Book Review: Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes
Ah, Marian Keyes! Just the thought of diving into her world brings a smile to my face. I first picked up Sushi for Beginners all those years ago, but it wasn’t until I revisited it recently through Audible—narrated by none other than Caitriona Keyes, Marian’s sister—that the familiar charm and unique flair of her storytelling drew me back in. Caitriona’s Irish accent was so captivating that I found myself thinking in it long after my listening session ended. Honestly, if you’re looking for a narrator who breathes life into characters, she is simply fantastic!
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Dublin, the plot revolves around the launch of a new women’s magazine, a premise that oozes humor and cultural quirkiness. However, even with Keyes’s signature wit, I struggled to give this book more than three stars. While the writing sparkled with cleverness and enough suspense to keep me hooked, I found myself at odds with the three central characters—especially their arcs.
From the moment we meet Ashling, our earnest “Little Miss Fix-It,” I felt a twinge of empathy for her. However, the richness of her character didn’t fully resonate with me. I admired her resilience, yet she occasionally felt overshadowed by Lisa, the magnificently complex character who stole the show. Lisa’s unapologetic coldness and ruthless ambition made her utterly fascinating. As the story unfolded, glimpses of her hidden humanity emerged like bright jewels in a messy crown. By the conclusion, Lisa’s character had transformed in surprising ways, leaving me on the edge of my seat about the permanence of her growth.
Then there’s Clodagh, Ashling’s best friend, who I found profoundly frustrating. While she weaves herself into the narrative with beauty and charm, her relentless selfishness and foolish choices were almost painful to watch. When her fall from grace happened, I couldn’t help but feel that it was richly deserved; it felt oddly satisfying in a way, witnessing the consequences of her actions.
Keyes has an incredible knack for populating her stories with characters who oscillate between loveable and loathsome, a quality that keeps readers consistently engaged. And while the dynamic between Ashling and Lisa mirrored that of Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada, I wish that the principal resolutions felt less tacked on. Ashling’s romantic journey felt rushed, and Clodagh’s actions left me incredulous.
Yet, it was the witty dialogue and Keyes’s authentic portrayal of relationships that truly shone through. The humor in contrasting Dublin’s culture with the main characters’ varied backgrounds provided delightful comic relief, reminding me that amidst all the chaos, there’s always room for laughter.
In conclusion, Sushi for Beginners will likely resonate with readers who adore character-driven narratives tinged with humor and social satire. It excels at exploring dark themes while keeping a playful twist, but if you’re searching for a cast of characters who inspire unwavering admiration, you may find yourself grappling with some complex emotions. For me, it remains a book that sparked a flurry of nostalgia, even if my affection for its characters fell short of my expectations.
So, grab that Irish tea, settle in, and prepare to dive into the tumultuous waters of ambition, friendship, and—and, yes, sometimes—mindless chaos. Just don’t forget the sushi!
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