Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes – Book review

Again, Rachel is very much the sequel I never knew I needed in my life. But need it I did. I am such a fan of Marian Keyes and with Again, Rachel she continues Rachel Walsh’s story in the most perfect way possible. If you’re not familiar, this book is the follow up to 2012’s Rachel’s Holiday and book six in her Walsh Family series.

All books should be narrated by Marian

I listened to this on audiobook and it was narrated by Marian Keyes herself (there’s a little interview between her and Graham Norton at the end too, which is an extra treat). She is just so good at reading her story, embodying Rachel and all the other characters.

When we meet Rachel she is now working as a counsellor in the Cloisters (where she was in rehab in Rachel’s Holiday) and is dating Quinn, having split up from her husband, Luke Costello six years before.

When Luke suddenly comes back into her life, it forces her to relook at the reasons for their break-up and face up to elements of her past she has been repressing. There is a hugely traumatic incident for Rachel and Luke but as is her trademark, Marian Keyes does not shy away from the upsetting detail, while layering on such tenderness and heart that you’re instantly drawn in and weeping.

100% reading this again, Rachel

I just adored Again, Rachel. It’s peak Marian: so human, heart-breaking, warm, funny, personal and just a delight to read (or listen to). I loved learning what happened between Rachel and Luke since we last met them, all the stories of Rachel’s ‘ducklings’ (the people she is treating for addiction) in the Cloisters and the updates on her sisters’ lives. I didn’t want it to end!

In exciting news, Marian has said she is considering writing another sequel for a different Walsh sister (Anna or Helen seem to be the front-runners) so we have that to look forward to.