Grown Ups By Marian Keyes

‘Grown Ups’ is the latest book by Marian Keyes.

They’re a glamorous family, the Caseys. Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together – birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, weekends away. And they’re a happy family. Johnny’s wife, Jessie – who has the most money – insists on it. Under the surface, though, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, other people like each other far too much. Everything stays under control until Ed’s wife Cara, gets concussion and can’t keep her thoughts to herself. One careless remark at Johnny’s birthday party, with the entire family present, starts Cara spilling out all their secrets. In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s time – finally – to grow up?

One night I sat up into the early morning gripped by the latest offering by Marian. Thankfully, it was during the Christmas holidays so it gave me time to catch up on my sleep as well as reflect on my thoughts on the book.

When Marian releases a new book, there is always such excitement over it, the hype, the drama, will it be as good as the others, will it make me laugh, will it make me cry, will I relate to it? And I can wholeheartedly say yes to all the above, because ‘Grown Ups’ is about life, the ups, the downs, the filters and the truths.

To the outside world, it appears that the Casey family, have it all. The marriages, the jobs, the children and the money to enjoy beyond their means but behind closed doors, things are different. Infidelity, lies, eating disorders, Marian has packed everything into her latest book.

The story is seen through the multiple narratives of the characters of the family and each member of the family are tackling their own personal demons, mental health, eating disorders, financials health as well as infidelity.

The book is packed with a range of vibrant characters and personalities that literally explode from the pages, family gatherings with the Casey family is not for the faint hearted and are usefully packed with plenty of drama and laughter, particularly after getting concussion Cara begins to tell the truth about everyone.

I genuinely loved this book and it’s saddened me that it has taken me until now to finally review it.

‘Grown Ups’ is one of my favourite books from 2020 and is definitely up there as one of my favourite books from Marian Keyes. She explores humans and relationships with such insight, peeling back layers and revealing hidden flaws that make us humans. A story that highlights the pressures of society, relationships and mental health, with wit, charm and honesty, ‘Grown Ups’ is a cleverly crafted and relatable book that tackles the big stuff with sensitivity and snort out loud moments and is totally absorbing.

You can buy ‘Grown Ups’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.