion (second floor); Matt and Maeve (ground floor). The spirit ends up choosing Matt and Maeve.
Characters: Katie - I love her so much. She is just so... real. She doesn't care about anything but at the same time she's really sensitive to what people say about and to her. In the beginning of the book she was dating a really rich guy named Conall but then they broke up, but in the epilogue they got back together and a baby spirit chose them.
Lydia - UGH. She was my favourite in the beginning but then she got to be too much. She cheated on her boyfriend and when they broke up (because she told him) she was surprised. She then starts going out with Conall (Katie had broken up with him) and treats him like shit honestly, to be fair he was being a bit of a creep. She then also cheats on Conall. She cheated on her boyfriends with the same guy (Andrei) even though they hate one another. She does have it rough though. Her mom had undiagnosed dementia and every time she tried to bring it up her brothers and even the doctor denied it.
Andrei and Jan - they are two Polish men who live in the same apartment as Lydia. Jan is kind of dumb. He doesn't play a huge role. Andrei doesn't really play a huge role either except for the fact that he slept with Lydia multiple times while he was dating someone else.
Jemima and Fion- she is an old lady in her late 80s. She is psychic even though she denies it. She has a foster son who is Fion. He does not live in Dublin (where the book mainly takes place) but he lives with Jemima for a bit because he is shooting a gardening show. Jemima's dog, Grudge, does not like Fion. Fion is really freaking self absorbed and he wants everyone to love him.
Maeve - in the beginning of the book I thought she was cheating on Matt, but the reality was so much worse. In the beginning of the book this couple was really boring, but the more I read the more I got the feeling that something was not right. It turns out she was raped. She was raped by her ex because he was upset that she was in love with Matt. Really f*cked up. That whole ordeal traumatised her (understandably) and what makes the whole situation worse was that no one (except Matt) believed her. Towards the end of the book she started having suicidal thoughts but never acted on them. I got so angry when I read the bit about her going to the police and reporting the rape but the police man and woman didn't believe her. Not even her friends.
Matt - I honestly thought I had him figured out by page two. I was wrong. This guy hid behind smiles and somewhat optimistic ideas. Towards the end of the book he tries to kill himself because he doesn't feel like he is helping Maeve at all. Luckily the tenants of the apartment manage to save him. I really believe him and Maeve have a lot to work through but they know that and they are working on it.
My thoughts: So much happens in this book it's slightly overwhelming. I did enjoy it though and found it very interesting. I really enjoyed the authors writing style. It makes you feel like you're the little spirit looking for a family to join. It did have a few moments where I was so bored I wanted to skip but the end product/message of the book is so worth it. It did get immensely dark at points but I feel like that just adds something more... interesting... realistic... to the story.
3.5 stars
Read
March 27, 2021I DNF'ed this book at 45%. There are too many characters with uninteresting plots and I just couldn't continue. There were so many fat phobic, trans phobic comments it was disgusting and I officially put it down when the author made a joke about Al Qaeda. I read in other reviews that around half way the tone shifts completely and the author tries to tackle very tough topics (suicide, rape) and I honestly don't trust her to do that and I will not be reading or recommending this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,723 reviews