'The most lovely thing of all'

 

“I used to feel defensive when people would say, 'Yes, but your books have happy endings', as if that made them worthless, or unrealistic. Some people do get happy endings, even if it's only for a while. I would rather never be published again than write a downbeat ending.” – Marian Keyes

  

Born in Limerick, Ireland on Sept. 10, 1963 Keyes is winner of The Irish Book Awards for several of her works, both novels and non-fiction.  And, she is an award-winning BBC radio personality on Now You're Asking, co-hosted with Tara Flynn.   

Her novels have sold over 35 million copies and been translated into 33 languages.  Among the best known are Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married and This Charming Man, while her most recent are Again, Rachel and 2024’s My Favourite Mistake.

 

Keyes started as a short story writer and while suffering from alcoholism.  After successful treatment for the disease, she wrote her award-winning novel Watermelon.   She also has written frankly about clinical depression, which left her unable to sleep, read, write, or talk.  After a long hiatus due to severe depression, she wrote another bestseller Saved by Cake based on the experience. 

                                                      

“Writing about feeling disconnected has enabled me to connect,” she said, “and that has been the most lovely thing of all.”