Biber: Marian Vespers

Advantages: Childhood memories, hasn't lost its charm, and still makes me laugh
Disadvantages: Quite expensive, perhaps not to everyone's taste as aimed primarily at children

... Before I watch I am starting this review having not watched the DVD. Maid Marian series 1 was released on DVD in March 2006, and had been sitting on my Amazon wishlist ever since - one of those things I'd quite like, but not at the top of my priorities. At Christmas (2007) I ordered a load of stuff from Amazon from my husband to myself (rather than him buying me presents which I don't really want), and this was one of the things I ordered. Maid Marian and her Merry Men was originally shown on BBC1 in 1989, and ended with series 4 in 1994. At the time it started I was 8, and I was hooked from the beginning. I suppose I was at exactly the right age to appreciate it. I already knew Tony Robinson from watching Blackadder, and knew I was going to enjoy it, especially since he had written it. At the time it was shown my... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to read.
Disadvantages: Lola's diary takes a while to get used to.

...It's been a few since reading a Marian Keyes novel. A few years back I was given Last Chance Saloon and from then on I was a fan and read every book available by her. Although the last few years I lost touch until I was borrowed "This Charming Man" from a colleague. The colleague a Miriam Keyes fan and avid reader, told me she found it forgettable and another friend gave up on it. So I started reading the booking with a negative attitude. But I was so wrong and pleasantly surprised. The story starts: Paddy de Courcey to marry!!! Except Paddy isn't marrying his girlfriend, Lola. And all is not as it seems! Lola: Paddy's girlfriend (or was!), a successful stylist who finds out her boyfriend Paddy, a ambitious politician, who will do whatever it takes for his career is getting married, but not to her! Lola, who is totally heartbroken... Read review

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Advantages: An interesting story, told with empathy. Some very well-developed characters, and hilarious in par
Disadvantages: A long book, some disturbing images and themes.

...This Charming Man is the latest offering from Marian Keyes (released a few months ago now, in 2008). I have always loved Marian's books for the unique way they deal with real issues - sometimes dark and distressing, but always peppered with humour - and This Charming Man is no different. You would think that a book covering domestic abuse and alcoholism might be a depressing read, but thanks to Marian's talent it really isn't. Yes, it might make you cry - but it will also make you laugh until your sides hurt, and give you a real sense that justice has been done at the end. I don't know about anyone else, but when I settle down to read a good novel that is exactly the list of ingredients I look for; This Charming Man ticks all the boxes. The storyline kicks off with the news of the engagement of charismatic politician Paddy de Courcy... Read review

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