I wrote this review when I first started my blog and thought I’d repost since I had about 3 followers back then: My sister, Lucy, my friend, Laura and myself :). Also, Marian Keyes, one of my favourite writers ever, is releasing The Mystery of Mercy Close very shortly (her first novel in a few years), so I’d like to pay tribute to one of the wittiest authors around as I am very excited to read her new book!!!
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.
The four flats of 66 Star Street are home to a mixed bunch of characters. There’s babysitter for unruly rock stars, Katie, who’s turning the big 40, sharp-tongued, twenty-something, Lydia, a taxi driver by trade and forced to share a flat with two hunky Polish guys who detest the “evil pixie”, a young, sweet married couple, Maeve & Matt and 88 year old wise woman, Jemima temporarily living with her gorgeous TV gardener, Fionn.
But who is the invisible visitor watching the romantic goings on at number 66, and what is this narrator counting down to?
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 are deeply troubled. Their story is handled with sensitivity.
Fast-paced & fun. This proved a great read. Oh, and the blob of ice at the end was a lovely touch ****
Check it out on Amazon HERE
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Sounds interesting, and wow I am very impressed with the 88 year old Jemima and her gorgeous live in boyfriend!:) Great review!
Lol, he’s not her boyfriend. Jemima is one of the best characters.
Oh! well…that’s too bad:) LOL…still sounds like a great read!
Hey, Emma. I like Marian Keyes, too. I haven’t read this one though. I have ‘Anybody Out There?’ and ‘This Charming Man’, ‘Under the Duvet’ and ‘Further Under the Duvet’, which I read eons ago. An author whose books you can pick up, sit back, relax and thoroughly enjoy. I also enjoy Sophie Kinsella. Have you read any of her books? Good review.
The only one I don’t think I’ve read is Under the Duvet; I must pick that up. I found my father reading my copy of Further Under the Duvet one day! 🙂
I haven’t read Sophie Kinsella yet but one of friends raves about her, so I must try one of her novels.
Thanks for stopping by, Sandra.
LOL, did he enjoy it at least? You should, they are hilarious, especially Confessions of a Shopaholic, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot and Shopaholic & Sister. In that order if I remember correctly.
You’re welcome. Have a good Sunday, or what’s left of it. It’s 1:45 am, way past my bedtime.
He did, he was laughing away. Thanks for the info. I think my sister may have Confessions Of so I’ll get on to her. What are you doing up so late/early? Madness.
If you ever get to them, I’d love to hear what you think! I was making sure that my recent posts were 100%. Can’t sleep otherwise, lol. It is madness and I pay for it the next day (when it’s already the next day :p). Have a super week, Emma!
You too, Sandra. Hope you enjoyed spending time with your son.
‘I had about 3 followers back then’ – Look how far you’ve come! 😛 Marian Keyes, yes. I must check out some Marian Keyes.
Hi, Becky. She’s a really fun writer.
I love witty writing. This looks like I’d enjoy it very much! Great review!
Thanks, Ellie. She has a wonderful ability to make even the saddest of stories come off as uplifting.